Seiko Lord Matic 純光 (Junkō) 5606-8031 (1975)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This distinctive 1975 Seiko Lord Matic is a fascinating example of Japanese watchmaking history, blending the sharp "Grammar of Design" case aesthetics with a unique provenance. Featuring a commemorative inscription on the caseback from the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation (NTT), dated 1975, this timepiece serves as both a stylish accessory and a collectible artifact of Japan's corporate heritage. The Lord Matic series was positioned as a high-grade offering during the 1970s, featuring advanced movements and superior finishing, making this specific reference a compelling choice for collectors valuing both design and history. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic [Historic Engraving] Reference Number: 5606-8031 Serial Number: 551087 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1975 Condition: Good vintage condition with visible surface wear to the case consistent with age, paired with a clean dial. Timegrapher results show +55s to +64s/day, which indicates a functioning movement. Dial and Hands The watch features a refined silver sunburst dial that remains in very attractive condition. It is adorned with applied baton indices featuring black inlays, which match the slender baton handset perfectly. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos add depth to the face, while the framed day-date window at the 3 o'clock position provides practical utility. The dial is marked with the Suwa Seikosha symbol, indicating its manufacturing origin. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36mm and displays the characteristic sharp contours and flat surfaces associated with Seiko's design language of the era. The case is in good vintage condition, showing visible scratches and signs of wear on the bezel and lugs, which attests to its honest history of use. The screw-down caseback is a highlight, featuring a crisp commemorative engraving dated 1975 from the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation, adding significant character to the piece. Movement Powering the watch is the respected Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 25-jewel movement was a staple of Seiko's mid-to-high range offerings, known for its slim profile and reliability. The movement appears clean and offers reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap shows texture and character that complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch head, making it ready to wear immediately. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case shows expected wear such as scratches and scuffs typical of a watch from the mid-1970s, but the structural integrity remains excellent. The dial is the standout feature, preserved beautifully with minimal signs of aging. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36mm, this Lord Matic offers a classic mid-size fit that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug design ensures a balanced profile that slides easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks The presence of the 1975 commemorative engraving makes this Lord Matic particularly special. Corporate gift watches from major Japanese entities like NTT are highly sought after by niche collectors for the story they tell about Japan's post-war economic boom. History The Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was introduced in 1968 and served as the tier just below King Seiko and Grand Seiko. It was designed to offer high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated case designs to the upwardly mobile professional class. The 5606 movement used in this series is widely regarded as one of the best mass-produced automatic calibers Seiko ever made, offering hacking and hand-winding capabilities that were advanced for the time. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI3HCK210000