1976 Seiko Lord Matic Stardust Dial 5606-8070
Ref: 5606-8070

Specification

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 an original Seiko SQ stainless steel bracelet with a signed folded clasp. The watch is from Circa. July 1976 and is sold in worn, vintage condition, but overall this is in good, original condition for its age as you can see. 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.) established in 1937. Seiko listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory becomes independent and forms 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. 

This 1976 Lord Matic has a 35mm unpolished tonneau case with curved lugs and crisp lines. A slim bezel encircles the domed acrylic crystal that protects the silver stardust textured dial that catches the light as you rotate your wrist, very similar to the snowflake texture found on the Grand Seiko. Slim applied baton indexes for the hour markers and elegant baton hands with lume infill. 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 Seiko SQ stainless steel bracelet instead of a Seiko LM bracelet with a folding clasp.

Personal Note

The stand-out here is clearly that dial, wow! The way it sparkles subtly when on the wrist is fascinating, a real charming watch for not a lot of money at all. We all know Seiko is growing rapidly in collectibility, rightfully so too, so don't hesitate on this as they are becoming harder to find in condition like this.