Birthday Watch May 1974 Seiko 5740-8000 Lord Marvel Version 3 SUWA, 23J Mechanical (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: May 1974
Movement: 5740-8000
BPH: 36,000
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Silver Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Brand New-Hi-Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle

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, 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 "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 Seiko Version 3 LORD MARVEL, Model 5740C-8000 "HI-BEAT" SUWA 23J in excellent condition and is a Collectible for a variety of reasons. Notice the "Japan F" located below the serial number thereby confirming its JDM status.

It's original silver dial, 3D silver baton indices and dauphine hands are in near mint condition after a good clean-up. The case was given a good buff albeit miniscule scratches do remain. The crystal was buffed and is now near spotless.

Its movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 25 July 2024. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing 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 with 23 jewels. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration shows excellent readings of -0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 220 with super straight centered lines! 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, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the expert calibration.

The case width (w/o crown) and height are approx. 36mm and 42mm respectively. This lug width is 19mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, suitable for men and the modern women.

The strap is a brand-new hi-quality genuine Dark Coffee Brown suede leather with silver buckle.

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 or modified parts.

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

The pictures provided shows the watch in mint 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. A brand new pouch or box is provided instead.

This rare watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in May 1974, 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.

This is a highly sort-after Seiko Lord Marvel May 1974, Model 5740C-8000; so be unique and wear a timepiece that is difficult to source in such fine condition.