Seiko - Lord Matic 幽羽 (Yūba) – Faint Feather - No reserve price - 5606-7070 - Men - 1970

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a quintessential example of Japanese watchmaking from the golden era of the 1970s. Featuring the highly desirable "Water Proof" caseback marking and the innovative monocoque case design, this piece represents the sophisticated engineering that placed the Lord Matic line just beneath King Seiko in the corporate hierarchy. With its sharp case lines, crisp silver dial, and original multi-link bracelet, it is a fantastic find for collectors seeking an authentic piece of Suwa Seikosha history. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7070 Serial Number: 073382 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest aesthetic with visible signs of wear on the case and bracelet consistent with its age, while the dial remains remarkably clean and attractive. Timegrapher results indicate the movement is functioning. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in excellent preservation, retaining a bright and reflective finish. It features applied faceted baton indices with black inlays that match the slender sword-style hands, creating high legibility and a sharp, dressy aesthetic. The day and date window is framed in metal at the three o'clock position. The dial text is crisp, displaying the applied "LM" logo, "Lord Matic 23 Jewels," and the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol above the six o'clock marker. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the distinct monocoque "front-loading" design, confirmed by the "Open Thru Glass" engraving on the back. The case retains its original architectural shape with defined lugs, though there are visible scratches and contact marks on the bezel and case sides commensurate with a life of use. The crystal is clear with some minor aging visible near the perimeter gasket and light surface marks. The caseback inscription remains sharp and legible, proudly displaying the "Water Proof" designation which dates the watch to the earlier production run of this reference. Movement Powering the watch is the Seiko Caliber 5606, a high-grade 23-jewel automatic movement known for its reliability and slender profile. This movement offers both hand-winding and hacking capabilities. The watch is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher readings showing +49 to +56 seconds per day, indicating a healthy mechanism that is beating strongly. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Seiko LM stainless steel bracelet, featuring a complex multi-link geometric design that is characteristic of the Lord Matic series. The clasp is signed with the LM logo. The bracelet fits a wrist size of approximately 18.5 cm and shows moderate stretch and surface wear consistent with the watch head. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the exterior stainless steel components show uniform scratches and signs of wear typical for a 1970 production watch, the integrity of the case shape is preserved. The dial is the highlight, remaining free of significant spotting or damage, offering a clean visual presentation. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that offers a refined presence on the wrist. The lug design and original bracelet integration ensure a comfortable fit typical of Seiko's grammar of design era. Remarks The Reference 5606-7070 is a favorite among enthusiasts for its one-piece case construction which improves water and dust resistance. The presence of the "Water Proof" text on the caseback, rather than the later "Water Resistant," confirms this as a desirable early model from July 1970. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) series was positioned as a high-mid-tier offering, sitting just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. It utilized the sophisticated 5600 series of movements, which were thinner and more advanced than previous iterations, allowing for sleeker case designs. The Lord Matic played a crucial role in Seiko's dominance of the mechanical watch market in the 1970s, offering near-luxury finishing and performance to a wider audience. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1UAN3BK000