1974 Seiko LordMatic Square Automatic on Bracelet
Ref: 5606-6020

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Seiko box or paperwork. The watch comes paired on its original full-size Seiko LM signed stainless steel bracelet with its signed clasp. The watch is from Circa. August 1974 and is sold in worn, vintage condition. The watch comes with our 12-Months Non-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892 Seikosha was established making wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch. 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924 the first Seiko was manufactured. Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) was established in 1937. Seiko was listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959).

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. 

Here we have a 1974 Seiko LordMatic with a 33.5mm unpolished square case with sloping angled lugs and crisp lines. The lug to lug length of 43mm and a case thickness of just 9mm ensures a comfortable fit on your wrist. A slim polished bezel encircles the domed acrylic crystal that protects the silver dial. An outer minute track is precisely executed with lume pips at the hours. Slim applied baton indexes for the hour markers and sword hands with luminance strips. Bevel edges catch the light as you rotate your wrist. At 3 o’clock a framed day/date. On the reverse, a screw-down case back. Inside we have an Automatic Seiko Cal. 5606, 23 jewels, 21,600 beats per hour. Fitted on a full-size 18mm Seiko LM stainless steel bracelet with a signed folding clasp.

Personal Note

I have never seen this model before and when I saw it I had to own it, it's taken me a little while to bring it to the site as I did totally enjoy it for a little while! The dial is almost impossible to capture but it has a glisten of pink/oily tones, almost imitating a very faint mother of pearl, one to come in and see for yourself as it'll likely push you over the edge to own it as it did me!