Seiko Lord Matic 王光 – Ōkō 5606-7000 (1970-1979)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a compelling example of Japanese horological history, distinguished not only by its elegant mid-century design but also by its unique provenance. Featuring a commemorative Kanji inscription on the caseback from the Japanese National Railways, this piece serves as both a stylish dress watch and a collectible artifact from Japan's golden era of industrial growth. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated Production Year: c. 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition, characterized by an exceptionally preserved dial contrasting with a case that shows honest signs of age and wear. Dial and Hands The silver dial is the highlight of this timepiece, presenting a crisp sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It features applied gold baton indices and matching gold stick hands, which remain in very good condition. The applied gold "LM" logo sits proudly above the 6 o'clock position, accompanied by the Suwa factory symbol. A framed day and date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, maintaining a clean and balanced layout. Case and Crystal The case is crafted from Seiko Gold Plate (SGP) with a stainless steel back, featuring the classic Lord Matic silhouette with distinct lugs. The gold plating shows evident wear and brassing, particularly on the lug edges and high points where the base metal is visible, consistent with a watch that has been worn and enjoyed over decades. The screw-down caseback features a significant and crisp Kanji engraving relating to a Long Service Award from the President of the Japanese National Railways, adding immense historical character. The crystal shows minor surface marks but remains clear. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement, a 23-jewel workhorse known for its durability and technical competency during this era. Current timegrapher testing displays a rate of approximately -49s to -55s/day, which indicates a movement that is operational and complete. Strap The watch is fitted with a deep brown leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the gold tones of the case, giving the watch a warm and sophisticated presence on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case exhibits visible patina and plating loss on the corners and lugs, the dial remains in stunning condition, free from significant spotting or staining. The distinct caseback engraving is sharp and fully legible, preserving its historical context. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36 mm, this watch sits comfortably on the wrist, embodying the classic proportions of 1970s dress watches. The lug design allows it to wear slightly larger, providing a substantial yet elegant profile suitable for most wrist sizes. Remarks The specific engraving on the caseback identifies this as a presentation watch from the Japanese National Railways (JNR), gifted to an employee for meritorious service or achievement. These JNR-marked Seikos are highly sought after by collectors for their tangible connection to Japan's post-war infrastructure history. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko in the hierarchy, offering high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated designs to the upwardly mobile Japanese professional. The 5606 movement inside was one of Seiko's most widely used and respected high-beat era base calibers, featuring hacking and hand-winding capabilities that were advanced for the time. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0084