Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 stands as a monumental achievement in the history of Japanese horology, representing the brand's very first foray into the ultra-precise realm of 36,000 vibrations per hour. Before the legendary high-beat Grand Seiko and King Seiko models dominated the chronometry trials, the Caliber 5740C inside the Lord Marvel paved the way. This specific example beautifully captures the understated elegance of late 1960s Seiko design, pairing a technologically significant movement with a timeless, razor-sharp aesthetic that remains incredibly relevant for modern collectors. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Marvel 36000 Reference Number: 5740-8000 Serial Number: 935881 Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 5740C, 23 Jewels, 36,000 bph Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exhibiting a beautifully even warm champagne patina and excellent print preservation. Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a sharply preserved case and highly attractive dial. Movement serviced 6/25/2026 and performs strongly. Dial and Hands The dial presents a striking silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light, transitioning into a very subtle, even champagne patina that adds immense vintage warmth. The dial furniture is exceptional, featuring an applied SEIKO logo and applied faceted baton indices, each precisely detailed with a black central stripe to enhance legibility. The twelve o'clock position is anchored by a prominent double baton marker. The sharp, unlumed dauphine hands mirror this design language with their own black central inserts. The typography is remarkably well-preserved, with crisp black printing for the "LORD MARVEL 36000" text, the Suwa Seikosha factory logo, and the bottom dial code reading "JAPAN 5740-8020T AD". Under close inspection, the dial remains exceptionally clean and visually arresting, showing only the faintest microscopic age-consistent dust particles, completely free of any distracting stains, moisture damage, or heavy spotting. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel case exemplifies classic Seiko geometry from the era, featuring robust, faceted lugs that give the watch a commanding presence despite its classic proportions. The transition between the brushed upper lug surfaces and the highly polished case flanks remains distinct and well-defined, indicating respectful wear and careful preservation over the decades. The smooth polished bezel frames the dial perfectly. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that presents clearly, showing only superficial handling marks consistent with honest vintage use. Turning the watch over reveals a solid stainless steel caseback with crisp, legible engravings, including the Seiko insignia, the Suwa logo, the reference number 5740-8000, and the serial number 935881, which confidently dates production to March 1969. Movement Powering this timepiece is the historically significant Seiko Caliber 5740C, a 23-jewel manual-winding movement renowned as Seiko's first true high-beat caliber. Operating at a rapid 36,000 vibrations per hour, this movement was a major leap forward in mechanical precision. The movement presents beautifully in the photographs, showcasing clean, brushed bridges and clearly engraved gilt text denoting the brand, jewel count, and caliber. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher results indicate a rate of +30 to +35 seconds per day. Movement serviced 6/25/2026 and performs strongly. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile pattern and matching black stitching. The strap conforms comfortably to the wrist and is completed with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, complementing the formal yet versatile nature of the timepiece. Condition This Lord Marvel 36000 is in excellent vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains strong structural integrity and sharp lines, with only minor, honest surface scratches typical of a watch that has been enjoyed carefully since the late 1960s. The dial is superbly preserved, showcasing an attractive aging process without significant flaws or deterioration. The movement is visibly clean and fully operational, making this a prime candidate for immediate wear. Dimensions The timepiece measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and understated vintage profile that wears elegantly on a wide variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Lord Marvel 36000 holds a very special place in the hearts of Seiko enthusiasts as the pioneering high-beat movement that set the stage for the brand's chronometry dominance. This specific example perfectly balances historical significance with superb daily wearability. The combination of the high-frequency caliber and the exceptionally clean sunburst dial makes it a compelling addition to any serious vintage portfolio. History Introduced in 1967, the Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 equipped with the Caliber 5740C was a monumental achievement for the Japanese manufacturer. It marked Seiko's first successful entry into the ultra-fast 36,000 bph territory, a technological leap specifically designed to increase chronometric precision and stability against shocks and positional variance. This crucial innovation directly paved the way for the legendary high-beat Grand Seiko and King Seiko models that followed shortly after, cementing Seiko's reputation on the global stage as a premier watchmaker capable of competing with, and often defeating, the finest Swiss chronometers of the era. 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: SEI-SLM-0037