Seiko - Lord Matic 点光 (Tenkō) – Point Light - No reserve price - 5606-7000 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a remarkable piece of Japanese horological history, combining the elegant design language of the late 1960s with a highly collectible provenance. As a presentation piece awarded by the Japanese National Railways, this watch represents not just fine watchmaking but also the industrial heritage of Japan. The Lord Matic series was positioned as a high-grade automatic line, featuring sophisticated movements and superior finishing, making this specific example with its rare caseback engraving a standout choice for serious Seiko collectors. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated / Stainless Steel Back Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The case shows honest signs of wear and age commensurate with a gold-plated vintage piece, while the dial remains exceptionally clean and attractive. Timegrapher results indicate the movement is healthy. Dial and Hands The watch features a refined silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied gold baton hour markers and matching gold baton hands, creating a cohesive and legible layout. The applied gold "Seiko" and "LM" logos add depth to the face, while the Suwa Seikosha logo is printed clearly at the six o'clock position. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, featuring a highly desirable Kanji and English day wheel, emphasizing its domestic Japanese heritage. The dial surface is remarkably well-preserved, showing minimal signs of aging. Case and Crystal The distinctive 36mm case features the classic Lord Matic silhouette with its subtle curves and comfortable wrist presence. The case is gold-plated, known as SGP in Seiko terminology, and exhibits visible surface scratches and wear to the plating, particularly on the sharp edges of the lugs and bezel, which is typical for a watch of this era. The acrylic crystal is clear and presents well. The stainless steel caseback is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a deeply engraved commemorative inscription for a Long Service Award from the President of the Japanese National Railways, adding significant historical value and provenance to the piece. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was a marvel of its time, featuring hacking capabilities and hand-winding functionality. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher testing showing a performance of +6 to +10 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a unique woven texture and decorative contrast stitching near the lugs. The strap complements the vintage aesthetic of the gold case and is secured by a gold-tone buckle, making it ready to wear immediately. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the gold-plated case shows honest wear, scratches, and some softening of the plating consistent with decades of use, the watch retains a strong and attractive appearance. The dial is in stunning condition, free from major blemishes or oxidation, providing a crisp contrast to the patinated case. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that fits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes and slides easily under a dress cuff. Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic is more than just a dress watch; it is a piece of memorabilia from the golden era of Japanese rail transport. The "JNR" (Japanese National Railways) inscription on the caseback transforms this from a standard reference 5606-7000 into a conversation piece with tangible history. Combined with the pristine condition of the dial and the reliable performance of the movement, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a story-rich vintage Seiko. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was situated just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko in the brand's hierarchy, offering high-quality automatic movements in stylish, modern designs. The Caliber 5606 became the workhorse of Seiko's mid-range luxury offerings, renowned for its slim profile and accuracy. Watches awarded by the Japanese National Railways are collected specifically for their caseback engravings, which serve as a testament to the dedication of the railway employees who helped build modern Japan. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0039