Seiko Lord Matic 静銀 (Seigin) 5606-7140 (1970)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic represents the golden era of Japanese watchmaking, offering a sophisticated blend of sharp "Grammar of Design" aesthetics and high-grade mechanical engineering. Produced in June of 1970, this specific reference 5606-7140 features the desirable "Waterproof" caseback marking, a detail found only on earlier production models before the industry shifted to "Water Resistant" terminology. With its original bracelet and clean silver dial, this timepiece is a fantastic timepiece to aquire, sitting comfortably between the standard lineup and the high-end King Seiko models of the period. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7140 Serial Number: 063224 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest vintage aesthetic with visible wear to the case and hands, yet retains a sharp, attractive dial and strong overall presence. Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, radiating from the center. It is adorned with applied silver baton indices with black inserts, matching the design of the hands for excellent legibility. The date and day aperture at the three o'clock position is elegantly framed in metal, adding a touch of refinement. The dial itself remains in very good condition with crisp printing of the "Lord Matic" and "23 Jewels" text. The hands show signs of oxidation and aging consistent with the age of the piece, adding to its vintage character. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the distinct cushion shape typical of the early 1970s, characterized by brushed upper surfaces and polished sides. The case lines remain relatively defined, though there are visible surface scratches and contact marks throughout, indicating a life well-lived. The crown is recessed slightly into the case, maintaining the sleek profile. The caseback features the clear and desirable "Waterproof" engraving along with the reference and serial numbers, which are deep and legible. The crystal appears clear with minor signs of use. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement that was a workhorse of the era, known for its hacking and hand-winding capabilities. The movement is currently functional. Timegrapher results indicate a daily deviation of approximately +37 to +41 seconds per day, suggesting a functioning running movement. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, featuring the distinct "LM" signed clasp. The bracelet complements the case design perfectly and adds significant collector value to the package. It exhibits normal stretch and surface wear consistent with the watch head. Condition This piece is graded in Good vintage condition. While the case shows scratches and the hands display visible patina and oxidation, the dial remains clean and attractive. It is an honest, unpolished example that wears its history openly. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that offers a comfortable and proportionate fit on most wrists. The lug-to-lug distance and cushion shape ensure it has a substantial presence without being overbearing. Remarks The Lord Matic series is often celebrated by collectors as offering one of the best value propositions in vintage Seiko collecting. It utilized movements that were shared with higher-tier King Seiko and Grand Seiko models, simply regulated to different standards. This particular example, with its verified 1970 production date and "Waterproof" stamping, serves as a charming artifact from a pivotal time in Seiko's history. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned as a mid-tier offering that brought high-end design and automatic movements to a broader audience. It was a massive commercial success for Seiko and helped solidify their dominance in the 1970s. The 5606 movement inside was so reliable and well-engineered that it remained in production for many years, serving as the foundation for some of Seiko's most accurate chronometers of the era. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0091