1970 Seiko Lordmatic 5601-9000
Ref: 5601-9000

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Seiko box or original Seiko paperwork. The watch comes paired on an aftermarket Suede grey Leather strap. The watch is from January 1970 and therefore is showing signs of wear as you would expect, however, overall is in very good condition for its age. There is an engraving on the case back as photographed. The watch is running fantastically well and comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Seiko introduced the Lordmatic in 1968 from their Suwa Seikosha and Daini factories. The Suwa factory used the 5601A, 5605A, 5606A, and 5619A movements from 1968 to 1974. The movements had either 23 or 25 jewels, 21,600 BPH. The Daini Factory made use of the 5106 movement which was in production from 1967 to 1970 and was used in the Seikomatic-p. It had 33 jewels at 19,800 BPH. The 5146 was used in the Presmatic and had 27 or 30 jewels and was a 28,800 BPH movement. In the Daini Factories the 52xx movements replaced the 51xx movements. The 5206 movement was in production from 1970-1976.  They were either 23 or 25 jewels, 28,800 BPH and were used in their King Seiko line. The factory rivalry took Seiko from just a Japanese watch manufacturer to the very cutting edge of horological innovation, competing with, and often beating, the best the Swiss could offer. This 1970 Lord Matic has a 36mm unpolished case with beveled lugs and crisp lines. A beveled bezel encircles the domed acrylic crystal that protects a white dial with a subtle vertical line pattern, slim applied baton indexes for the hour markers, and elegant Dauphine hands with chamfered edges. On the case back we have an inscription in Mandarin which says “20th Anniversary-Completed Construction of New Factory- To Commemorate”. The case is a monocoque design cast from a single block of steel. This means to access the movement you have to pop the crystal from the front with a special tool. Inside we have an Automatic Seiko Cal. 5601 23 Jewels 21600 Beats per Hour. Fitted on a quick-release grey leather 18mm strap.

Personal Note

I always seem to have a few Seiko Lordmatics and Lordmarvels around when possible, beautifully designed, great on the wrist, and affordable for most! That is exactly what Seiko does well and this is a testament to that, the dial features an incredibly subtle vertically grained texture as seen in the macro shots.