Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7000 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic reference 5606-7000 presents a fascinating piece of Japanese history, distinguished by its sought-after Japan National Railways (JNR) presentation engraving on the caseback. Paired with a remarkably well-preserved silver sunburst dial and an English/Kanji day wheel, this timepiece offers collectors a unique connection to Japan's 1970s rail network, housed within classic faceted case geometry. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Movement: Automatic, caliber 5606, 23 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices and English/Kanji day-date Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated, stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +20+25s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The well-preserved silver sunburst dial is a standout feature of this timepiece, exhibiting a clean finish with no visible staining or moisture damage. Its applied indices and Seiko logos remain notably crisp, providing excellent contrast against the radiant background. The watch features a practical day-date aperture equipped with an English and Japanese Kanji day wheel. The honest original hands maintain their shape and finish, showing only minor aging with slight oxidation and dust visible under macro inspection. Case and Crystal The classic faceted Lord Matic case utilizes a front-loading monocoque design. It is in heavily worn condition, exhibiting significant gold plating loss on the edges and lug tips that reveals the base metal beneath. Scratches and handling marks are present throughout the surfaces, and corrosion with verdigris is visible around the crystal seating and case edges. The unsigned crown shows wear consistent with the rest of the case. The domed acrylic crystal remains generally clear, displaying only minor edge scuffs without any major cracks or deep scratches. Movement Powering this Lord Matic is the automatic Seiko caliber 5606, a 23-jewel movement that operates at 21,600 beats per hour. Designed to be relatively thin for its era, the caliber features hand-winding, hacking, and a quickset day-date function. The timegrapher records +20+25s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with a fresh black leather strap featuring contrast stitching. The strap appears new or very lightly used, providing a comfortable and versatile wearing experience. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, remaining clean and crisp with pristine applied indices. In contrast, the gold-plated case shows heavy wear, including significant plating loss on the lugs and edges, visible base metal, scratches, and localized corrosion around the crystal seating. The hands display minor, honest aging, while the acrylic crystal is generally clear with only minor edge scuffs. Supported by the timegrapher data, the movement is performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Lord Matic offers a compelling contrast between its heavily worn, history-rich exterior and its pristine silver dial. The Japan National Railways presentation caseback elevates the watch from a standard model to a sought-after historical artifact, making it a highly appealing acquisition for collectors of Japanese domestic market timepieces. History Introduced in 1968 and produced throughout the 1970s, the Seiko Lord Matic was positioned as a high-grade offering sitting just below the prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. The reference 5606-7000 is notable for its sleek, front-loading monocoque case and the relatively thin 4.3mm profile of the 56 caliber series. While the caliber 5606 is celebrated for its advanced features like hacking and hand-winding, collectors note that its quickset day-date mechanism utilizes a plastic star gear that can be prone to wear over time. Examples bearing corporate or institutional engravings, such as the Japan National Railways presentation on this piece, add a rich layer of cultural and industrial context to Seiko's mid-century catalog. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0123