Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 光彩 5740-8000 (1972)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 is a significant piece of Japanese horological history, representing the pinnacle of mechanical accuracy from the era. As the first Japanese watch line to feature a high-beat movement running at 36,000 vibrations per hour, this reference 5740-8000 combines technical innovation with a classic dress watch aesthetic. The mesmerizingly smooth sweep of the second hand is a hallmark of the high-frequency caliber within, making this a highly desirable piece for collectors who appreciate engineering excellence. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel 36000 Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 290150 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 5740C High-Beat Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) / Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition, featuring a well-preserved dial and running with exceptional accuracy. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in lovely condition and retains a crisp and sophisticated appearance. It features applied gold-tone baton hour markers with black central inserts that match the dauphine hands perfectly. The text is sharp and legible, proudly displaying the "Lord Marvel 36000" signature above the Suwa Seikosha logo at the six o'clock position. Case and Crystal The case is finished in Seiko's gold plating (SGP) and features classic dress watch lines. There are visible signs of wear and age-related patina on the gold plating, particularly around the lugs, crown area, and bezel edges, which adds to its honest vintage character. The caseback is stainless steel and clearly displays the reference and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Inside beats the legendary Seiko Caliber 5740C manual wind movement. This 23-jewel mechanism is famous for its high frequency of 36,000 beats per hour, allowing for high precision and a silky smooth seconds hand sweep. Timegrapher testing shows the watch is running at approximately -2-5 seconds per day, which indicates a very healthy movement operating with excellent accuracy for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring decorative contrasting white and gold stitching that complements the gold tones of the case. It is secured by a gold-tone buckle and offers a comfortable fit on the wrist. Condition This piece is in good vintage condition. While the case shows evident wear and plating loss consistent with its age and use, the dial remains remarkably clean and attractive. The movement is the highlight here, performing exceptionally well and running within vintage tolerances. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and understated profile suitable for elegant wear. Remarks The Lord Marvel 36000 is a true collector's item, bridging the gap between standard mechanical watches and the quartz revolution that followed. It offers the rare experience of a 10-beat-per-second sweep hand at an accessible entry point into high-beat horology. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Marvel 36000 was Seiko's demonstration of technical prowess, utilizing the 5740C caliber to achieve chronometer-grade stability through high frequency. It served as the testing ground for the technology that would eventually make its way into Grand Seiko models, securing its place as a cornerstone in the timeline of Japanese watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0013