Seiko - Lord Marvel - No reserve price - 5740-8000 - Men - 1978

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 stands as a significant milestone in horological history, representing Seiko's first foray into the world of high-beat movements. Introduced in the late 1960s, the caliber 5740C beats at an impressive 36,000 vibrations per hour, offering a mesmerizingly smooth sweep of the seconds hand. This particular example is elevated by its captivating linen dial and applied Arabic numerals, a configuration highly sought after by discerning collectors. With its elegant proportions, technical pedigree, and unique commemorative history, this timepiece perfectly encapsulates the golden era of Japanese watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 812204 Movement: Manual wind, Caliber 5740C, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver linen textured dial with applied black Arabic numerals, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated (SGP) with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1978 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Marvel is a true visual delight, featuring a striking silver-champagne linen texture achieved through delicate cross-hatched brushing that catches the light beautifully. Applied black Arabic numerals provide excellent contrast and a sophisticated, slightly formal aesthetic. The applied Seiko logo and crisp black printing for "Lord Marvel 36000" and the Suwa factory symbol remain perfectly sharp and intact. The golden dauphine hands feature black central stripes that harmonize seamlessly with the hour markers, accompanied by a slender, sweeping seconds hand. A close visual inspection reveals an exceptionally clean dial surface, free from spots, moisture damage, or significant aging, presenting a stunningly well-preserved face that is highly appealing for a vintage timepiece. Case and Crystal The 35mm gold-plated case features a classic round profile with elegantly sweeping lugs. The case exhibits honest signs of vintage wear, with some softening of the lug edges and minor rubbing to the gold plating, particularly on the extremities and the bezel ring, consistent with careful historical use. Despite these age-appropriate marks, the case retains its fundamental geometry and vintage charm. The domed acrylic crystal is clear and well-preserved, offering an undistorted view of the intricate dial beneath. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is sharply engraved with the Seiko logo, Suwa symbol, and reference details, alongside a distinct Japanese kanji presentation engraving commemorating a 30-year milestone in Showa 53, equating to the year 1978, adding a layer of personal history to the watch. Movement Powering this timepiece is the legendary Seiko caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel manual-wind mechanism renowned for its 36,000 bph high-beat escapement. Close inspection of the movement reveals clean, well-finished bridges adorned with crisp engravings and bright, healthy-looking jewels. The balance wheel and regulating components appear in excellent visual condition. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show a variance of -15 to -20 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome burgundy leather strap that highlights the vintage character of the piece. The strap features contrasting yellow stitching that beautifully complements the golden tones of the case, while the gold-tone pin buckle ensures a cohesive and elegant presentation on the wrist. Condition This Seiko Lord Marvel is presented in excellent vintage condition. The absolute highlight is the flawless linen dial, which has survived the decades with remarkable clarity and zero visible degradation. The gold-plated case shows expected, honest wear with some edge rubbing and micro-scratches, but nothing that detracts from the overall handsome aesthetic of the piece. The movement is visually clean and performing at a highly commendable level. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Lug to Lug: 41 mm Lug Width: 19 mm Remarks The combination of a high-beat 36,000 bph movement, a textured linen dial, and classic Arabic numerals makes this reference 5740-8000 a standout piece for any serious Seiko collector. The added provenance of the Japanese caseback engraving provides a fascinating glimpse into the watch's past life as a cherished commemorative gift, making it not just a beautiful object, but a piece of wearable history. History Introduced in 1967, the Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 was a groundbreaking achievement for the Japanese brand, marking their first commercially available 10-beat watch. This high-frequency movement was developed to compete with the absolute pinnacle of Swiss precision and paved the way for the legendary Hi-Beat Grand Seiko and King Seiko models that followed. The Lord Marvel line itself represented Seiko's upper-tier offerings, blending refined aesthetics with serious mechanical innovation. Today, these high-beat marvels are celebrated for their historical significance, robust engineering, and the distinctive, rapid ticking sound that defines a true vintage high-beat caliber. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0032