The Seiko Lord Marvel is siginificant in the evolution of Seiko watchmaking. Seiko introduced the Seiko Marvel in 1956 as its first high-end watch to compete with the Swiss. It was produced by Suwa Seikosha who would introduce the Grand Seiko brand in 1960. The Lord Marvel was Seiko's (and Japan's) first hi-beat 36,000 watch. Introduced in 1967 just a few months following the first ever 36,000 hi-beat watch the Girard-Perregaux Gyromatic Caliber 32A.
The Seiko Lord Marvel 5740-8000 is a manual wind watch beating at 10 times per second. It uses the new Seiko Cal 5740C and the hi-beat produces a wonderful sweeping second hand. It was offered in two case versions and two dial options. The cases were stainless steel and solid gold plated (SGP) stainless steel. Dial options included stick or baton markers or an arabic numeral version with linen dial. The very earliest examples have a Seahorse caseback, which is uncommon and sought after.
The Seiko Lord Marvel 5740-8000 is a bargain in vintage watches. If this was a Swiss watch, it would command 3-4x the price.
Overall, this watch is in (C) Good Condition. The watch shows heavy scratches and scuffs on the crystal as well as two cracks. Moderate scratches and scuffs can be seen on the sides of the case and the bezel. Moderate tarnishing can also be seen on the case and bezel. The crown is also a little stiff to wind and set but still works well.
- Ref No. : 5740-8000
- Serial No./Year: 4N0496/1974
- Case:
35mm diameter, 19mm lug width, 10.2mm thickness, 41.6mm Lug-to-lug.
Gold Plated Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Plexiglass/Acrylic
- Movement & Accuracy:
Caliber: Seiko Cal. 5740C Manual
Complications: None
Measured Accuracy: +0 sec/day.
Amplitude: 225°
Beat Rate: 36,000 A/h
- Band: Replacement leather strap
- Condition Rank: (C): Good Condition, Crystal has two cracks.
- Country of Manufacture: Japan
Condition Rank Guide:
-N: Item is in New Old Stock condition (NOS). Shows little to no signs of wear apart from some minor handling wear.
-A: Item is in Excellent condition. Micro-scratches can be seen on the sides of the case, bezel, and/or bracelet. No pitting/gouges on the case or scratches in the crystal.
-B: Item is in Very Good condition. Minor scratches and scuffs can be seen on the sides of the case, bezel, and/or bracelet. No pitting/gouges on the case or deep scratches on the crystal.
-C: Item is in Good condition. Moderate scratches and scuffs can be seen on the sides of the case, bezel, and/or bracelet. Minor pitting/gouges may be visible on the case. One or less deep scratches may be visible on the crystal. See photos.
-D: Item is in Fair condition. Heavy scratches and scuffs can be seen on sides of the case, bezel, and bracelet. Significant pitting or gouges are visible on the sides of the case and the crystal shows multiple deep scratches
-F: Item is in Poor condition. Item is not functional. For parts or repair only.
