Presented for auction by Second Vintage A defining piece of Japanese horological history, the Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 stands as a testament to the brand's relentless pursuit of precision. Housing Seiko's first 36,000 bph high-beat movement, this reference 5740-8000 captures the elegant, understated aesthetics of the era. With its classic proportions, sharp case geometry, and historically significant caliber, this Lord Marvel remains a highly sought-after reference for serious collectors of vintage Japanese watchmaking who appreciate both mechanical innovation and timeless design. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 071824 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 5740C Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied indices, exceptionally clean with visible oxidation on the hands Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a beautifully preserved dial Dial and Hands The silver dial features a refined sunburst finish that radiates beautifully from the center, catching the light with subtle elegance. Applied polished baton indices provide excellent depth and contrast against the bright surface. The faceted, applied 'SEIKO' logo sits proudly below the twelve o'clock position, while 'LORD MARVEL 36000' and the Suwa factory emblem are crisply printed above the six o'clock mark. The dial itself remains remarkably clean and well-preserved for its age, presenting a bright and even appearance without notable spotting or moisture damage. The faceted dauphine hands exhibit noticeable, honest oxidation and patina, adding a distinct vintage character to the watch without compromising its classic legibility. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case displays classic Seiko design language with sharp, angular lugs and a well-proportioned smooth bezel. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, including superficial scratches, minor nicks, and handling marks consistent with decades of careful use, while still retaining strong overall geometry and distinct lines. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference 5740-8000, the serial number 071824, and the Suwa factory logo, all remaining highly legible. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that presents clearly, offering an unobstructed and distortion-free view of the dial beneath. Movement Inside beats the historically significant Seiko caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel manual-wind movement renowned as Seiko's very first 36,000 bph hi-beat caliber. The movement presents cleanly, with the bridges and wheels showing a bright finish and crisp factory engravings. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher testing indicates a performance of +48 to +51 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a vintage-style black textured leather strap featuring a contrasting red backing and a standard stainless steel pin buckle, perfectly complementing the classic aesthetic of the timepiece. Condition The watch is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case shows normal, honest wear with visible surface scratches and softened edges, but no severe impacts. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved and clean, while the original hands show expected age-related oxidation. The movement is clean and fully operational. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Lord Marvel 36000 is a true cornerstone of Seiko's high-beat legacy. This specific example offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a mechanically significant timepiece with a highly attractive, clean dial and a strong vintage presence on the wrist. History Introduced in 1967, the Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 marked a monumental milestone in Japanese horology as Seiko's very first 36,000 beats per hour movement. Developed by the esteemed Suwa Seikosha factory, the caliber 5740C paved the way for the legendary Grand Seiko and King Seiko high-beat calibers that would soon follow. The Lord Marvel line, originally launched in the late 1950s as Seiko's flagship luxury offering, concluded its illustrious run with this technically impressive and aesthetically timeless high-beat model, cementing its place in watchmaking history. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1YTJHDX000