Seiko Lord Matic 輝静 – Kisei 5606-7000 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This is a remarkable opportunity to acquire a piece of Japanese horological and transportation history. The Seiko Lord Matic (LM) represents one of the finest distinct model lines produced by Suwa Seikosha in the late 1960s and 1970s, sitting just below the King Seiko in the hierarchy. This specific example is particularly collectible due to its caseback engraving, identifying it as a commemorative award watch from the Japanese National Railways (JNR), presented by the President of the Railways. It combines the reliable 5606 automatic movement with a sophisticated gold-plated aesthetic, making it a conversation starter for both watch collectors and railway enthusiasts. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic LM Reference Number: 5606-7000 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition, characterized by honest wear to the gold plating consistent with its age and history, paired with an exceptionally well-preserved dial. Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver sunburst dial that remains in stunning condition, showing very little signs of aging. It is adorned with applied gold-tone baton hour markers, featuring black inlays for contrast. The gold-tone hands are matching in style, ensuring high legibility. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding practical utility to the elegant design. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and bright. Case and Crystal The case is finished in Seiko Gold Plating (SGP) and features the classic Lord Matic silhouette with strong, angled lugs. The case shows signs of vintage wear, with noticeable loss of gold plating on the lug edges and high points, revealing the base metal underneath, which adds to the honest, lived-in character of the timepiece. The stainless steel caseback is the highlight of this piece, featuring a deep and legible Japanese inscription related to the Japanese National Railways award, making it a rare commemorative item. The crystal is clear with minimal marks. Movement Powered by the robust Seiko Caliber 5606, this 23-jewel automatic movement offers hacking and hand-winding capabilities. Timegrapher testing shows the watch running between +55 and +58 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance for a watch of this era. Strap The watch is fitted with a vintage-style black leather strap featuring contrasting white and yellow stitching. The strap complements the black accents on the dial markers and the gold tone of the case, creating a cohesive and sporty look. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case exhibits evident wear and plating loss typical of a gold-plated watch from this period, the structural integrity remains sound. The dial is the standout feature, presenting in near-mint condition, which balances the external wear beautifully. Dimensions Case diameter is 35mm excluding the crown, a classic size that fits comfortably under a shirt cuff while maintaining a distinct presence on the wrist. Remarks The caseback engraving "日本国有鉄道総裁" translates roughly to "President of Japanese National Railways" and "功績章表彰記念" indicating a Commemoration of Achievement Award. These "Railway" Seikos are a specific niche of collectibility, often sought after for their provenances. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic was Seiko's sophisticated mid-range offering, powered by the newly developed 56 series movement. These movements were thinner and more advanced than their predecessors, eventually becoming the base for Chronometer-grade movements. The LM line played a crucial role in Seiko's dominance of the automatic watch market in the 1970s, offering near-Grand Seiko aesthetics and performance to a wider audience. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLB-0001