As the 1960’s drew to a close, both Seiko’s Suwa and Daini divisions were delivering on greatness through the Grand and King Seiko lines by upstaging everyone, including the Swiss, at their own game in terms of accurate and high quality watch movements. It’s important to remember however, that the KS was only possible due to the advancements made possible through the evolution of its predecessors the Marvel and Lord Marvel lines. Peaking with the 5740C, Seiko’s first true high beat, the hand wound Lord Marvel was ready to lend its name to a fresh line of self-winders by way of the new 56 series movements and thus, Lord Matic was born. Though they’ve never seemed to receive the attention or accolades given to the GS and KS lines, the LM models are equally impressive, and a worthy addition to any collection. Seiko positioned the Lord Matic as a flagship just under GS and KS, and the build quality and attention to detail more than justify that decision. This example from March of 1968 houses the Suwa built 5606. With 25 functional jewels, it hums along at a silky smooth 21,600 bph, offers manual and self-winding, independent quickset of both the day and the date, and hacking seconds. No less impressive is the package built around it. The case is a monocoque style with perfect delivery of Tanaka’s “Grammar of Design” architecture. Flat planes and sharp corners create a low profile, faceted appearance and commanding presence. The dial is a silvery white satin with a “north to south” grain. The hour markers are polished applied baguettes with a black top finish. Both the full day and date windows are trimmed in subtly detailed polished frames. The hour and minute hands are long and tapered swords with black overlay striping, and a slender sweep ticks off the seconds. The knurled crown is positioned at three, and is large enough to easily grip for winding and setting. With more than a half-century under its belt, this watch is in incredible condition. It’s appears to be unpolished save a small touch up on the upper left lug, and completely original aside from a replacement crystal. It winds and sets smoothly, and post service is keeping near perfect time. We’ve paired it with a smooth black leather with white stitching that perfectly complements the dial, and offers a comfortable fit and finish. Clearly comparable in build quality and finish to its KS and GS brethren, the Lord Matic models are quite possibly the best opportunity to own the finest vintage Seiko has to offer, and at a truly bargain price… for the moment.

Kvarnsjo Leather Smooth Black Leather with White Stitch

Serviced 3/2/22

Diameter- 35mm

Lugs- 18mm