Seiko Lord Matic 皇影 (Kōei) 5606-7000 (1972)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, combining the sharp "Grammar of Design" case aesthetics with a robust mechanical heart. The Lord Matic line was positioned as a high-grade offering in the 1970s, sitting just below King Seiko, and this reference 5606-7000 captures that ethos perfectly. With its deep, legible dial and distinctive case geometry, this timepiece offers a sophisticated vintage presence on the wrist that remains relevant and stylish today. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Serial Number: 283036 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Deep charcoal black Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honest wear consistent with its age, featuring a very well-preserved dial and a case that retains its distinctive shape. Timegrapher results are provided below. Dial and Hands The dial is a deep, rich charcoal black that offers excellent contrast against the applied features. It displays the polished "Seiko" logo at the twelve o'clock position and the applied "LM" Lord Matic emblem at the six o'clock position. The dial features faceted steel baton indices with white accents, matched by sharp sword-style hands that include luminous inlays. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, adding utility to the elegant layout. The dial surface remains clean and attractive, showing minimal signs of aging. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36mm in diameter and showcases Seiko's distinctive design language from the early 1970s, featuring faceted lugs and a smooth bezel. The case is in honest vintage condition, showing visible scratches and surface marks throughout, consistent with regular use over the decades. The case edges remain defined, preserving the original geometry of the watch. The caseback is a screw-down type, clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers. The crystal shows some surface wear and scratches typical of a vintage piece but remains clear enough for daily legibility. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement known for its reliability and role in Seiko's mid-tier luxury lines. The movement features a hacking function for precise time setting. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of approximately -42s to -50s per day, which indicates reliable vintage performance and a healthy mechanism. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring unique white and brown contrast stitching. The strap is in very good condition and complements the dark tones of the dial, securing with a polished stainless steel buckle. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case shows expected surface scratches and signs of wear from its fifty-plus years of history, the dial remains in excellent condition, free from heavy spotting or damage. The hands and indices are crisp. The watch is running and functioning, presenting an honest and attractive example of the Lord Matic series. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36mm, this watch sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes, offering a classic mid-size profile that slips easily under a cuff while maintaining a strong visual presence. Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7000 is a fantastic entry point into vintage Japanese collecting. It combines a highly wearable size with a movement that was technologically advanced for its time. The stark contrast between the dark dial and the steel case makes it a versatile accessory suitable for both casual and formal wear. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic series was essential in solidifying Seiko's reputation for high-quality automatic watches. Positioned between the mass-market models and the high-end Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines, the Lord Matic featured the 56-series movement, which was a thinner, high-beat caliber designed for accuracy and durability. This specific example, produced in August 1972, hails from the peak of the mechanical watch era before the quartz revolution fully took hold. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0120