Seiko - Lord Matic 月華 – Gekka – Moon Blossom - No reserve price - 5606-7080 - Men - 1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage An exceptional example of Seiko’s Golden Era design, this Lord Matic features the highly desirable monocoque case construction and the collectible "Waterproof" caseback designation, marking it as an early production model. With its crisp silver sunburst dial and original LM-signed bracelet, this timepiece perfectly embodies the "Grammar of Design" philosophy that elevated Seiko to a global powerhouse in the late 1960s. The 5606 movement inside is renowned for its reliability and was the base for many high-grade chronometers of the period, making this a stylish and historically significant choice for the collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7080 Serial Number: 939965 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest vintage aesthetic with visible wear to the case and bracelet consistent with age, while the dial remains in excellent preservation. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in remarkable condition, retaining a bright and metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. It features slender, applied baton indices with black inlays that match the hands, providing high contrast and legibility. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and polished. A framed day-date window sits at the three o'clock position, and the dial is signed with the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol above six o'clock. The lume plots have aged to a creamy patina, adding vintage character. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the distinct monocoque "front-loading" design, which eliminates the traditional caseback opening to improve water resistance and structural integrity. The case shows general surface scratches and signs of use throughout, typical for a watch of this era, but the case geometry remains strong. The reverse of the case features the highly desirable "Waterproof" engraving, which dates this piece to the pre-1970 nomenclature change, along with the instructions "Open Thru Glass - Push Set Lever - Pull Stem." Movement Powered by the robust Seiko Caliber 5606, this 23-jewel automatic movement is a high-grade engine that offers hand-winding and hacking capabilities. It is a movement celebrated for its slim profile and engineering quality. The watch is running within vintage tolerances and offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, featuring the correct "LM" signed folding clasp. The bracelet is comfortable and completes the period-correct look of the watch. It is currently sized to fit a wrist of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case and bezel show scratches and dings from decades of wear, giving it an honest and unpolished appearance. The crystal shows some surface marks but remains clear enough to enjoy the dial. The dial itself is the highlight, preserved in excellent condition with no visible staining or damage. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic dress watch presence that works well on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This specific reference 5606-7080 is notable for its one-piece case construction, a feature often reserved for higher-end Seikos of the period to ensure better sealing against the elements. The presence of the "Waterproof" text rather than "Water Resistant" confirms its production in the late 1960s, adding a layer of collectibility for enthusiasts of Japanese horology. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned just below King Seiko and Grand Seiko, offering high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated finishing to the upwardly mobile Japanese public. The 5606 caliber became one of Seiko's most ubiquitous and successful movements, serving as the foundation for the brand's mechanical resurgence. This 1969 example hails from the very peak of Seiko's mechanical innovation period, just months before the release of the Quartz Astron. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLL-0020