Vintage Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7070 Automatic 1972 Serviced UK Warranty

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Lord Matic 5606-7070
Movement: Seiko calibre 5606 automatic, 23 jewels
Age: June 1972
Case Size: 37mm
Case Thickness: 10mm
Lug to Lug: 42mm
Lugs: 18mm
Condition: Used vintage watch
Box and Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: 12-month UK warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with light wear from use
  
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Sunburst dial
• English and Kanji day wheel
• Fully serviced automatic movement with upgraded metal working quickset
  
• Paired with an unworn black leather strap

THE WATCH

The Lord Matic was a watch for people who wanted something a little better for the working week, without reaching for King Seiko. In the early 1970s Seiko gave the range an accomplished automatic movement and case designs with real character. That's why the models are still so interesting: somebody took the trouble to make an everyday watch feel considered.

This 5606-7070 has a deceptively calm face. The dark-centred markers give the silver dial definition, while the shaped case adds a little boldness around it. It's a pleasing combination of the familiar and the distinctly seventies, with nothing that needs explaining before you can appreciate it.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

In February 1972, a few months before this Lord Matic was made, Seiko timed the Sapporo Winter Olympics. The scale of the task was extraordinary: 583 timing devices, around 100 kilometres of cable and back-up systems in case the electronics failed. The equipment had to work through the severe cold of a Japanese winter. At almost the same moment, Seiko was making watches like this one to keep track of much more ordinary days. Two very different challenges for the same watchmaking company.

OUR THOUGHTS

We're fond of Seikos that seem made to become part of someone's routine rather than a special-occasion choice. This has the sort of clear silver face you'd enjoy glancing at through the week, while the shaped case makes it worth another look when you have a moment. It doesn't set out to impress the room. The reward is much more personal: a nicely judged mechanical watch that you'll notice on your own wrist.