Birthday Watch September 1973! Seiko 5606-7072 Lord Matic JDM "Kitchen Beauty - Ukiyo-e" SUWA 23J Automatic Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS YOUR BIRTH MONTH AND YEAR

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Lord Matic SUWA "Kitchen Beauty - Ukiyo-e"
Year of Production: September 1973
Movement: 5606
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Baton Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Original Seiko Lord Matic Signed SS Bracelet + Brand New Hi-Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

For those who are unaware of the Seiko Lord Matic's history, please read this short introduction :

"(The) Lord Matic was the mid to high range of automatic watches introduced by Seiko in 1968 and based on the freshly developed 56xx movement. As you might probably know, there was actually two ranges of LM, the one produced by the Suwa factory, based on the 56xx movement and the LM Special introduced a couple of years later by the Daini factory and based on the 52xx movement" ~ Watch & Vintage Magazine.

The Japan Post Co issued an 11-part series of 10 yen stamps celebrating famous ukiyo-e artists between 1956 to 1965. While it is unconfirmed, it most likely was a watchmaker employed by one of the luxury department stores in Japan to use the issued stamps to modify the dial of Seiki Lord-Matic watches between the years 1965 and 1973.

This watch dial is “Kitchen Beauty,” from the series "Ten Classes of Women’s Physiognomy,” by Kitagawa Utamaro published circa 1792.

This beautifully shaped silver case underwent a deep-cleaning and a polish while maintaining its super sexy curves. Most imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape. An original crystal was installed and polished.

The crown is original and is located at the 3H position and is nicely tucked away yet easily accessible.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 7 July 2025; hence, it underwent an overhaul and not a basic service and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the excellent 5606 movement, it has 23 Jewels that operate at 21,600 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of -2 seconds and amplitude of 174 with a relatively straight centered line! Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 37mm (w/o crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 19cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The bracelet is an original Seiko LM signed SS bracelet. It too underwent an ultrasonic cleaning. A brand new hi-quality genuine brown leather strap with silver buckle is also provided as part of the deal.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified thereby it is considered in near MINT condition.

Even though the seals and gaskets are in place, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided shows the watch in near mint condition and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same models in the market, BUT almost all are not in the same quality condition and is well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in September 1973! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

This particular Seiko Lord Matic with "Kitchen Beauty" stamped on the dial is extremely scarce and is valued between S$ 899.00 to 1,623.00 on various auction / online sites from horrible, to un-serviced, to "as is," to refurbished to pristine condition models. New Old Stock (NOS) / Fully Restored models are valued at S$ 2,688.00 thereabouts. Do note that the mentioned prices may / do not include currency conversions, commissions, taxes and freight costs etc.

This overhauled and calibrated timepiece is being sold at S$ 1,357.00 which is extremely reasonable.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 250.00 for an overhaul and an estimate S$ 80.00 to calibrate - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after Collectors Item "Kitchen Beauty" Seiko Lord Matic in stunning condition; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!