Collectible! Circa 1956 Seiko Seikosha Marvel J130981 17 Jewel, Mechanical Watch (OH)

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Marvel
Year of Production: Circa 1956
Model: J130981
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Gold-Filled Baton Indices and with Gold Dauphine Hands
Width: 32.2.0mm
Lug to Lug Height: 38.8mm
Thickness: 10.1mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet / Spare: Brand Good-Quality Genuine Green Leather Calf Strap with Gold 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 J130981 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 a 14K gold-filled Seiko Marvel in stunning condition. It's 17J puts this watch as the initial generation of Seiko Marvels hence produced circa 1956.

This rare vintage Seiko Marvel has an egg-white dial, gold baton indices and gold dauphine hands that underwent a good and thorough cleaning to reveal pure class in well preserved form. The crystal was polished and is in excellent condition as well albeit miniscule scratches do remain

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

The unsigned crown is located at the traditional 3H positions and nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags. The crown 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 28 June 2026; hence, it underwent an overhaul 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 stainless steel, it has 17 Jewels and operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of +3 seconds and amplitude of 176! Such readings are 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, 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 good-quality genuine green leather calf strap with gold buckle accompanies this timepiece.

The case width and height are approximately 32.2mm (w/o crown) and 38.8mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm, and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; 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.

This is a stunning circa 1956 Seiko Marvel 17J in near mint condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, movement, and gold indices and hands; so, be unique and own a circa 1956 Seikosha Marvel Vintage Watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition or purchase it for that special someone instead.