Seiko - Lord Matic 妙晶 – Myōshō – Mysterious Crystal - No reserve price - 5606-7000 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a remarkable piece of Japanese horological and industrial history, offering both style and significant provenance. As a presentation watch awarded by the President of the Japanese National Railways, this timepiece represents a golden era of Japanese infrastructure and watchmaking. With its refined gold-plated case and reliable automatic movement, it serves as a collectible conversation piece that looks as elegant on the wrist today as it did upon its presentation decades ago. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear consistent with its age and history, particularly on the case plating, while the movement performs reliably with timegrapher results of -9s to -12s/day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The dial features a sophisticated silver sunburst finish with a subtle vertical brushing texture that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied gold baton indices and matching gold hands, maintaining excellent legibility. The classic "LM" logo is applied at the 6 o'clock position above the Suwa Seikosha symbol. A framed day and date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The dial remains in attractive condition with only minor signs of patina that add to its vintage character. Case and Crystal The 35mm case is finished in Seiko Gold Plate (SGP) and features the distinctively sharp case lines typical of the Tanaka "Grammar of Design" influence seen in mid-century Seikos. The case shows visible wear and softening of the gold plating on the high points of the lugs and edges, which is expected for a watch of this vintage. The caseback is stainless steel and features a highly collectible Japanese inscription. The crystal is clear and presents well, offering an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powered by the robust Seiko Caliber 5606, this 23-jewel automatic movement was a high-grade workhorse of its time, featuring both hand-winding and hacking capabilities. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher readings between -9 and -12 seconds per day, suggesting reliable mechanical health for daily wear. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting gold stitching. This strap choice perfectly complements the gold tones of the case and indices, giving the watch a sporty yet dressy appearance suitable for various occasions. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case exhibits honest wear and some fading of the gold plating on the lugs and bezel edges, the structural integrity remains sound. The dial is well-preserved with a charming vintage aesthetic. The movement is functioning correctly and keeping good vintage time. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that offers a refined presence on the wrist. The lug design ensures a comfortable fit, making it an ideal choice for vintage dress watch enthusiasts. Remarks The standout feature of this specific Lord Matic is the historical inscription on the caseback. The Japanese characters translate to "Commemoration of Award for Merit" and "President of Japanese National Railways" (JNR). Watches like these were gifted to railway employees for long service or significant achievements during the height of Japan's railway expansion. This provenance adds a layer of narrative value that elevates this watch from a standard model to a piece of history. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines, offering high-quality automatic movements and superior case finishing to the mid-market. The 5606 caliber became legendary for its reliability and slim profile. This specific example, with its connection to the Japanese National Railways, captures the intersection of Japan's economic miracle and its mastery of precision manufacturing in the 1970s. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0133