Seiko Lord Matic 功績 (Kōseki) 5606-7140 (1972)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a quintessential example of Japanese design from the early 1970s, combining the reliable engineering of the Suwa Seikosha factory with a distinctively styled case. As a mid-tier luxury model situated just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, the Lord Matic series played a pivotal role in establishing Seiko's reputation for high-quality automatic watches. With its Kanji day wheel and original signed bracelet, this timepiece offers a genuine connection to JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) horology. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7140 Serial Number: 273198 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of age and wear to the case and bezel while the dial remains clean and attractive, presenting a balanced and authentic vintage appearance. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is well preserved and catches the light beautifully. It features applied silver baton indices with black inlays that match the handset. The dial is signed with the applied "LM" logo and the Suwa factory symbol above the 6 o'clock position. The hands show distinct patina and darkening to the luminous material consistent with the age of the watch. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a Kanji and English day wheel which adds to the collectible appeal. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-style geometry typical of the era, alternating between brushed and polished surfaces. There are visible scratches and dings on the bezel and case flanks, particularly around the 9 o'clock side, which are expected for a watch of this vintage. The case retains its original lines and shape. The crystal shows some minor surface wear but remains clear enough to enjoy the dial details. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was a workhorse of the era, offering reliable vintage performance. The movement features hacking capabilities and a day-date complication. It is currently running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet. The clasp features the embossed "LM" logo, confirming its authenticity to the model. The bracelet fits a wrist size of approximately 17.5cm and complements the case design perfectly. Condition This timepiece is in Good vintage condition. It displays clear signs of use including surface scratches and small marks on the steel components. The dial has aged gracefully, while the hands show noticeable oxidation on the lume plots. The overall presentation is honest and unmolested, making it a great candidate for a collector who appreciates original character. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown. This classic size allows for a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes, maintaining a subtle and elegant profile. Remarks A notable feature of this specific example is the presence of the Kanji day wheel, indicating it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market. The combination of the "LM" signed dial, signed clasp, and specific case reference makes this a complete and desirable package for enthusiasts of vintage Japanese steel. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was Seiko's sophisticated automatic offering that utilized the new 5600 series movements. These watches were designed to offer high precision and elegance for the upwardly mobile professional class in Japan. The 5606-7140 reference specifically showcases the shift towards the bolder, more geometric case designs that would come to define 1970s watch aesthetics. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0089