Seiko Lord Marvel 5740-8000 (1976)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A collector-favourite high-beat Lord Marvel featuring a stunning linen dial. This 1976 Seiko combines the historically significant 36,000 bph caliber 5740C with highly legible Arabic numerals, housed in a stainless steel case that retains excellent sharp geometry. It is a highly sought-after configuration that perfectly balances mechanical innovation with refined visual texture. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 6N2143 Movement: Manual wind caliber 5740C, 36,000 bph, 23 jewels Dial: Silver linen texture with applied black Arabic numerals Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1976 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: -1-3s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The silver dial features a stunning linen textured finish that remains in excellent condition. Applied black Arabic numerals are crisp and intact, offering an elegant and highly legible contrast against the textured background. All printed text is sharp and fully readable. There are very minor signs of aging near the extreme outer edge, which is typical for a watch of this era and does not detract from the striking overall appearance. The original Dauphine style hands feature black central stripes that match the dial aesthetic perfectly. Their surface finish is well preserved, showing only minor signs of oxidation visible under macro inspection. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is presented in well-preserved vintage condition, retaining sharp lines and well-defined geometry. There are sharp transitions between the brushed and polished surfaces, accompanied by light superficial scratches consistent with careful wear. The smooth polished bezel is integrated with the case design and shows light hairline scratches consistent with the rest of the watch. On the reverse, the caseback engravings remain crisp and fully legible. The watch is fitted with an unsigned knurled crown, with its plating and knurling remaining in good condition. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, with no major scratches, chips, or crazing visible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the historically significant manual wind caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel movement famous for its high-beat 36,000 bph rate. The movement appears very clean, with no visible corrosion or significant scratches, while the screws and plates show excellent preservation. Engravings of SEIKO, 23 JEWELS, 5740C, and JAPAN are clearly present. Recording -1-3s/day on the timegrapher. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a complementary black textured leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The material shows light wear but remains in very wearable condition, pairing beautifully with the dial configuration. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The dial is beautifully preserved with a striking linen texture and only minor edge aging. The stainless steel case retains sharp transitions and strong geometry, displaying only light superficial scratches from careful use. The hands and crystal are similarly well preserved. Supported by the remarkable timegrapher result of -1-3s/day, the high-beat movement is performing brilliantly. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Lord Marvel delivers on every front for the vintage enthusiast. It houses Seiko's pioneering 36,000 bph caliber, features a highly sought-after silver linen dial with Arabic numerals, and presents in a sharp, well-preserved case. It is a superb example of Japanese horological achievement. History The Seiko Lord Marvel line holds a prestigious place in Japanese watchmaking, primarily known for introducing Seiko's first high-beat 36,000 bph movement, the caliber 5740C. This technical milestone allowed for greater accuracy and established a foundation for future precision timepieces. Examples featuring the textured linen dial paired with Arabic numerals are particularly sought-after by collectors, offering a distinct aesthetic alongside significant mechanical innovation. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LNX-0008