Seiko Lord Matic 響端 (Kyōtan) 5606-7150 (1971)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic reference 5606-7150 is a quintessential example of Japanese design philosophy from the early 1970s, combining robust engineering with elegant aesthetics. Produced in May 1971, this timepiece features the distinct monocoque "open thru glass" case construction, a design choice that enhances water resistance and structural integrity while offering a sleek, unbroken profile on the caseback. With its crisp silver sunburst dial, original "LM" signed bracelet, and Kanji day wheel, this watch represents a fantastic entry point into the world of vintage Seiko collecting, sitting comfortably just below the King Seiko in the brand's historic hierarchy. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7150 Serial Number: 155671 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear consistent with its age, particularly on the case and crystal, while the dial remains in lovely preservation. The movement is running within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the highlight of this timepiece, presenting a clean and sophisticated appearance that catches the light beautifully. It features applied silver baton indices with black central inserts, which are matched by the sharp dauphine-style hands, ensuring excellent legibility. The day-date window at the 3 o'clock position is framed in metal, adding a touch of refinement, and notably features a Kanji and English day wheel, highly desirable for collectors. The dial text remains crisp and black, displaying the Lord Matic branding, "23 Jewels," and the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol above the 6 o'clock marker. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-shaped "C-line" profile that sits comfortably on the wrist. This specific reference utilizes a front-loading monocoque case design, meaning the movement is accessed through the crystal rather than a removable caseback, which allows for a slimmer and smoother back profile. The case is in honest vintage condition, displaying visible surface scratches and nicks throughout the bezel and lugs, indicative of a watch that has been worn and enjoyed over the decades. The crystal shows signs of age with some visible scratches and hazing, particularly near the edges. Movement Powering this watch is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement, a 23-jewel workhorse known for its durability and widely used in Seiko's mid-to-high-range watches of the era. The movement is functioning, with timegrapher results showing a rate of approximately -34 to -40 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement operating within acceptable parameters for an unrestored vintage mechanical timepiece of this age. Strap The watch comes fitted on its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, a significant value add for collectors. The clasp features the embossed "LM" logo, confirming its authenticity to the model line. The bracelet fits a wrist size of approximately 17.5cm and complements the case design perfectly, showing moderate stretch and wear consistent with the watch head. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the external components such as the case, bezel, and crystal show clear evidence of use and history through scratches and marks, the dial remains remarkably clean and attractive. It is an honest, unpolished example that retains its sharp case lines and original character. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that offers a refined presence suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. The lug-to-lug distance and cushion shape ensure it wears somewhat larger than the dimensions suggest. Remarks The reference 5606-7150 is particularly interesting due to its monocoque case construction, marked "Open Thru Glass" on the back, which sets it apart from standard screw-back models. The presence of the Japanese Kanji day wheel adds a layer of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) appeal that is often sought after by enthusiasts. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned as a high-grade automatic offering from Seiko, slotting just beneath the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. It was designed to bring the sophisticated 56-series movement to a wider audience, offering hacking and hand-winding capabilities that were advanced for the time. The Lord Matic series played a crucial role in Seiko's dominance of the 1970s watch market, offering exceptional quality and style that remains timeless today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0079