Seiko - Lord Marvel 36000 - No reserve price - 5740-8000 - Men - 1968

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This 1968 Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 represents a sought-after era of Japanese watchmaking, driven by the brand's pioneering high-frequency technology. Defined by its striking silver linen dial and applied black Arabic numerals, this timepiece offers classic mid-century proportions alongside a historically significant early hi-beat caliber. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel 36000 Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 813804 Movement: Caliber 5740C, 23 Jewels, 36,000 bph Dial: Silver linen texture with applied black Arabic numerals Case Size: 35mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +30+35s/say, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The dial features a beautiful silver linen textured finish, providing a refined backdrop for the applied black Arabic numerals and crisp black printed text. Minor spotting is visible under macro inspection, though the well-preserved linen texture remains the focal point. The dauphine-style hands are finished in black, displaying visible oxidation and spotting on the surface when viewed under magnification, consistent with their aged character. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures a classic 35mm in diameter. Its polished flanks and integrated smooth bezel show moderate scratches and scuffs from honest wear over the decades. The lugs exhibit signs of use but retain their general shape. An unsigned crown with a knurled texture sits at the three o'clock position. The caseback engravings remain clear and legible. Above the dial, the domed acrylic crystal is clear, showing minimal visible wear with no significant deep scratches or cracks. Movement Inside beats the Seiko caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel manual-wind movement celebrated as the brand's first 36,000 bph hi-beat caliber. Visual inspection reveals noticeable tarnishing and discoloration on the balance cock, scratches on the main plates, and some spotting on the mainspring barrel. Mechanically, the watch recorded +30+35s/say on the timegrapher. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching, which shows light signs of use. Condition Good vintage condition. The timepiece displays honest wear consistent with its age, including moderate scratches and scuffs on the stainless steel case and bezel. The silver linen dial is wonderfully preserved with only minor macro spotting, while the black dauphine hands show surface oxidation. The movement exhibits tarnishing, scratches, and spotting, yet delivers strong performance on the timegrapher. Dimensions Case Size: 35mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Lord Marvel 36000 is highly regarded for housing Seiko's first 36,000 bph movement. The combination of its historically significant hi-beat caliber and the incredibly attractive silver linen dial makes this a compelling acquisition for collectors of vintage Japanese timepieces. History The Lord Marvel line was originally introduced in the late 1950s as Seiko's premier luxury offering, but it is the later 36000 variants that hold a particularly special place in collector circles. Released in the late 1960s, these models introduced the caliber 5740C, marking Seiko's first foray into 36,000 beats-per-hour high-frequency movements. This technical achievement was crucial in the brand's pursuit of superior mechanical accuracy, laying the groundwork for future high-beat chronometers. Today, the Lord Marvel 36000 remains a collector favourite, appreciated for its understated design and immense mechanical significance. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LMX-0005