Seiko Lord Matic 繊影 – Senei 5606-7140 (1970)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This timepiece represents a quintessential era of Japanese watchmaking, offering a blend of innovative engineering and sophisticated design. The Seiko Lord Matic was positioned as a high-grade automatic watch in the late 1960s and 1970s, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines in terms of hierarchy. This specific example features the desirable "Open Thru Glass" monocoque case design, which increases structural integrity and water resistance, along with the "Waterproof" stamping that dates it to the earlier, more collectible production run before the industry switched to "Water Resistant" terminology. With its crisp silver dial and reliable architecture, this is a versatile vintage piece perfect for the collector who appreciates horological history. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7140 Serial Number: 063413 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear consistent with its age, particularly on the caseback and bezel, while the dial remains in exceptional condition. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in remarkable condition, retaining a bright and metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. It features raised polished steel baton indices with black inlaid detailing, providing excellent contrast and legibility. The matching baton hands also feature black inlays, creating a cohesive and sharp aesthetic. At the three o'clock position, a framed day-date window displays the calendar in English, adding practical utility to the elegant design. The applied "Seiko" and "LM" logos are crisp and three-dimensional, while the Suwa Seikosha logo above six o'clock indicates its manufacturing origin. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36mm in diameter and features a distinctive cushion shape with a monocoque construction. This front-loading design, marked "Open Thru Glass" on the reverse, eliminates the traditional removable caseback to improve water resistance and slim down the profile. The case displays visible surface scratches and marks typical of a watch from 1970, particularly on the polished bezel and the rear surfaces, contributing to its authentic vintage character. The caseback inscriptions, including the "Waterproof" designation and reference numbers, remain legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarding Seiko Caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement that was a workhorse of the era. This caliber famously introduced a hacking seconds feature and hand-winding capability to the mid-tier Seiko line, offering advanced functionality for its time. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance for the new owner. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting vintage-style white stitching near the lugs. The leather is supple and the aesthetic perfectly complements the monochrome look of the silver dial and steel case, making it ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is graded in Good vintage condition. While the case shows evident wear, scratches, and signs of daily use over the last five decades, the structural integrity remains sound. The dial is the highlight of this example, presenting as very well preserved with no significant spotting or aging, creating a striking contrast against the honest patina of the steel case. Dimensions The case diameter is 36mm excluding the crown, a classic size that offers a refined presence on the wrist. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes, adhering to the traditional proportions of the 1970s dress watch aesthetic. Remarks This specific reference 5606-7140 is notable for its monocoque case construction, which requires the movement to be accessed through the crystal. This engineering choice allowed for a thinner, more streamlined profile compared to traditional screw-back cases. The presence of the "Waterproof" text on the back is a specific detail sought after by Seiko collectors, as it dates the watch strictly to the pre-1971 nomenclature change. History Introduced in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) series was developed to bring high-quality automatic movements to a broader audience. It bridged the gap between the mass-produced Seiko 5 line and the luxury King Seiko models. The 5606 movement inside this watch was one of Seiko's most successful thin automatic calibers, serving as the foundation for many high-grade watches of the 1970s. This model stands as a testament to the golden age of mechanical watchmaking in Japan, where practical durability met elegant design. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLL-0010