Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7190 (1971)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic stands as a testament to the brand's golden era of mechanical watchmaking, offering a perfect blend of sophisticated design and robust engineering. Positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines, the Lord Matic was designed for the discerning professional, featuring the highly regarded 5600 series movements. This particular example is truly captivating, distinguished by a mesmerizing deep blue dial that shifts beautifully in the light. Encased in a classic stainless steel front-loading architecture, it represents the pinnacle of 1970s Japanese horological elegance, making it an outstanding addition to any serious vintage collection. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7190 Serial Number: 103177 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606, 23 Jewels Dial: Deep blue sunburst, applied silver-tone indices, exceptionally clean and free of spots or damage Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The centerpiece of this timepiece is its striking deep blue dial, which radiates a subtle sunburst texture that catches the light from every angle. The dial furniture is executed with precision, featuring applied silver-tone faceted baton indices that provide excellent depth and contrast. The applied silver "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and prominent, positioned above the cleanly printed "LORD MATIC 23 JEWELS" text and the classic Suwa Seikosha symbol. At the three o'clock position, a framed day-date aperture displays the calendar complications clearly. Carefully inspecting the dial reveals an exceptionally well-preserved surface; it remains remarkably clean, entirely free from spots, stains, moisture marks, discoloration, or print loss. The silver-tone faceted dauphine hands are sharp and highly polished, complemented by a slender sweeping seconds hand, all of which remain free from oxidation or deterioration. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case showcases classic 1970s Seiko geometry, featuring smoothly integrated lugs and a refined profile. The case retains strong lines and distinct transitions between its brushed and polished surfaces, exhibiting honest, age-consistent handling marks and light surface scratches that confirm its unpolished, original character. The smooth polished bezel frames the dial perfectly, showing normal signs of wear without any deep gouges or distracting impacts. The watch is fitted with a clear domed crystal that protects the dial beautifully, showing no major scratches or chips. Turning the watch over reveals a solid caseback engraved with "OPEN THRU GLASS", indicating its specialized front-loading monocoque-style construction designed to enhance water resistance. The caseback engravings, including the reference number, serial number, and Suwa logo, remain crisp and fully legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement, featuring 23 jewels. Known for its reliability and sophisticated architecture, this caliber was a staple of the Lord Matic line, offering hacking seconds and a quickset day-date function. The movement is securely housed within the front-loading case, protected from the elements. Strap The watch is presented on a handsome period-correct black leather strap featuring a crocodile grain texture. Adding a subtle touch of modern flair, the strap is detailed with contrasting blue stitching that perfectly complements the deep blue tones of the dial. It is secured with a standard stainless steel tang buckle and shows minimal signs of wear. Condition This Seiko Lord Matic is in excellent vintage condition. The case remains robust and displays an attractive, honest patina of light handling marks consistent with careful use over the decades. The standout feature is undoubtedly the dial, which has been preserved in near-mint condition, showing no signs of age-related degradation, moisture intrusion, or spotting. The hands and applied markers are equally pristine. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 37 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, offering a highly versatile and classic proportion that wears exceptionally well on the modern wrist. Remarks Finding a vintage Lord Matic with a colored dial in this state of preservation is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the flawless deep blue dial, the sharp applied indices, and the dependable 5600 series movement makes this an incredibly appealing piece. It is a watch that transitions effortlessly from formal attire to casual daily wear, offering the wearer a tangible piece of Seiko's rich design heritage. History Introduced in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) series was created to serve as a premium offering for the everyday professional. Sitting proudly alongside the King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections, the LM line utilized the same base 5600 series automatic calibers, bringing high-beat precision and advanced features to a broader audience. The Lord Matic watches were heavily featured in Seiko's domestic catalogs throughout the early 1970s and were celebrated for their diverse case designs and striking dial variations. Today, the Lord Matic is highly respected by vintage enthusiasts for its exceptional build quality, historical significance, and enduring aesthetic appeal. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLX-0052