Birthday Watch September 1971! Seiko 5601-9000 Lord Matic SUWA 23J Automatic Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Lord Matic
Year of Production: September 1971
Movement: 5601
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Arabic Numerals with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Two-Tone Genuine Leather Strap with Built-In Quick-Release Spring Bars
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.

This is a highly sort-after Collectible for numerous reasons and due to scarcity.

This simple yet very rare egg-white linen finish dial is a joy to behold! And it's dial, black Arabic Numeral indices and black dauphine hands show practically zero signs of aging after a deep cleaning. This is a near mint conditioned watch we have here.

This typical shaped silver case is in near mint condition with its super sharp curves and lines remaining intact. It too was given an ultrasonic cleaning followed by a good buff and most imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape and curves; however there are still miniscule scratches remaining that are almost invisible to the naked eye. The crystal has been replaced and it is spotless.

The crown is original and is located at the 3H position and is easily accessible.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 27 August 2023; hence, it underwent an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the impressive 5601 movement, it has 23 Jewels that operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 161 in a relatively straight line. Such readings are highly 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 expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 36mm (without crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug to lug is 18mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand-new hi-quality two-toned vintage designed genuine leather strap was selected to bring out the best in the dial and case. However, the Buyer has the option to choose a different design and coloured strap from my array of straps should he / she wishes to do so.

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.

This timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in almost perfect 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 1971! 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, and S$ 40.00 to buff such a watch case - 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 egg-white linen finish Seiko Lord Matic in almost mint condition; 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!