Seiko Lord Matic 虚光 – Kyokō 5606-7000 (1968)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Seiko Lord Matic, a timepiece that represents the golden era of Japanese watchmaking in the late 1960s. Sitting just below the King Seiko in the hierarchy, the Lord Matic line offered high-end finishing and advanced movements to the aspiring executive. This specific example is particularly special to collectors as it features a rare commemorative caseback engraving from the Japanese National Railways (JNR), presented as a long-service award. Combining historical significance with the sharp "Grammar of Design" case lines, this is a sophisticated dress watch that tells a story of Japan's post-war industrial rise. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) Production Year: c. late 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a well-preserved case and a flawless dial presentation. Timegrapher results confirm reliable performance. Dial and Hands The watch features a pristine silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied gold baton indices and matching gold dauphine hands, creating a cohesive and elegant aesthetic. The applied gold "LM" logo sits proudly at the 6 o'clock position, signifying the model's premium status. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a desirable Kanji and English day wheel, further emphasizing its JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) heritage. The dial text is crisp and legible, showing no signs of aging or spotting. Case and Crystal The 36mm case is crafted from Seiko's SGP (Seiko Gold Plated) material, featuring a stainless steel back. This reference utilizes a monocoque (one-piece) case design, which opens through the crystal to improve water resistance and structural integrity. The case retains its sharp, distinctive lines and chamfers, with the gold plating remaining rich and intact. The crystal is clear and free of distracting marks, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial. The caseback bears the highly collectible Japanese National Railways inscription, identifying it as an official presentation piece. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was a high-grade engine for the era, offering both hacking seconds and hand-winding capabilities. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher readings indicating -11 to -15 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality brown leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching. The rich tone of the leather complements the gold case perfectly, giving the watch a warm and sporty vintage character that is ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean, preserving its original factory finish. The gold-plated case shows minimal signs of wear, with the plating fully intact and the edges remaining defined. The caseback engraving is deep and legible. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that offers a refined presence on the wrist suitable for both formal and casual occasions. Remarks This Lord Matic is distinct due to the "JNR" (Japanese National Railways) presentation engraving on the caseback, awarded by the President of the Railways for long service. These railway-issued watches are highly sought after by collectors for their historical provenance and connection to Japan's railway history. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic series was positioned as a high-grade automatic watch for the mid-tier luxury market, utilizing the new 5600 series movements which were thinner and more accurate than predecessors. The Lord Matic played a crucial role in Seiko's dominance during this period, offering near-Grand Seiko aesthetics and performance at a more accessible price point. The 5606-7000 reference is one of the definitive designs of the lineup, celebrated for its solid monocoque construction and timeless styling. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0173