Seiko Lord Marvel SGP 36000 Ref. 5740-8000 - Linen Dial, June 1972
The serial number 260165 on the case back dates this Lord Marvel to June 1972. By that time, Seiko had already released a quartz watch; the "36000" inscription on the dial, however, highlights a different path the brand pursued to achieve precision timekeeping. Beneath the gold-tone case and the understated linen-textured dial lies a high-frequency movement beating ten times per second.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As this item ships from within the European Union, you will not be liable for customs duties within the EU.**
Introduced by Seiko in 1967 as Japan’s first "10-beat" wristwatch, the Lord Marvel 36000 marked a significant milestone in the brand's mechanical evolution. The 23-jewel Calibre 5740C powering this specific piece is hand-wound and operates at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. This high frequency allows the second hand to sweep more smoothly. The design lineage established by the Lord Marvel in 1967 continued in subsequent King Seiko and Grand Seiko models.
Upon closer inspection, the dial reveals far more dynamism than a first glance suggests. Fine horizontal and vertical lines crisscrossing the silver-tone surface create a linen-like texture that becomes more pronounced as the angle of the light shifts. While the black Arabic numerals remain crisp against this textured backdrop, the absence of a date window allows the full set of twelve numerals to encircle the dial without interruption. Gold-tone hands with dark center accents echo the case's color on the dial, while the small "36000" inscription at the 6 o'clock position subtly highlights the watch's most significant technical feature.
The long, angular lugs and slim bezel of the approximately 34.5mm case accentuate its classic dress-watch proportions. The "SGP" mark on the caseback indicates the gold-plated case construction, while "BACK ST. STEEL" identifies the stainless steel caseback. The code "JAPAN 5740-8030T" is visible along the bottom edge of the dial.
The watch is not NOS (New Old Stock) but has been exceptionally well-preserved. There are light signs of wear on the case and caseback consistent with its age. In contrast, the dial's linen texture, along with its black numerals and lettering, remains remarkably well-preserved. It is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring a Seiko-signed buckle; the Seiko presentation box shown in the photos is also included.
Final Thoughts
This Lord Marvel embodies two eras simultaneously. Even as Seiko ushered in the quartz age, the 5740C movement continued to advance the concept of mechanical precision with a beat rate of ten vibrations per second. Dating from June 1972, this example conceals its 36,000-vph movement behind an understated gold-tone case and a linen-textured dial that comes alive in the light a Lord Marvel that appears composed yet is technically highly ambitious.
The product shown was manufactured in 1972.
PROFESSIONALLY FULLY SERVICED.
The movement has been completely disassembled; every component has been cleaned, lubricated, and precisely adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (It will not require any further maintenance for three years, provided it is not exposed to adverse conditions.)
Product Condition: Tested; all functions are fully operational.
