Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7071 - Men - 1972

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic represents a pivotal chapter in the brand's storied history, offering collectors a seamless blend of everyday reliability and refined dress watch aesthetics. Born in an era where Seiko was aggressively perfecting its mechanical mastery, the Lord Matic line inherited much of the sophisticated "Grammar of Design" language from its older siblings, King Seiko and Grand Seiko. This specific example beautifully showcases the sharp, timeless elegance that made the 56-series movements so highly regarded among enthusiasts of Japanese horology. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7071 Serial Number: 2N4431 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied baton indices, presenting an exceptionally clean surface with minimal signs of aging. Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest case wear. Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a masterclass in mid-century Japanese restraint, featuring a subtle silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. The dial furniture is entirely applied, boasting faceted steel baton indices with distinctive black central inserts that enhance legibility. The matching steel baton hands also feature black striping, creating a cohesive and highly readable display. At the three o'clock position, a polished metallic frame surrounds the day and date aperture. The applied "SEIKO" logo sits proudly below the twelve o'clock marker, while the printed "LM", "23 JEWELS", and the iconic Suwa Seikosha factory emblem are positioned above six o'clock. The dial surface is remarkably well-preserved, remaining clean, bright, and free from heavy spotting, moisture damage, or significant discoloration, presenting a stunning face for a watch of its vintage. Case and Crystal Crafted from stainless steel, the 37 mm case exhibits the classic, sweeping lines characteristic of Seiko's 1970s design ethos. The case features a pleasing contrast between the brushed upper lug surfaces and the polished case flanks and bezel. The case shows honest, age-consistent wear, including light surface scratches, scuffs, and minor handling marks, but retains a strong overall profile without signs of heavy over-polishing. The crown is neatly integrated into the case side at the three o'clock position. The domed crystal is clear and free from major distracting flaws, offering an unobstructed view of the pristine dial beneath. Turning the watch over, the solid screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Seiko name, the Suwa logo, the reference number 5606-7071, and the serial number 2N4431, all remaining crisp and legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5606A automatic movement, a 23-jewel mechanism that was a workhorse of the brand's upper-mid-tier offerings. The movement architecture is fully visible in the provided reference photos, displaying the balance wheel, geartrain bridges, and the factory stampings. Visually, the winding rotor exhibits significant cosmetic oxidation and a speckled patina across its surface, which is a common aging characteristic for these components. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results show -2 to 10 s/day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile grain pattern and a subtle red contrasting inner lining. The strap is secured with a standard polished stainless steel tang buckle, perfectly complementing the formal yet versatile nature of the silver dial and steel case. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The dial and hands are stunningly preserved, standing out as the highlight of the watch with their clean, sharp appearance. The stainless steel case displays normal, honest wear consistent with decades of use, maintaining its structural integrity and factory lines. While the movement rotor shows heavy cosmetic oxidation, the mechanical performance remains highly impressive. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 37 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. This classic proportion ensures a comfortable and elegant presence on the wrist, sliding easily under a cuff while remaining substantial enough for modern wear. Remarks The 5606 Lord Matic is a quintessential expression of Seiko's golden era of mechanical watchmaking. With its sharp design, highly legible dial, and robust automatic caliber, it offers an outstanding entry point into the world of vintage Japanese horology. The exceptional condition of the dial on this particular example makes it a highly attractive piece for both seasoned collectors and those new to the vintage Seiko landscape. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was strategically positioned by Seiko to bridge the gap between their standard entry-level automatic watches and the highly prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections. Utilizing the advanced 56-series movements, the Lord Matic brought premium features such as high-beat capability, hacking seconds, and hand-winding to a wider audience. The LM series quickly became a massive success in Japan, celebrated for delivering near-Grand Seiko levels of finishing and mechanical sophistication at a more accessible price point, cementing its legacy as one of Seiko's most important historical product lines. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAL-0066