Seiko Lord Matic 雪影 – Yukikage 5606-7140 (1971)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage Reflecting the golden era of Japanese watchmaking, this Seiko Lord Matic represents the perfect intersection of style, innovation, and durability. Produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below the King Seiko, offering high-beat precision and sophisticated design to the upwardly mobile gentleman of the 1970s. This specific reference 5606-7140 features a charming cushion-style case and a dial that displays honest vintage aging, making it a piece rich with character and history. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7140 Serial Number: 141619 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver sunburst with patina Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition Dial and Hands The dial features a silver sunburst finish that has developed a distinct and visible patina, particularly around the center pinion and outer edges, which gives the watch a true vintage aesthetic. It features applied silver baton indices with black inlays, matching the slender sword-style hands. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos remain crisp. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a bilingual English and Kanji calendar wheel, adding to its desirability for collectors. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the iconic 1970s "C-shape" or cushion design, providing a substantial presence on the wrist despite the classic 36mm diameter. The case shows normal signs of use including surface scratches and handling marks consistent with its age, but retains strong lines. The caseback is distinct, marked "Open Thru Glass," indicating a monocoque-style front-loading design for improved water resistance. The crystal is in presentable condition. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606, an automatic movement known for its slim profile and reliability. This high-grade movement offers both hacking and hand-winding capabilities. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of +59 to +68 seconds per day, which indicates a running movement that preserves vintage functionality. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern. The strap is in good condition, soft and pliable, and complements the silver tones of the case and dial perfectly. It is finished with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The main focus is on the dial, which shows evident oxidation and patina spots, often sought after by collectors who prefer untouched, original components. The case remains unpolished with defined edges, showing wear appropriate for a watch from 1971. The movement is running and functioning. Dimensions Case diameter: 36 mm Lug width: 19 mm Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7140 is a quintessential example of Seiko's "Grammar of Design" influence during the early 1970s. While many examples have been polished or redialed, this piece retains its original honest character. It serves as a fantastic entry point into vintage Japanese collecting or a charming daily wearer for those who appreciate the wabi-sabi of a life well-lived. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic series was a substantial commercial success for Seiko, serving as the successor to the Lord Marvel line. It was designed to offer a thin, high-quality automatic watch to the mid-tier market. The Caliber 5606 movement inside was so well-engineered that it served as the base for many chronometer-grade movements of the era. The Lord Matic helped solidify Seiko's reputation for manufacturing high-quality mechanical watches that could compete globally. /Second Vintage SKU: SEI1X7HW6Q000