Seiko - Lord Matic [Near-Mint] 無音 (Muon) – Soundless - No reserve price - 5606-7000 - Men - 1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a quintessential example of Seiko's "Grammar of Design" era, represented beautifully by this 1969 Seiko Lord Matic. The Lord Matic series was positioned as a high-grade automatic line, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko in the hierarchy, offering exceptional finishing and advanced movements. This specific reference, the 5606-7000, features the highly collectible monocoque "front-loader" case design and the desirable "Waterproof" caseback engraving, marking it as an early production model before the industry switch to "Water Resistant." With its sharp case lines, original bracelet, and stunning silver sunburst dial, this timepiece offers a sophisticated vintage presence on the wrist. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Serial Number: 963892 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Near-mint vintage condition. The watch presents an honest and attractive appearance with visible signs of history on the case and bracelet, while the dial remains remarkably clean and crisp. Dial and Hands The watch features a radiant silver sunburst dial that remains in excellent condition, catching the light beautifully. It is adorned with polished, faceted applied hour markers that feature black inlays for contrast. The baton-style hands mirror this design, creating a cohesive and legible look. A framed day-date window sits at the 3 o'clock position, featuring a desirable Kanji and English day wheel, with Sunday marked in red. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp, and the dial is signed with the Suwa factory whirlpool symbol above the 6 o'clock marker. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case showcases the sharp, angular lines characteristic of Seiko's late 1960s design philosophy. As a monocoque (one-piece) case, it opens through the crystal, a design chosen to improve water resistance and structural integrity. The case shows normal vintage wear with surface scratches and handling marks consistent with its age, but the edges remain defined. The caseback is crisp and clearly displays the "Open Thru Glass" instructions and the vintage "Waterproof" designation. The acrylic crystal is in clear condition with no major distractions. Movement Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement known for its reliability and slim profile. Timegrapher results show the watch running between +48 and +56 seconds per day. Which indicates a healthy movement mechanism that is running strong, though vintage collectors may choose to regulate it for higher precision if desired. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet featuring the correct "LM" signed clasp. The bracelet is comfortable and stylish, completing the authentic vintage look. It fits a wrist size of approximately 18cm. Condition This piece is in excellent near-mint vintage condition. The dial is the highlight, preserved beautifully without noticeable staining or damage. The case and bracelet show honest wear typical of a watch from 1969, with scratches and marks that attest to its history but do not detract from its overall sharp geometry. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that wears slightly larger due to the angular lug design. Remarks This 5606-7000 is a significant reference for collectors due to the "Waterproof" text on the back, which dates it to the earlier years of the Lord Matic production run. The combination of the Kanji day wheel, the monocoque case construction, and the original bracelet makes this a very complete and desirable package for the Seiko enthusiast. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was a massive success for Seiko, bringing high-beat movements and superior case finishing to a broader market. The 5606 movement was a workhorse that also found its way into some Chronometer-grade watches. The Lord Matic series is celebrated today for solidifying Seiko's design language, blending the sharpness of the Tanaka "Grammar of Design" rules with practical, everyday durability. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0068