Collectible! Circa 1960s Seiko Seikosha Marvel J14044 19 Jewel, Mechanical Watch (OH)

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Marvel
Year of Production: Circa 1960s
Movement: J14044
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 19
Hand and Dial: 3D White Gold-Filled Baton Indices and Baton Hands
Width: 33.8mm
Lug to Lug Height: 40.4mm
Thickness: 9mm
Lug Width: 17mm
Bracelet / Spare: Brand New Vintage Expendable SS Bracelet and Brand-New Genuine Leather Strap with Silver 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 European 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.

This gorgeous Seiko Marvel, Model J14044 is a 19 Jewel Mechanical timepiece that is breathtaking 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 is a white-gold-filled Seiko Marvel in near mint condition as one can see. 

This seldom seen vintage Seiko Marvel has a silvery-white sunburst dial, solid-white-gold indices and hands that underwent a good and thorough cleaning to reveal pure class in well preserved form. The crystal has been replaced due to age thus in excellent condition as well.

The classical designed case was also cleaned to remove age marks, and hairline scratches caused by aging were buffed away; however, miniscule scratches do remain.

The signed 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 1930s Seiko mechanical watches. 

The movement has been carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 29 November 2023 and another basic servicing and calibration on 11 June 2025; hence, it underwent a full servicing and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind. 

Equipped with Seiko SUWA's first Marvel movement that is constructed from copper-plated beryllium-bronze, it has 19 Jewels and operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows excellent readings of -1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 214 with a relatively straight centered line! Such readings are extremely 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 for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course, 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 parts or modified thereby it is considered in near MINT condition.

A brand new hi-quality vintage designed Expendable SS Bracelet accompanies this timepiece. A good quality calf brown genuine leather strap with matching stitching and silver buckle is also provided as part of the deal. 

The case width and height are approximately 33.8mm (w/o crown) and 40.4mm respectively. The lug width is 17mm, and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 19cm; hence, this watch is 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 pristine 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. 

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 and maintained as what you see here, and with an attractive price to boot. So, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone, and the value of this watch will appreciate over time. 

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 (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to polish including tightening of bracelet links - 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 1960s Seiko Marvel 19J in near MINT condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, movement, and white-gold indices and hands; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source.

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