Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7000 - Men - 1971

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This remarkable Seiko Lord Matic carries with it a tangible piece of Japanese industrial history, distinguished by a rare presentation engraving from the President of the Japanese National Railways. Beyond its fascinating provenance, the watch presents a captivating visual contrast. While the gold-plated case bears the honest, heavy wear of a timepiece that was proudly worn daily by its decorated recipient, the dial has remained incredibly preserved, offering a flawless, radiant sunburst display. This is a true collector’s artifact, blending the sophisticated engineering of the 56-series caliber with a deeply personal historical narrative. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Serial Number: 170126 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone furniture, presenting in stunning, flawless condition with no visible marks or blemishes Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) with Stainless Steel Caseback Production Year: 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition with an exceptionally preserved dial and honest plating wear to the case Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in mid-century Seiko design, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. It remains in breathtakingly pristine condition, completely free from spots, stains, moisture marks, or surface degradation. The dial furniture is intricate and impeccably preserved, featuring applied gold-tone faceted indices with precise black central stripes, double-baton at the twelve o'clock position. The applied gold-tone Seiko and LM logos stand proud against the sunburst texture, while the printed text, including the Suwa factory symbol, remains perfectly crisp. The day-date aperture at three o'clock is framed by an applied gold-tone window, displaying a dual-language Kanji and English calendar. The original gold-tone dauphine hands feature matching black central stripes and are in excellent condition, sweeping above the dial alongside a slender gold-tone seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 36 millimeter case features the distinctive architecture of the 7000 series, characterized by hooded lugs and a seamless transition from the flat upper surfaces to the polished case flanks. The Seiko Gold Plated case exhibits significant, honest wear consistent with decades of dedicated use. The gold plating has worn through along the sharp edges of the lugs, the bezel perimeter, and the case corners, revealing the base metal beneath and creating a heavily patinated, brassy aesthetic. Scratches and handling marks are visible throughout the case surfaces. The watch is fitted with a domed crystal that perfectly magnifies the pristine dial beneath, showing clear and free of major distracting scratches. The stainless steel caseback is a standout feature, bearing a deeply engraved Japanese presentation inscription honoring a Merit Award from the President of the Japanese National Railways, alongside the factory Seiko markings and serial numbers. Movement Inside the case beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement, featuring 23 jewels and a day-date complication. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a rate of -50 to -55 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed texture and contrasting gold-tone stitching. This strap perfectly complements the gold-tone dial furniture and case remnants, securing to the wrist with a classic gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition, defined by the striking dichotomy between its interior and exterior. The dial and hands are preserved in stunning, near-mint condition, offering a flawless visual experience under the crystal. Conversely, the gold-plated case shows heavy, honest vintage wear, with significant plating loss, edge softening, and surface scratches. This wear is historically consistent with a cherished presentation watch that saw extensive daily use. Dimensions 36 mm case width excluding the crown. Remarks Presentation watches from major Japanese institutions like the Japanese National Railways are highly sought after by dedicated Seiko collectors. The combination of the JNR engraving, the robust 5606 caliber, and the absolutely pristine condition of the dial makes this Lord Matic a compelling acquisition for those who value both horological quality and historical provenance. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was positioned strictly for the discerning mid-tier luxury market, sitting proudly just below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections. The LM series was instrumental in popularizing Seiko's advanced 56-series automatic movements, which were celebrated for their slim profile, reliability, and sophisticated day-date mechanisms. Often chosen as corporate gifts and presentation awards due to their elegant styling and dependable engineering, Lord Matic watches remain a testament to Seiko's golden era of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-ALJ-0029