Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7000 - Men - 1970-1979

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This specific timepiece is a remarkable example of the Seiko Lord Matic series, distinguished not only by its classic "Grammar of Design" case architecture but also by its historical significance as a presentation watch for the Japan National Railways. The Lord Matic line was positioned as a high-grade automatic offering in the 1960s and 70s, sitting just below the King Seiko in the hierarchy, and this example features the highly regarded 5606 movement. What makes this piece truly special for collectors is the commemorative Kanji inscription on the caseback, marking it as an official merit award from the President of the Japanese National Railways (JNR). It combines horological quality with a tangible piece of Japanese transportation history, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts of JDM (Japan Domestic Market) rarities. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Gold Plated Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The movement is performing well with timegrapher readings between +15 and +27 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The watch features a sophisticated silver sunburst dial that remains in excellent preservation with very little signs of aging. It is adorned with applied gold-tone baton indices that catch the light beautifully, matching the sharp gold-tone hands. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding practical utility to the dressy aesthetic. The "LM" and "23 Jewels" text along with the Suwa Seikosha logo are crisp and legible, contributing to a clean and balanced layout that exemplifies Seiko's design language of the era. Case and Crystal The case is crafted in gold-plated metal (SGP) and features the sharp distinct contours associated with Seiko's classic design philosophy. The case shows honest signs of vintage wear, with visible softening of the plating on the high edges and lugs, which is typical for a watch of this age that has been worn and enjoyed. The stainless steel caseback is the highlight of this piece, featuring a deep and legible Kanji inscription dedicated to the "Commemoration of Performance Award" from the "President of Japanese National Railways." The crystal is clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 23-jewel mechanism was a workhorse of the era, known for its slim profile and efficient winding. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results showing a variance of +15 to +27 seconds per day, suggesting reliable mechanical health for daily wear. Strap The watch has been fitted with a black leather strap featuring distinctive contrasting stitching in white and yellow. This choice of strap complements the gold tones of the case and the silver dial, giving the watch a sporty yet vintage-appropriate appearance that is comfortable on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case exhibits visible patina and gold plating loss on the lugs and bezel edges consistent with decades of use, the dial remains in stunning condition, free from significant blemishes or moisture damage. The overall appearance is that of an honest, historic tool watch that carries its history on the case while maintaining a near-pristine face. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic and versatile size that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug-to-lug length ensures a proportionate presence that is neither too small nor famously oversized. Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7000 is a fantastic entry point into vintage Japanese collecting, elevated by its JNR provenance. Railway presentation watches are a specific and highly collecting sub-genre of Seiko history, often given to employees for long service or safety milestones. The combination of the merit award inscription and the enduring style of the LM series makes this a conversation piece as much as a timekeeper. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) series was essential in solidifying Seiko's dominance in the automatic watch market. Powered by the 56 series movements, these watches offered hacking and hand-winding capabilities which were advanced features for the time. The Lord Matic became the watch of the aspiring middle class in Japan and was frequently selected by corporations and government bodies, such as the Japan National Railways, as the standard for presentation gifts due to their reliability and elegance. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLX-0032