Collectible! Circa 1956 Seiko Seikosha Marvel Cal 290 17 Jewel, Mechanical Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Marvel
Year of Production: Circa 1956
Movement: 290
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Silver Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 33mm
Lug to Lug Height: 39mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 17mm
Bracelet: Oversized Two-Tone Vintage SS Bracelet
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 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 J14012 is a 17 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 one of the first ever Seiko Marvels produced circa 1956. It is in near mint condition as one can see.

This seldom seen circa 1956 Vintage Seiko Marvel has a pearl white dial that is beginning to show its age. The dial and 14K solid-gold indices and hands 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 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 classical designed case was also cleaned via ultrasonic immersion to remove age marks, and miniscule hairline scratches caused by aging were buffed away.

The movement has been carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 29 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.

Equipped with Seiko SUWA's first Marvel movement that is constructed from stainless steel, 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 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 221 with a straight and centered 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 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.

The watch comes with an oversized two-toned vintage SS bracelet to match the silver case and gold indices. The Buyer has the option to select a different design and / or colour strap from my array of leather straps should he / she wishes to do so.

The case width and height are approximately 33mm (without crown) and 39mm respectively. The lug width is 17mm, and the bracelet 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 show the watch’s case 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. Another no-brainer is the fact that 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 clean and 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 circa 1956 Seiko Marvel in near MINT condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, movement, case, and immaculate 14K solid gold indices and hands; 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!