Collectible Circa 1964! Seiko 5740-1990 Lord Marvel Version 1 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 1
Year of Production: Circa 1964
Movement: 5740-1990
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D 14K Gold Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Silver 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) Version 1 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.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko Version 1 Lord Marvel, Model 5740A-1990 SUWA 23J in near mint condition and is a highly sort-after Collectible because of its rarity amongst other reasons. 

It's original silvery-white dial, 3D 14K baton indices and dauphine hands are in immaculate condition after a good clean-up. The gold-filled case and original glass are also in excellent condition albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 28 August 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 at the thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

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

Equipped with the famous 5740A movement, it operates at 18,000 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 290 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 strap can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A beautiful brand-new hi-quality two-toned genuine brown leather strap with built-in quick release spring bars and gold buckle is provided to enhance the colour of the 14K gold indices, hands and case. 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 53 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, and its value 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.

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 Circa 1964 5740A-1990 with a stunningly well preserved dial, 14K gold indices, hands and case, and a high quality genuine leather strap, so, be unique and use something 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!