Available now on auction by Second Vintage An exceptional piece of Japanese horological history, this timepiece represents a major milestone in precision watchmaking. Housing Seiko’s very first 36,000 beat-per-hour movement, this model laid the groundwork for the brand's legendary high-frequency chronometry. Its breathtaking aesthetic execution showcases a mesmerizing dial that captures the light and demands attention, making it a highly compelling acquisition for the discerning vintage collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 7000889 Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 5740C, 23 Jewels, 36,000 bph Dial: Deep burgundy fumé with applied silver-tone indices and crisp white printing, presenting in exceptionally clean and vibrant condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1967 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands (re-dial) The dial of this timepiece is an absolute visual triumph, executing a striking deep burgundy to black vignette, often referred to as a fumé effect. The color saturation remains incredibly vivid, radiating outward from the center and darkening elegantly toward the outer edge. It is adorned with a highly polished, applied silver-tone Seiko logo and tall, faceted baton hour markers, featuring a distinctive double baton at the twelve o'clock position. The white printed text, including "LORD MARVEL 36000" and the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol, remains remarkably crisp and fully intact. The classic dauphine hands feature a sharp central crease, perfectly matching the polished indices. Under close visual inspection, the dial is exceptionally well-preserved, appearing entirely clean and free from any visible moisture spotting, staining, surface damage, or print loss. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel case is a brilliant representation of Seiko's mid-century design language, characterized by sharp angles and flat surfaces. The case remains in fantastic vintage condition, retaining sharp lug profiles with clearly defined factory chamfers that separate the brushed upper lug surfaces from the polished case flanks. Honest, light superficial handling marks are present, fully consistent with careful vintage wear, but the case remains thick and structurally commanding. The polished smooth bezel frames the dial perfectly, while the finely fluted manual-winding crown provides excellent grip. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that offers a clear view of the dial, showing only very faint, superficial surface sweeps visible under harsh, direct lighting. The stainless steel snap-on caseback is exceptionally well-preserved, with the factory engravings, including the reference and serial numbers, remaining deep, sharp, and highly legible. Movement Powering this watch is the historically significant Seiko Caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel manual-winding movement renowned as the brand's inaugural 36,000 bph hi-beat caliber. The movement presents beautifully, featuring clean, diagonally brushed bridges, polished screw heads, and the recognizable Diashock shock protection system on the balance wheel. The visual condition of the caliber is pristine, showing no signs of tool marks or moisture intrusion. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher results show +32 to +34 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a highly distinctive, custom-styled leather strap. The strap features a deeply textured, scale-like pattern in black, revealing iridescent, multi-colored tones within the recesses of the texture. It is finished with thick white contrast stitching along the edges and is secured with a polished stainless steel pin buckle, adding a bold, contemporary flair to the vintage timepiece. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The burgundy dial is the undeniable focal point, surviving in immaculate, vibrant condition without any of the typical degradation found in watches of this age. The case retains its sharp architectural integrity with only minor, honest signs of use, avoiding the over-polished look that plagues many vintage Seikos. The movement is visually spotless and mechanically robust, making this a premium example of a highly sought-after reference. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a hi-beat Lord Marvel is a joy for any collector, and the combination of historical mechanical significance and undeniable visual presence makes this watch a standout addition to any serious collection of Japanese horology. History Introduced in 1967, the Seiko Caliber 5740C marked a monumental achievement for the Japanese watchmaker. As Seiko's first 36,000 beat-per-hour movement, it was placed into the established and highly respected Lord Marvel line. By increasing the oscillation rate to ten beats per second, Seiko drastically improved the movement's stability and resistance to positional variance and shocks. This specific caliber paved the way for the legendary Grand Seiko and King Seiko hi-beat models that would go on to dominate Swiss chronometry trials in the late 1960s, cementing Seiko's reputation as a global powerhouse in mechanical precision. 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). 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. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. The watch will be delivered in fully functional, working condition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0029