Model: Seiko Marvel “Gold Linen” 5740-8000
Year: January 1968
Features:
The History. The release of the Seiko Marvel in 1956 was a deeply important moment, not only for Seiko as a company, but for the Hattori family on a personal level. Kintarō Hattori, Seiko’s founder, made it clear that he dreamt of producing a fully in-house watch. Despite his passing, his eldest son was able to realise this dream.
The Movement. Seiko would spend the late '50s and early '60s getting wild with Marvel dials. But after half a decade of pushing watch enthusiasts out of their comfort zone, Seiko would turn their attention back to the movements, with the release of Lord Marvel 36000. The upgraded name was well-earned, as it was Japan’s first 10-beat (36,000 beats per hour) mechanical watch.
The Legacy. If we’re willing to broadly consider the Marvel series as a visual inspiration for later Grand Seikos, then it goes without saying that the 10-beat 5740 calibre was the mechanical guinea pig for all the Hi-Beat Grand Seikos that followed.
The Dial. A beautifully linen-texture, with high-contrast applied Arabic numerals. Not a style you'll see on any current dress watch made by Seiko, as bar indices dominate the face of modern counterparts.
Specifications:
Condition: In great condition. Just serviced. No marks of any real significance, other than a very small mark on the left side of the bezel. It appears to have been unworn and certainly doesn't look anything like a 50-year-old watch.
Scope: No box or papers
Movement: Seiko 5740 36000bph Manual Wind
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 35.2mm
- Lug to Lug: 41.8mm
- Case Thickness: 10.5mm
- Lug Width: 19mm
