Seiko Lord Matic 金風 (Kinpū) 5606-7070 (1973)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic represents a sophisticated chapter in Japanese watchmaking history, combining the robust engineering of the 1970s with a distinctively elegant aesthetic. As part of the prestigious Lord Matic line, which served as the high-end tier just below King Seiko and Grand Seiko, this timepiece features the highly regarded 5606 automatic movement. The watch showcases a classic gold-plated case design with a clever monocoque construction, offering a sleek profile that sits comfortably on the wrist. With its clean sunburst dial and sharp geometry, this piece captures the essence of the "Grammar of Design" era, making it a desirable acquisition for collectors of vintage Japanese horology. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7070 Serial Number: 3N1911 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36.5 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of age with wear to the gold plating on the lugs and case edges, while the dial remains attractive and the movement is operational. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in attractive condition, radiating a soft metallic sheen that interacts beautifully with the light. It features applied gold-tone baton indices that match the sharp, faceted gold hands, creating excellent legibility and a cohesive look. The dial is signed with the applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos, along with the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol above the 6 o'clock position. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a bilingual day wheel capable of displaying English and Kanji characters. Case and Crystal The 36.5mm case is finished in Seiko Gold Plate (SGP) and features the interesting "Open Thru Glass" front-loading monocoque construction, which eliminates the traditional removable caseback to improve water resistance and structural integrity. The case architecture remains distinct, though the gold plating exhibits visible wear and fading, particularly on the lug tops and sharp edges, revealing the base metal underneath in some areas. The stainless steel back remains clearly legible with all reference and serial numbers. The crystal shows surface scratches and hazing consistent with its vintage nature but allows clear viewing of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement that was a staple of high-grade Seikos from this era. This caliber features both hacking and hand-winding capabilities. The watch is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher readings showing approximately -48 to -54 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching that complements the gold tones of the case. The strap is in good condition, soft and pliable, ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case shows evident patina and plating wear characteristic of a well-loved watch from the early 1970s, the structural integrity remains intact. The dial is the highlight, remaining clean and crisp. The movement is functioning correctly, making this an honest and wearable example of a classic reference. Dimensions The case measures 36.5 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic mid-size proportion that was standard for the era and remains highly versatile today. The lug-to-lug length ensures a balanced presence on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Lord Matic 5606-7070 is a testament to Seiko's ability to mass-produce high-quality mechanical watches that rivaled Swiss competitors. The combination of the monocoque case and the high-beat base movement makes this a technically interesting piece for enthusiasts. The wear on the case gives it a true vintage character, telling the story of its fifty-year journey. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) series was positioned as Seiko's mid-tier luxury offering, integrating the newly developed 56-stream movements. These movements were thinner and more advanced than previous iterations, allowing for slimmer case designs. The LM line played a crucial role in popularizing automatic watches in Japan and abroad, bridging the gap between the standard 5-series and the high-end Grand Seiko models. This specific example, produced in November 1973, dates to the mature period of LM production. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0037