Seiko - Lord Matic 月華 (Gekka) – Moon Blossom - No reserve price - 5606-7160 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic reference 5606-7160 from 1970 is a striking example of the "Grammar of Design" era that defined vintage Japanese horology. Sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, the Lord Matic series was designed to offer high-grade movements in stylish, durable cases. This specific example features a distinctive cushion-shaped monocoque case and the highly regarded 5606 movement, making it a compelling choice for collectors who appreciate the unique engineering and aesthetic of 1970s Seiko. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7160 Serial Number: 0N0493 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver sunburst with day and date Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Fair vintage condition. The watch displays honest signs of its age and history, particularly on the dial and crystal, while the case retains its structural integrity. Timegrapher results show -60s to -69s/day, indicating the movement is functioning. Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver sunburst dial adorned with polished baton indices and the applied "LM" logo above the 6 o'clock position. The sword-style hands feature black center stripes for contrast. A framed day and date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a bilingual day wheel. There is noticeable patina and staining along the outer edge of the dial, most prominently between the 7 and 9 o'clock markers, as well as near the 4 o'clock position, which adds to the genuine vintage character of the piece. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-style design with a monocoque construction, meaning the movement is accessed through the crystal rather than a removable caseback. The case exhibits visible surface scratches and wear consistent with regular use over five decades, yet the case lines remain defined. The caseback engraving is crisp, clearly displaying the "Open Thru Glass" instructions and reference numbers. The crystal shows signs of wear and surface marks. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement that was a workhorse of the era. It features hacking capabilities and a hand-winding option. The movement is currently running, with timegrapher readings showing a rate of -60s to -69s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with an original Seiko LM stainless steel mesh bracelet which is highly adjustable and comfortable on the wrist. The clasp is signed with the LM logo and Seiko branding. It fits a wrist size of approximately 19cm. Condition This timepiece is in fair vintage condition. It shows evident wear to the dial periphery and crystal, which is expected for a watch of this age that has been worn and enjoyed. The case shows general scratching but no major deformation. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage presence that wears slightly larger due to the cushion shape. Remarks This reference 5606-7160 is notable for its front-loading case design which was engineered to improve water resistance and structural rigidity. The bilingual day wheel allows for display in either English or Kanji. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was a significant tier in Seiko's catalog, incorporating the sophisticated 56 series movements that served as the base for many chronometer-grade watches. The Lord Matic was marketed towards the rising middle class in Japan, offering a blend of luxury finishing and practical durability. This specific example, produced in November 1970, captures the essence of that transitional period in watchmaking history. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0165