Seiko - Lord Matic 金礼 (Kinrei) – Golden Courtesy - No reserve price - 5606-7000 - Men - 1969

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Seiko Lord Matic, a model line that bridged the gap between the King Seiko and standard automatic ranges in the late 1960s. What sets this specific piece apart is the historical engraving on the caseback, indicating it was a presentation watch for the Japanese National Railways (JNR). Such pieces are highly sought after by collectors for their provenance and connection to Japan's post-war industrial history. With its classic gold-plated case and sophisticated caliber 5606 movement, this timepiece offers a compelling blend of horological quality and tangible history. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver sunburst with gold accents Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition Dial and Hands The watch features a beautiful silver sunburst dial that remains in very attractive condition. It is adorned with applied gold-tone baton indices and matching gold-tone dauphine hands, creating a cohesive and elegant aesthetic. The applied gold "LM" logo and "Seiko Automatic" branding are crisp and well-preserved. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock. The dial surface is clean, showing minimal signs of aging, which contrasts nicely with the vintage character of the exterior. Case and Crystal The case follows the classic grammar of design from the late 1960s, featuring a cushion-style shape with gold plating (SGP). The case shows honest signs of vintage wear, including surface scratches and softening of the edges consistent with its age. The stainless steel caseback is the highlight of this piece, featuring a prominent commemorative engraving in Kanji from the President of the Japanese National Railways, awarded for long service. The acrylic crystal shows visible scratches and hazing, which is typical for a watch of this era that has seen active use. Movement Powering the watch is the highly regarded Seiko caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement known for its reliability and slim profile. This movement features hacking capabilities and a quickset date function. The watch is currently running within vintage tolerances. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of +22s to +35s per day, which indicates healthy movement function for a vintage timepiece of this lineage. Strap The watch has been fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting yellow gold-tone stitching. This strap choice complements the gold tone of the case and the black accents on the indices, giving the watch a sporty yet dressy appearance suitable for daily wear. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. It displays the honest character of a watch that was worn and appreciated. The gold plating is intact but shows wear marks, and the crystal has surface scratches. However, the dial remains excellent, preserving the visual appeal of the watch face. Dimensions With a case diameter of 35 mm excluding the crown, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, offering a classic mid-century proportion that slides easily under a shirt cuff. The lug-to-lug length ensures a balanced presence suitable for various wrist sizes. Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7000 is more than just a dress watch; it is a commemorative artifact from the golden era of the Japanese National Railways. The combination of the "LM" build quality, the reliable 5606 movement, and the unique caseback inscription makes this a fascinating conversation piece for collectors of Japanese horology. History The Lord Matic line was introduced by Seiko in 1968 as a high-grade automatic series positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. It utilized the 56 series movement, which was a foundational caliber for Seiko's high-beat and precision automatics of the era. This specific example carries the legacy of Japan's railway system, known for its obsession with punctuality and precision, making the choice of a Seiko Lord Matic as a service award particularly fitting. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0094