Seiko - Lord Marvel - No reserve price - 5740-8000 - Men - 1976

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 stands as a significant milestone in Japanese horology, representing Seiko's first foray into the high-beat realm. Introduced in 1967, the 5740C caliber was a technical marvel, beating at a rapid 36,000 vibrations per hour, a frequency previously reserved for only the most elite Swiss chronometers. This elevated beat rate allowed for exceptional accuracy and a distinctively smooth sweep of the seconds hand. The Lord Marvel line itself, predating both Grand and King Seiko, was originally Seiko's premier luxury offering. This specific model, housed in an elegant gold-plated case, beautifully marries the brand's classic mid-century design language with groundbreaking mechanical innovation, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors of significant vintage Seiko timepieces. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 6N1804 Movement: Manual wind, Caliber 5740C, 23 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices, showing light age-consistent spotting Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) Production Year: 1976 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a well-preserved movement Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial presents a classic, understated aesthetic, characterized by its fine radial brushing that catches the light beautifully. The dial features applied, faceted gold-tone baton indices that add depth and a touch of elegance, with double batons stationed at the 12 o'clock position. The typography is crisp, with "SEIKO" applied at the top and "LORD MARVEL 36000" printed below, along with the Suwa Seikosha logo. The dial shows signs of honest vintage aging, most notably a scattering of fine, light spotting across the surface, which is consistent with its age and adds a layer of authentic patina. The gold-tone dauphine hands remain sharp and legible, complementing the indices perfectly, while the sweeping seconds hand stretches to the outer minute track. Case and Crystal The 34mm gold-plated (SGP) case features a classic profile with sharply faceted lugs that retain their distinct geometry, though exhibiting softening consistent with normal wear over the decades. The transition between the polished bezel and the brushed lug tops remains visible. The case flanks and bezel show typical handling marks, micro-scratches, and minor areas of plating wear, particularly along the sharp edges of the lugs, which is expected for a vintage gold-plated watch of this era. The stainless steel caseback is clearly stamped with the Seiko logo, reference number 5740-8000, and serial number 6N1804, along with the "SGP BACK ST. STEEL" designation. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that appears clear and well-preserved, offering an undistorted view of the dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the historically significant Seiko Caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel manual-wind movement renowned for its 36,000 bph high-beat frequency. The movement is beautifully finished with brushed bridges and polished screw heads, showcasing Seiko's dedication to engineering excellence. The caliber designation "5740C" and "SEIKO 23 JEWELS" are clearly stamped on the main bridge, alongside the "JAPAN" hallmark. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result reads +48 to +52 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a black textured leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching, which complements the gold tones of the case and dial. The strap is secured with a gold-tone tang buckle. Condition This Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains its fundamental shape with honest signs of wear, including expected handling marks and minor plating loss on the lug edges. The dial exhibits an attractive, age-consistent patina with light spotting that does not detract from its overall legibility or charm. The movement is clean and visually well-preserved, running strongly. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Lord Marvel 36000 is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a piece of Seiko's high-beat history. The combination of the legendary 5740C caliber and the classic dress watch proportions makes this a versatile and historically important addition to any vintage collection. History The Lord Marvel line was introduced by Seiko in 1958 as their top-tier luxury watch, setting the stage for the later introduction of Grand Seiko in 1960. While Grand Seiko eventually took the crown as the ultimate expression of Seiko's watchmaking, the Lord Marvel continued to be a platform for innovation. The introduction of the Lord Marvel 36000 in 1967 marked a crucial turning point, as it was Seiko's first watch to feature a 10-beat-per-second movement. This high-frequency technology, initially developed to compete in the demanding Swiss observatory chronometer trials, provided superior stability and accuracy. The Caliber 5740C became the foundation for Seiko's subsequent high-beat movements, cementing the Lord Marvel 36000's status as a pioneer in precision timekeeping. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLN-0006