Seiko - Lord Marvel 36000 金露 – Kinro – Golden Dew - No reserve price - 5740-8000 - Men - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 is a historically significant timepiece that represents a major milestone in Japanese watchmaking history. As the first true high-beat movement produced by Seiko, the Lord Marvel served as the technological testing ground for what would eventually become the legendary Grand Seiko standards. This specific example features the coveted 36000 beats per hour movement which allows the seconds hand to sweep with an incredibly smooth motion that is mesmerizing to watch. With its clean "Grammar of Design" case lines and exceptionally preserved dial, this is a collector-grade example of Japanese engineering at its finest. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel 36000 Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 483288 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 5740C Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a very well preserved dial and strong case definition. The movement is functioning well and shows healthy amplitude. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in remarkable condition and retains a bright and reflective quality that catches the light beautifully. It features applied gold-tone baton indices that are sharp and free from corrosion. The faceted gold-tone hands are original to the watch and complement the markers perfectly. The text is crisp and legible including the proud "36000" designation and the Suwa Seikosha factory logo above the six o'clock position. Case and Crystal The case is finished in Seiko Gold Plating (SGP) and features the sharp distinct lines associated with the Tanaka "Grammar of Design" philosophy. The lugs remain thick with defined edges which suggests the watch has been treated with care over the decades. The stainless steel screw-down caseback clearly displays the reference and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and presents the dial without obstruction offering excellent visibility. Movement At the heart of this watch beats the legendary Caliber 5740C manual winding movement. This 23-jewel mechanism runs at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour or 10 beats per second which was a revolutionary achievement for the era. The timegrapher results indicate a daily rate between +25 and +29 seconds which indicates healthy movement operation running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern. The rich brown tone of the leather pairs elegantly with the gold tones of the case creating a classic dress watch aesthetic. The strap is secured by a gold-tone pin buckle that matches the overall look of the timepiece. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean for its age with no visible staining or damage. The case shows minor surface wear consistent with careful usage but retains its gold plating integrity well. The movement is clean and winding smoothly offering reliable vintage performance. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown which was the classic standard for dress watches of this period. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes while the slim profile allows it to slide easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks The Lord Marvel 36000 is not just a beautiful watch but a piece of engineering history. It was the movement that proved Seiko could mass-produce a high-beat caliber that was durable and accurate paving the way for the 45GS and 61GS Grand Seiko models. Finding an example with a dial this clean and a case this sharp is becoming increasingly difficult making this a compelling opportunity for the astute collector. History Introduced in 1967 the 5740C caliber inside this Lord Marvel was Seiko's answer to the Swiss dominance in chronometry competitions. It was a technical marvel that pushed the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking speed and precision. This specific example dating to August 1974 represents the mature period of this model's production run where the manufacturing process had been perfected to an art form. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0021