Collectible Japan National Railways Circa 1969! Seiko 5606-7000 Lord Matic SUWA 23J Automatic Watch (OH)

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Lord Matic
Year of Production: Circa 1968 / 1969
Movement: 5606
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Gold-Plated Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Lug to Lug Height: 40mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Original Bambi Gold-Plated SS Bracelet
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

Seiko was contracted by the Japanese National Railway to produce commemorative watches for their outstanding employees during a 10 year period circa 1968 to 1978.

From all relevant information gathered, this timepiece was produced in 1968-1969 but there is no formal proof of this statement. This is a highly sort after JDM collectible in near mint condition.

Notice that these "Railway" timepieces do not have a serial number, and the earliest models came with a gold-plated Bambi Milanese Mesh Bracelet because Seiko only began producing Seiko bracelets for their main range of watches in the late 60s for certain models.

This exquisite timepiece brings retro and sexiness to a different level! It's original silvery-white dial, 3D gold-plated indices, window for the date / day, and dauphine hands show practically zero signs of aging after a good clean-up. This is a near mint conditioned watch we have here.

The unique but typical LM gold-plated case and bracelet had undergone a painstaking cleaning process via ultrasonic immersion and almost all imperfection (if any) have been meticulously removed. There may be a few hairline scratches remaining but are almost invisible to the naked eye. Do note that the brushed finishing effect remains as per original and the edges are clearly defined; hence super original in looks and feel. The crystal is plexiglass and was given a good rub and is almost spotless now.

The unsigned crown is original and is located at the 3H position and is easily accessible. The date / day quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the crown to the first level to adjust the date and day via clockwise or counterclockwise. The time is adjusted by pulling the crown out to the second level. Do note that many LM Day / Date models suffer from damage to the day / date quick set, but this baby works perfectly.

Because it is a JDM model, the day is in English and Kanji, cool!

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 22 October 2023. Hence, it was given a proper overhaul instead of a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the 5606 movement, it has 23 Jewels that operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent longevity and accuracy. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows superb readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 275 with a super straight and centered line! Such readings are highly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance of -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, and of course the meticulous care provided over the years.

The case width and height are approximately 36mm (with crown) and 40mm respectively. The lug-width is 19mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

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

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in excellent 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, so a simple after-market box / pouch will be provided.

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. Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean and polish including tightening of bracelet links - 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 Japan Railway Collectible; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

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