Collectible! Circa 1959! Seiko Seikosha Gyro Marvel J14073 Cal 290 17 Jewels, 14K Gold-Filled Automatic (OH)

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Gyro Marvel
Year of Production: Circa 1959
Movement: 290
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Gold-Filled Baton Indices and Hands
Width: 34mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Brand-New Italian Unicraft One Piece Genuine Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

It was in 1956 that Seiko Seikosha debuted the Seiko Marvel (SUWA) which was Seiko's first ever built-in-house movement - Seiko used to build their watches using Swiss / English movements before this.

The Seiko SUWA Marvel is a mechanical movement and is also Seiko's first watch with the second hand incorporated into the main movement. Prior to that, all Seiko watches were equipped with a mini second hand that was separate from the main movement. The Seiko SUWA Crown (Cal 560) would replace the Marvel in 1959.

It was the same year (1956) that Seiko SUWA began upgrading the Marvel movement and incorporated the automatic winding, Diashock (anti-shock system) and the MAGIC LEVER*, and called this timepiece the Gyro Marvel. The movement number given is the Cal 290. Thus, this watch has the ability of mechanical and automatic winding which in truth, is a joy for watch enthusiasts.

* The highly sensitive Magic lever utilises a "Claw Lever System" that allows bi-direction oscillation winding thus the watch is wound up faster and more efficiently. Most automatic watches have incorporated their version of the Magic Lever within their own movements soon after.

Seiko SUWA officially launched the Gyro Marvel in 1959, and during those 3 odd years of production, the movement was upgraded from 17 to 19 to 21 jewels.

This gorgeous Seiko Gyro-Marvel, Model 290 is a 17 Jewel 14K Gold-Filled Automatic / Mechanical Watch, hence the world famous Spinner located below the 12H Index. This is a breathtaking timepiece in  so many ways that brought Seiko into the limelight as a serious watchmaking company that can now contend with the Swiss, English, German and American "big boys." 

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this may be one of the first ever Seiko Gyro Marvels to be produced in 1959. 

This circa 1959 Vintage Seiko has a pearl white linen dial in with patina growing around the dial edges and moving inwards. It was left untouched. The gold indices and hands were given a good clean-up and are now in excellent condition after a good clean-up. The crystal has been replaced due to age thus in excellent condition as well.

The classical designed gold-filled case was also given a good cleaning and buffing to remove age marks, and miniscule hairline scratches.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H positions and nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The crown is original and was reduced in size compared to the previous Seiko mechanical movements that require mechanical winding (hence the oversized crown). 

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 17 April 2024; hence, it underwent an overhaul and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with Seiko SUWA's first ever automatic 290 movement, it has 17 Jewels and operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows superb readings i.e. rate of +6 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 139 with a relatively straight centered line! Such readings are exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the painstaking expert calibration. 

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts.

A brand new hi-quality Italian Made Single Length strap with matching stitching and gold buckle is provided. 

The case width and height are approx. 34mm (without crown) and 41mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm, and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 19cm; hence, suitable for men and the women. 

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested. 

The pictures provided shows the watch in excellent condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A brand new EVA pouch is provided. 

This rare watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone, and its value will appreciate over time. 

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean and polish including tightening of bracelet links (if applicable) - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a stunning circa 1959 Seiko Gyro Marvel; so, be unique and own a watch that is almost impossible to source.