Seiko Lord Matic 月海 (Getsukai) 5606-7071 (1972)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This 1972 Seiko Lord Matic is a quintessential example of Japanese watchmaking excellence from the golden era of the Suwa Seikosha factory. Bridging the gap between the standard automatic lines and the higher-tier King Seiko, the Lord Matic series offered exceptional finishing and high-grade movements. This specific reference 5606-7071 features a sharp stainless steel case and retains its original, highly desirable multi-link bracelet signed with the LM logo. The silver sunburst dial is remarkably clean, offering a sophisticated aesthetic that remains timeless on the wrist, making this a fantastic collector's piece for enthusiasts of vintage Japanese horology. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7071 Serial Number: 2N1636 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition Dial and Hands The dial is a sophisticated silver sunburst that plays beautifully with the light, featuring clean applied baton indices with black inserts for contrast. The hands are matching polished steel with thin black center lines, ensuring excellent legibility. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and raised, adding depth to the watch face. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a clear white background. The dial surface appears very well preserved with no significant spotting or patina, maintaining a fresh and sharp appearance. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 37mm, offering a slightly larger and more modern presence than many dress watches of its era. The case architecture features the classic "Grammar of Design" influence with strong lines and distinct lugs. There are visible signs of use throughout, including surface scratches and scuffs on the bezel, case sides, and lugs, consistent with honest vintage wear. The crystal shows some light scratches and haze visible under direct light but remains serviceable. The caseback clearly displays the Seiko horseshoe reference engravings and "Water Resistant" markings, confirming its production date explicitly. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarding Seiko Caliber 5606A, a 23-jewel automatic movement synonymous with reliability and precision during the 1970s. The movement features a gold-tone finish on the rotor and bridges, which appears clean and free of corrosion in the images. Timegrapher testing indicates a variance of +9 to +12 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement running within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Seiko Lord Matic stainless steel bracelet, featuring a complex multi-link "beads of rice" style construction that is both comfortable and visually striking. The folding clasp is stamped with the period-correct "LM" logo. The bracelet shows moderate stretch and surface wear matching the case condition, preserving the authentic vintage character of the piece. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. It exhibits honest wear consistent with a watch from the early 1970s that has been enjoyed. While the case and bracelet show scratches and handling marks, the edges remain defined. The stand-out feature is the dial, which has survived in excellent condition, contrasting well with the patina of the exterior metalwork. Dimensions The case diameter is 37mm excluding the crown, making it a very wearable size for modern standards. The lug width complements the tapered original bracelet, creating a seamless flow from case to clasp. Remarks The Lord Matic 560 series is often cited by collectors as one of the best value propositions in vintage watch collecting, offering movement architecture shared with King Seiko and Grand Seiko models of the time. This particular example, with its clean silver dial and original signed bracelet, represents the core appeal of the LM line. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned just below King Seiko in the corporate hierarchy, targeting the upwardly mobile middle class of Japan. Produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory, these watches were equipped with the 56xx series movements, which were thinner and more advanced than their predecessors. The Lord Matic was a massive commercial success and remains an icon of 1970s Seiko design, representing a period when Japanese mechanical watchmaking was reaching its zenith before the quartz revolution. /Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0022