Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7000 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a distinct and historically interesting timepiece that offers both horological quality and a connection to Japanese industrial history. Featuring a special presentation caseback from the Japanese National Railways, this watch represents a specific era of corporate gifting in Japan, pairing the reliable engineering of the Lord Matic line with a classic gold-tone aesthetic. It stands as a collectible example of the 5606 series, renowned for bringing high-beat capabilities and advanced automatic winding to a broader audience during the golden age of Seiko mechanical watchmaking. 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 Production Year: c. 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear to the gold plating consistent with age, while the dial remains exceptionally preserved. Timegrapher testing indicates operation between +22 and +25 seconds per day, indicating healthy movement function. Crown is pulled out on the pictures, and functions normally. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the highlight of this timepiece, presenting in stunning condition with virtually no signs of aging. It features applied gold-tone baton indices with black central inserts, which provide excellent legibility and a sharp, dressy aesthetic. The matching gold-tone handset is equally well-preserved. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, featuring a bilingual or Kanji day wheel, and the applied gold "LM" and "Seiko" logos add a touch of depth and luxury to the face. Case and Crystal The case is crafted from gold-plated metal with a stainless steel caseback, featuring the distinctive "C-shape" or cushion silhouette popular in the late 1960s and 1970s. The gold plating shows visible signs of wear and brassing, particularly on the lug edges and bezel, which is typical for a vintage piece of this era that has been enjoyed. The stainless steel caseback features a significant historical inscription in Kanji, commemorating a long-service award from the President of the Japanese National Railways, adding unique provenance to the watch. The crystal is clear and presents well. Movement Powering the watch is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was a workhorse of the mid-tier luxury range, offering hand-winding and hacking capabilities. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results showing a rate of +22 to +25 seconds per day, suggesting reliable vintage performance for daily wear. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring a lizard-grain pattern and contrasting yellow stitching. The strap is in good condition and complements the warm gold tones of the case, giving the watch a casual yet refined appearance suitable for everyday wear. Condition This timepiece is rated in good vintage condition. While the dial and hands are near-mint, the case exhibits honest patina and wear to the gold plating, reflecting its history and use. The movement is mechanically sound, and the unique caseback engraving remains sharp and legible. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36 mm, this Lord Matic sits comfortably on the wrist, offering a classic vintage proportion that slides easily under a dress cuff while maintaining enough presence for casual wear. Remarks This specific Lord Matic is elevated by its "JNR" (Japanese National Railways) provenance. These presentation watches were often gifted to railway employees for long service or merit, making them highly collectible among enthusiasts of Japanese domestic market watches. The combination of the clean dial, the robust 5606 movement, and the historical inscription makes this a conversation piece with genuine character. History Introduced in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned directly beneath the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, offering high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated finishing to the upwardly mobile Japanese public. The 5606 caliber became one of Seiko's most successful movements, incorporating features usually reserved for higher-end pieces. The Japanese National Railways played a massive role in Japan's post-war economic boom, and watches issued by the organization are cherished for their connection to the rigorous timekeeping standards of the Japanese railway system. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0169