Seiko - Lord Matic 信環 (Shinkan) – Circle of Trust - No reserve price - 5606-7140 - Men - 1970

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic represents a fantastic entry point into the golden era of Japanese watchmaking, offering a design language that closely mirrors the higher-end Grand Seiko and King Seiko models of the period. With its "open thru glass" case construction and distinct "Waterproof" stamping, this July 1970 production piece captures a specific moment in Seiko history just before the industry transitioned to water-resistant terminology. The vertical brushed dial adds a layer of texture and sophistication that makes this piece stand out on the wrist. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7140 Serial Number: 079883 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver vertical brushed texture Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honest wear typical of its age with a very well-preserved dial. Testing reveals the movement is running between +19 and +25 seconds per day, which indicates healthy movement performance for a vintage timepiece. Dial and Hands The silver dial features a sophisticated vertical brushed texture that catches the light with a subtle elegance. It is furnished with applied polished baton indices that feature black inlays for enhanced legibility, a design cue shared with the hands. The applied "LM" and "Seiko" logos remain crisp and bright. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock. The lume plots on the outer track have developed a warm, dark patina consistent with the age of the watch. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-style silhouette with soft curves and integrated lugs, a hallmark of 1970s Seiko design. This specific reference utilizes a front-loading case design, marked "Open Thru Glass" on the caseback, which enhances water resistance and structural integrity. The caseback also retains the desirable "Waterproof" engraving, dating it to the pre-1971 era. There are visible surface scratches and signs of use throughout the case and bezel, which is expected for a watch of this vintage, adding to its honest character. The crystal shows some age-related wear but remains clear enough to enjoy the dial texture. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 23-jewel mechanism was a high-grade workhorse of the era, featuring both hacking capabilities and the ability to hand-wind. It offers reliable vintage performance and represents the engineering prowess of the Suwa Seikosha factory. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting brown stitching. The strap is in good condition and complements the monochrome aesthetic of the dial and case, giving the watch a casual yet refined appearance suitable for daily wear. Condition This Lord Matic is in good vintage condition. The case retains its original lines but shows consistent surface wear, scratches, and small dings from five decades of life. The dial is the highlight, remaining clean and attractive with only minor aging to the luminous material. The movement is functioning well, with timegrapher results showing an accuracy of +19 to +25 seconds per day, which indicates healthy movement function. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36 mm excluding the crown, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, offering a classic mid-size presence that works well for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Lord Matic, or "LM" series, holds a special place in the hearts of collectors as the mid-tier luxury line that bridged the gap between Seiko's standard automatic watches and the high-end King Seiko. This particular reference, with its clean linen-style vertical brushing and "Waterproof" caseback, is a charming example of 1970 production. It offers the look and feel of a vintage King Seiko at a more accessible point, making it a smart choice for both new and seasoned collectors. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was produced by Seiko's Suwa factory and quickly became one of their most successful series. It was equipped with the sophisticated 5600 series of movements, which were thinner and more advanced than previous iterations. These watches were marketed to the upwardly mobile Japanese businessman of the late 1960s and 70s, symbolizing modernity and precision. Today, they are celebrated for offering exceptional value and enduring style. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1QUSCVK000