Seiko - Lord Marvel - No reserve price - 5740-8000 - Men - 1967

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A milestone in Japanese horology, the Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 represents the brand's first foray into the high-beat frontier. Introduced in the late 1960s, this manual-wind marvel paved the way for Seiko's dominance in precision chronometry, housing the legendary caliber 5740C beating at an astonishing ten ticks per second. This specific example beautifully pairs technical prowess with timeless mid-century elegance, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a pristine slice of Seiko's high-frequency heritage. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 7601838 Movement: Manual-winding Seiko Caliber 5740C, 23 Jewels, 36,000 vph Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone, black-inlaid baton indices in excellent, clean condition Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel (SGP) with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1967 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with outstanding preservation Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a masterclass in restrained mid-century design, radiating an elegant metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. It features applied gold-tone baton indices, each meticulously inlaid with a crisp black center line for enhanced legibility. The dauphine hands mirror this design, presenting sharp facets and matching black center stripes that remain wonderfully intact. The applied Seiko logo sits proudly below twelve o'clock, while the iconic "Lord Marvel 36000" typography and the distinct Suwa Seikosha logo are crisply printed above six o'clock. At the very bottom edge, the dial code "JAPAN 5740-8020T AD" is fully legible under magnification. The dial condition is exceptional, presenting a clean, evenly preserved surface without any distracting spots, moisture marks, or print loss, maintaining a stunningly fresh appearance. Case and Crystal The 34mm gold-plated case exhibits classic proportions and sharp geometry. The lug profiles retain their factory definitions and distinct chamfered edges, showcasing the transition between the polished bezel and the sculpted flanks. The case shows honest, light surface wear in the form of superficial micro-scratches consistent with careful vintage use, but remains free of heavy dings or significant plating loss. The fluted gold-tone crown is easily accessible and correctly proportioned for comfortable winding. The stainless steel caseback is clearly engraved with the Seiko logo, reference number 5740-8000, and serial number 7601838, alongside the SGP back stamp. The watch is fitted with a clear, domed acrylic crystal that provides an undistorted view of the dial and presents beautifully without any deep scratches or fractures. Movement Powering this timepiece is the historically significant Seiko Caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel manual-winding movement renowned as Seiko's first 36,000 beats-per-hour caliber. The movement architecture is proudly displayed in the close-up imagery, revealing clean, brushed bridges, vibrant ruby jewels, and crisp engravings reading "SEIKO," "23 JEWELS," and "5740C." The gears and screw heads appear remarkably well-preserved, indicating a life of proper care. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a deviation of +3 to +7 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is secured by a period-correct brown leather strap featuring a classic alligator grain pattern and contrasting golden stitching. It is completed by a polished gold-tone pin buckle that harmonizes perfectly with the warm tones of the case. The strap shows minimal wear and remains supple, ready for immediate wear. Condition This Lord Marvel survives in excellent vintage condition. The dial and hands are remarkably clean and well-preserved, free from the spotting or degradation often seen in pieces of this era. The gold-plated case retains sharp lines and strong lug geometry, displaying only light, honest handling marks that affirm its authenticity without detracting from its tremendous wrist presence. The engraved caseback remains highly legible, and the high-beat movement is exceptionally clean. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a refined, traditional dress watch profile that sits elegantly on the wrist. Remarks The Lord Marvel 36000 is a true collector's favorite, bridging the gap between vintage charm and serious mechanical innovation. Finding an SGP example with such a pristine dial and a well-preserved case is increasingly difficult. This piece is a testament to Seiko's golden age of mechanical watchmaking and represents a highly compelling acquisition for both seasoned Grand Seiko enthusiasts and those newly discovering Japanese vintage horology. History Introduced in 1967, the Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 holds a pivotal place in watchmaking history as the very first high-beat watch produced by Seiko. Operating at ten beats per second, the caliber 5740C was developed by the Suwa Seikosha factory to achieve unprecedented chronometric precision, directly challenging the Swiss watch industry in observatory trials. This movement laid the critical groundwork for the legendary high-beat calibers that would subsequently power Grand Seiko and King Seiko models. The Lord Marvel line itself was originally introduced in the late 1950s as Seiko's premier luxury offering, and the addition of the high-beat movement solidified its legacy as a milestone of technical achievement. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0042