Seiko - Lord Matic (LM) - No reserve price - 5606-7000 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Here is a remarkable piece of Japanese horological history, a Seiko Lord Matic (LM) from 1973 that perfectly embodies the "Grammar of Design" philosophy prevalent in the era. This particular example is not only aesthetically striking with its sharp, faceted case lines and pristine sunburst dial but also carries significant provenance. The caseback features a special commemorative engraving from the President of the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation (NTT), dated 1973, marking it as a distinguished award watch. Powered by the high-grade 5606 movement and housed in a unique "front-loader" monocoque case, this timepiece offers a blend of collectible history, robust engineering, and timeless style. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic (LM) Reference Number: 5606-7000 Serial Number: 355468 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with sharp case edges and a clean dial. Timegrapher readings show approximately +15 to +21 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Dial and Hands The watch features a sophisticated silver sunburst dial that remains in exceptional condition, reflecting light beautifully. It is adorned with sleek, applied silver baton indices and matching slender hands, creating a minimalist and highly legible display. The dial is signed with the applied "SEIKO" logo at 12 o'clock and the "LM" logo above the 6 o'clock position, along with the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a bilingual English and Kanji date wheel, adding to its JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) appeal. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is a standout feature, showcasing the sharp, geometric lines and faceted lugs characteristic of Seiko's premium 1970s design language. The case edges remain well-defined, preserving the original architectural profile. This reference utilizes a monocoque "front-loading" construction, as indicated by the "OPEN THRU GLASS" text on the back, which enhances water resistance and structural integrity. The crystal is clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 25-jewel movement was a distinct step up from the base models of the time, known for its slim profile and reliability. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results showing +15 to +21 seconds per day. Strap The watch has been paired with a high-quality black leather strap featuring decorative contrasting stitching in white and brown. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch, making it ready to wear immediately. Condition This Lord Matic is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is remarkably clean, free from significant spotting or patina. The case shows honest signs of light wear consistent with its age but retains its original sharp geometry without signs of over-polishing. The unique engraving on the caseback is crisp and fully legible. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that sits comfortably on the wrist and slides easily under a cuff. Remarks This watch features a fascinating caseback inscription in Kanji: "賞 1973 日本電信電話公社総裁" which translates to "Award 1973, President of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation." This indicates the watch was originally presented as a formal award or commendation within Japan's major telecommunications body, adding a layer of tangible history and collector interest to the piece. History Introduced in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic line was positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines, offering high-end automatic movements in sophisticated cases. The LM series was instrumental in bringing high-quality automatic watches to the Japanese professional class. The 5606 movement inside this watch was a foundational caliber for Seiko, serving as the base for many higher-end chronometer-grade movements of the period. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI14SUTKG000