RESTORED! Birthday Watch August 1966! Seiko 5740-0010 Lord Marvel Version 2 SUWA, 23J Mechanical Wrist 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: Lord Marvel Version 2
Year of Production: August 1966
Movement: 5740-0010
BPH: 19,800
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D 14K Solid Gold Indices and Dauphine Hands, Gold-Filled Case
Width: 36mm
Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Bambi Genuine Leather Strap with Gold 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 and 5740B 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 5740B soon followed within the same year at 23J 19,800BHP.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko Version 2 Lord Marvel, Model 5740-0010 SUWA 23J 19,800BHP in near mint condition and is a highly sort-after Collectible for a variety of reasons.

It's original silvery-white dial, 14K 3D baton style indices and dauphine hands are in mint condition after a deep cleaning. The gold-filled case confirmed by its AD status, and original glass are also in excellent condition and was given a buff albeit a few miniscule scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. We did not remove these miniscule scratches because it would compromise the gold filling.

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

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 12 May 2023 and further overhauled and fully calibrated on the 25 August 2023. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the famous 5740B movement, it operates at 19,800 BHP and has 23 jewels that provides outstanding accuracy. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 205 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 beautifully crafted brand-new hi-quality hand-stitched calf-brown Bambi genuine leather strap is provided to enhance the colour of the 14K gold indices and hands. 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 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.

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 born in August 1966. Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time because the 5740B movement's scarcity.

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 Version 2 Seiko Lord Marvel 5740B-0010 August 1966 23J with a stunningly well preserved dial, 14K gold indices and hands, gold-filled 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!