Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 5740-8000 (1975)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage Presented here is a highly sought-after collector favourite from Seiko's pioneering era of high-frequency timekeeping. This 1975 Lord Marvel combines a beautifully preserved silver linen dial with the historic 36,000 bph hi-beat caliber 5740C. The crisp applied black Arabic numerals offer excellent legibility against the textured backdrop, creating a visually impressive watch that represents a significant milestone in Japanese horology. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 534069 Movement: Manual-winding caliber 5740C, 23 jewels, 36,000 bph Dial: Silver/white linen textured with applied black Arabic numerals Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated, stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1975 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -1-3s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The exceptionally well-preserved silver and white linen textured dial provides a highly attractive visual presence. Applied black Arabic numerals are intact and crisp, offering excellent contrast and readability against the intricate texture. The printed text remains sharp with no visible loss, and there is no significant spotting or moisture damage visible on the dial surface. The watch is fitted with gold-tone dauphine hands featuring black center stripes. Under macro inspection, the hands show age-appropriate oxidation and minor spotting, maintaining their authentic vintage character. Case and Crystal The gold-plated case retains its overall shape well, displaying honest wear consistent with its age. It shows moderate scratches and handling marks, with some plating wear and tarnishing visible on the lug edges and case flanks. The integrated gold-tone bezel exhibits surface scratches and minor dings consistent with the rest of the case. An unsigned knurled crown is present, showing some plating wear on its outer edge. The stainless steel caseback shows surface scratches while retaining clear engravings. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, remaining clear with no major scratches, cracks, or crazing visible. Movement Inside this timepiece beats the historic manual-winding caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel movement renowned for operating at 36,000 beats per hour. The movement appears very clean, with no significant corrosion or oxidation visible on the plates or bridges, and the screw heads remain in good condition. The engravings are clear and easily readable. The timegrapher records a rate of -1-3s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap An attractive modern brown leather strap with contrast stitching complements the dial beautifully. The strap appears lightly used or near new, providing a comfortable and stylish fit on the wrist. Condition Good vintage condition. The exceptionally well-preserved linen dial stands out as a highlight, while the case shows honest, age-appropriate wear including scratches and some plating loss on the edges and flanks. The hands display minor oxidation visible under close inspection. The historic high-beat movement is clean and, supported by the timegrapher data, is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This Lord Marvel offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a significant high-frequency movement paired with an incredibly attractive linen dial. The crisp Arabic numerals and the clean, well-running caliber 5740C make this an immensely enjoyable daily wearer and a respected addition to any serious collection. History The Lord Marvel 36000 is highly regarded as a milestone in Japanese watchmaking, recognized as Seiko's first 36,000 bph timepiece. Produced from 1966 until it was discontinued in 1978, the reference 5740-8000 brought true high-beat precision to the market. The caliber 5740C was designed without a hacking feature, focusing purely on stability and high-frequency performance. Today, these early hi-beat models remain highly sought-after by vintage enthusiasts who appreciate their technical significance and refined mid-century design. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LMX-0008