Seiko - Lord Marvel - No reserve price - 5740-8000 - Men - 1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 represents a pivotal moment in horological history, standing proudly as Seiko's first high-beat movement running at 36,000 vibrations per hour. A true marvel of Japanese engineering, this timepiece perfectly encapsulates the precision and elegant design language of the late 1960s. With its beautifully preserved sunburst dial, sharp stainless steel case, and the historically significant 5740C caliber beating within, this Lord Marvel offers collectors a chance to own a foundational piece of Seiko's high-frequency legacy. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 980979 Movement: Manual wind, Caliber 5740C, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, clean and exceptionally well-preserved Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a masterclass in mid-century restraint and legibility, remaining in exceptionally clean condition with a brilliant radiant finish. It features applied silver-tone faceted baton indices, each detailed with a crisp black central stripe that perfectly matches the striking dauphine hands. The applied SEIKO logo sits proudly below twelve o'clock, while the crisp black typography denoting LORD MARVEL 36000 and the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol are sharply printed above six o'clock. The dial is remarkably well-preserved, showing virtually no distracting spots, stains, or moisture damage, presenting a pristine and highly attractive face that is highly sought after by collectors. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case exemplifies Seiko's renowned design philosophy, featuring sharp, faceted lugs that retain excellent definition and character. The transition between the polished bezel and the sculpted case flanks remains distinct, displaying honest, age-consistent hairline scratches and light handling marks indicative of careful wear over the decades. The solid screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference 5740-8000, serial number 980979, and the iconic Suwa symbol. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that offers a clear and distortion-free view of the stunning dial beneath, showing only minimal signs of use. Movement Powering this timepiece is the historically significant Seiko Caliber 5740C manual-wind movement, featuring 23 jewels and operating at a groundbreaking 36,000 vibrations per hour. The movement is visibly clean, with crisp factory engravings denoting the caliber and jewel count. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show an outstanding +9 to +15 seconds per day, reflecting the enduring quality and precision of Seiko's high-beat engineering. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap complements the vintage aesthetic of the timepiece perfectly and is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable and stylish fit for daily wear. Condition This Seiko Lord Marvel is presented in good vintage condition. The dial and hands are exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as the highlight of the piece. The stainless steel case retains its sharp architectural lines, showing moderate, honest wear and superficial scratches consistent with its 1969 production. The movement is running strongly and accurately, making this a highly wearable and collectible example of a landmark Japanese timepiece. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Lug Width: 19 mm Remarks The Lord Marvel 36000 is celebrated not just for its technical achievement but for its enduringly classic design. Finding an example with such a clean, well-preserved dial and a movement performing at this level is increasingly difficult. This watch offers a sophisticated presence on the wrist and serves as a testament to Seiko's golden era of mechanical watchmaking. History Introduced in 1967, the Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 holds the prestigious title of being Japan's first true high-beat wristwatch. Beating at ten times per second, the movement was developed to provide superior accuracy and stability, directly competing with Swiss chronometers of the era. The Lord Marvel line itself was originally introduced in 1958 as Seiko's flagship luxury model before the advent of Grand Seiko. By equipping the Lord Marvel with this groundbreaking high-frequency caliber, Seiko cemented the model's legacy as a pioneer of precision, paving the way for the legendary high-beat Grand Seiko and King Seiko models that followed. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0039