Birthday Watch February 1968! Seiko 5740-8000 Lord Marvel Version 3 Hi-Beat SUWA, 23J Mechanical Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS YOUR BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Lord Marvel Version 3
Year of Production: February 1968
Movement: 5740-8000
BPH: 36,000
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Gold Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Marumen Genuine Calf Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

The Seiko Marvel history is indeed interesting and needs to be shared.

The first ever Seiko Marvel, launched in 1956 was a mechanical watch with the second hand incorporated with the minute and hour hand because prior to this Marvel, the second hand had an individual movement and had a mini-dial at the 6H position for almost all watches.

The Gyro Marvel, Seiko's first automatic, was launched in 1958 and became Seiko’s flagship watch.

The first ever Seiko Lord Marvel (5740A movement) quickly followed in 1964. Equipped with 23 Jewels and an 18,000BHP movement, it is Seiko's first true luxury timepiece even though it is a mechanical watch, and is older than the King Seiko and Grand Seiko.

The improved 5740C Version 3 Hi-Beat 36,000BPH movement was introduced in 1967 and was considered one of the best watches ever produced WORLDWIDE!

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko Version 3 Lord Marvel, Model 5740C-8000 "HI-BEAT" SUWA 23J in near mint condition. It is a highly sort-after Collectible for a variety of reasons. Notice the "Japan J" located below the serial number thereby confirming its JDM status.

It's original silvery-white dial, 3D gold baton indices and dauphine hands are in immaculate condition after a good clean-up. The case was given a deep cleaning via ultrasonic immersion and buffed. The glass has been replaced and is now in mint condition.

The movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 20 September 2023; hence, it underwent an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

The crown is original and is located at its traditional 3H position.

Equipped with the famous 5740C Hi-Beat movement, it operates at 36,000 BHP and has 23 jewels that provides outstanding accuracy. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows superb readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 167 with a straight center line! Such readings are truly 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 and longevity, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the expert calibration conducted for such a vintage timepiece.

The case width (without crown) and height are approximately 36mm and 42mm respectively. This lug width is 19mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A beautifully crafted hi-quality Marumen genuine leather tapered strap is provided to enhance the colour of the dial, indices and hands. The Buyer has the option to choose a different design and colour strap from my array of straps should he / she wishes to do so.

To the best of our knowledge while overhauling this timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified. Hence, everything except the leather strap are original, thereby it is considered in excellent condition, what with its age of 55 years being taken into consideration.

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

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in immaculate 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 nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided instead.

Seldom can one find a vintage watch that offers this and more. Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none are as well kept, maintained and calibrated as what you see here, and with an attractive price to boot. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in February 1968. Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty and appreciate its past.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate, and S$ 40.00 to polish the watch case - 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 highly sort-after Seiko Lord Marvel February 1968 5740C-8000 model in super stunning condition.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, or any vintage watch fan for that matter!