Seiko Lord Marvel 36000 Ref. 5740-8000 - March 1969 | Hi-Beat
The small "36000" inscription on the lower half of the dial highlights the most significant feature of this Lord Marvel. The internal balance oscillates at 36,000 vibrations per hour, causing the slender second hand to advance in ten small increments every second. This figure nestled on the silver-toned dial denotes the high-frequency architecture developed by Seiko to enhance the precision of its mechanical timepieces.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As this item is shipped from within the European Union, you will not be liable for any intra-EU customs duties.**
Seiko introduced the Lord Marvel 36000 in 1967. As Japan’s first wristwatch to feature a 36,000-vibration movement, it represented one of the brand’s early milestones in high-frequency mechanical watchmaking. The serial number 936908 dates this specific piece to March 1969.
The hand-wound, 23-jewel Seiko 5740C movement is revealed upon opening the case back, showcasing its expansive bridges and exposed winding wheels. The fine, linear graining on the bridges contrasts with the radial finish radiating from the center of the large main wheel. A small gear-toothed adjustment wheel on the balance bridge serves as part of a micro-regulator, allowing for precise calibration. The caliber is further equipped with Diashock shock protection and the Diafix lubrication system.
The dial features a subtle radial texture that creates shifting reflections depending on the angle of the light. The black central strips on the applied baton indices continue onto the dark sections of the pointed dauphine hands. A double index at the 12 o’clock position provides orientation, while the absence of a date window ensures an uninterrupted, clean layout. A polished, rounded bezel meets the angular lugs of the 35mm steel case.
A unique detail regarding the history of this specific piece is hidden inside the case back. An engraving "贈 / 日本電信電話公社総裁 / 昭和44年" reveals that the watch was presented as a gift in 1969 on behalf of the President of the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation. It is unknown who received the gift or the occasion for which it was presented. The year inscribed on the inner case back aligns with the production date derived from the serial number.
This case and dial configuration, featuring baton indices, appears in the 1969 Japanese catalog under the reference LM36 040. The list price for the steel-cased version with a leather strap at the time was 12,500 yen.
Preserved in excellent condition, the dial markings, indices, and the sharp, angular lines of the case remain clearly defined. The watch is presented on a newly crafted black calfskin leather strap.
Final Note
The number "36000" on the dial speaks to the watch’s engineering, while the 1969 gift inscription on the inner case back tells the story of this particular piece’s history.
The item you are viewing was manufactured in 1969.
PROFESSIONALLY FULLY SERVICED.
The movement has been completely disassembled; every component has been cleaned, lubricated, and precisely adjusted to ensure flawless performance. (Provided it is not exposed to adverse conditions, it will not require any further maintenance for three years.)
Condition: Tested; all functions are in full working order.
