Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7000 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This classic Seiko Lord Matic reference 5606-7000 perfectly encapsulates the refined design language of mid-century Japanese horology. Featuring a striking angular case and a beautifully preserved sunburst dial, this piece was originally awarded as a commemoration of long service by the President of the Japanese National Railways, adding a fascinating layer of cultural provenance to an already compelling vintage timepiece. The Lord Matic line was positioned to offer exceptional automatic movements and sophisticated styling, resulting in watches that remain highly attractive and wearable today. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5606, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices, displaying excellent preservation with minimal signs of aging Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated (SGP) with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition, showing honest wear and attractive case lines Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a masterclass in understated elegance, catching the light beautifully and remaining in exceptionally clean condition. It features applied gold-tone baton hour markers with black central inserts, perfectly matched by the applied "SEIKO" and "Lord Matic" logos. The typography is crisp, with "AUTOMATIC" and "23 JEWELS" printed above the recognizable Suwa factory symbol. A framed day-date aperture at three o'clock displays the day in both English and Kanji. The dial shows minimal signs of aging, presenting a remarkably fresh appearance under close inspection. The gold-tone dauphine hands feature matching black stripes and remain sharp, accompanied by a slender sweep seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 36mm gold-plated case showcases Seiko's distinct design influence with its sharp, angular lugs and clear transitions between the brushed top surfaces and polished flanks. The case remains in good vintage condition, exhibiting honest handling marks, light scratches, and minor wear to the gold plating along the sharper edges, consistent with its age and history as a worn award watch. The slightly recessed crown at three o'clock sits neatly against the case side. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, remaining clear and providing a warm vintage distortion at the edges. The stainless steel caseback is a standout feature, bearing crisp commemorative kanji engravings from the Japanese National Railways, along with the factory reference and water resistance markings. Movement Powering this Lord Matic is the esteemed Seiko caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement recognized for its reliable architecture. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results reflect a deviation of -55 to -60 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a striking black leather strap featuring prominent white and yellow contrast stitching. The strap compliments the gold tones of the case and adds a distinct character to the vintage timepiece, secured by a gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This Seiko is presented in good vintage condition. The dial and hands are exceptionally well-preserved and visually striking, while the case shows authentic, honest wear and minor plating fade typical of a historically significant piece. The deeply engraved caseback remains sharp and fully legible. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks With its compelling Japanese railway provenance, sharp angular case profile, and immaculate sunburst dial, this Lord Matic is a superb example of Seiko's manufacturing prowess. It offers collectors a highly wearable piece of history with genuine character and an undeniable vintage presence. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was a cornerstone of Seiko's catalog, designed to offer high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated styling to the upwardly mobile professional. Utilizing the sophisticated 56-series calibers, which were also adapted for higher-tier models, the Lord Matic represented a sweet spot of value and mechanical performance. This specific example, awarded by the Japanese National Railways, highlights the cultural significance of Seiko watches as prized corporate gifts in twentieth-century Japan. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAL-0061