Seiko Lord Matic 王道 (Ōdō) 5606-7000 (1970-1979)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Seiko Lord Matic, a line introduced in 1968 to bridge the gap between Seiko's mass-market offerings and the high-end King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. This particular reference, the 5606-7000, features a captivating gold-plated case and a pristine silver sunburst dial. What sets this piece apart is the special commemorative engraving on the caseback from the President of the Japanese National Railways, indicating it was a presentation watch for long service. It combines horological history with the rich industrial heritage of Japan, making it a distinct choice for collectors. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) and Stainless Steel Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with a pristine dial and sharp case lines, showing honest wear consistent with its age and history. Please note that the crown works as intented, and just sits out on the pictures. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in stunning condition, free from noticeable aging or spotting. It features applied gold baton hour markers and sharp, faceted gold hands that catch the light beautifully. The date and day aperture at the 3 o'clock position is framed in gold, adding a touch of refinement to the layout. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and raised, completing the sophisticated face of the watch. Case and Crystal The 36mm case is finished in Seiko Gold Plate (SGP) with a stainless steel caseback. The case retains its original brushed finish on the upper lugs and polished sides, showing defined edges and classic "Grammar of Design" influence. There are visible signs of use and handling marks on the gold plating, consistent with a vintage piece of this era, but the overall presentation is strong. The acrylic crystal is clear and domed, offering excellent visibility. The caseback features a special Japanese engraving commemorating a Long Service Award from the Japanese National Railways. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606A automatic movement, featuring 23 jewels. This movement was a high-grade workhorse of the era. The movement appears clean and visually well-maintained. Timegrapher readings indicate the watch is running between -17 and -22 seconds per day, which indicates healthy movement operation for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting yellow and white stitching, which complements the gold tones of the case perfectly. It is secured by a gold-tone buckle, making it ready to wear immediately. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, appearing near-mint. The case shows normal surface scratches and honest patina expected from a watch of this vintage but maintains strong structural integrity and sharp geometry. The special engraving on the back remains deep and legible. Dimensions Case diameter is 36 mm excluding the crown. The lug-to-lug length makes it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes, offering a classic vintage profile that sits comfortably on the wrist and slides easily under a cuff. Remarks This Lord Matic is not just a watch but a piece of Japanese industrial history. The caseback inscription regarding the "Japanese National Railways" transforms this into a narrative piece, likely awarded to a dedicated employee during Japan's economic boom era. History Introduced in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) series was positioned just below the King Seiko, utilizing the sophisticated 56-stream movements. These movements were thinner and more advanced than previous iterations, allowing for sleeker and more ergonomic case designs. The Lord Matic series was immense in popularity in Japan during the 1970s, representing the perfect balance of high-quality movement engineering and modern design aesthetics. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0119