Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7000 - Men - 1968

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional timepiece represents a golden era of Japanese horology, embodying the sophisticated design language and mechanical ambition that defined Seiko in the late 1960s. Positioned as a premium offering for the discerning professional, this model delivers an elegant synthesis of sharp architectural case lines and a highly refined dial layout. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of vintage Seiko, offering a compelling blend of dress watch elegance and robust daily wearability. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Serial Number: 882496 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606, 23 Jewels Dial: Clean silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, presenting in near-mint condition with no visible blemishes Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably clean dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this timepiece is a masterclass in mid-century legibility and restraint, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, faceted silver-tone baton indices, each featuring a distinct black central channel that enhances contrast and readability. The typography is crisp and precise, with an applied Seiko logo and the iconic Suwa Seikosha factory symbol positioned above the six o'clock marker. A highly legible, framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. The dauphine-style hands perfectly mirror the design of the indices, complete with matching black central striping and a slender sweep seconds hand. Crucially, the dial remains in near-mint condition, showing an exceptionally clean surface free from moisture marks, spotting, UV degradation, or edge wear, making it a truly premium example for the discerning collector. Case and Crystal The 36-millimeter stainless steel case showcases the celebrated geometric styling of the era, defined by its flat, aggressively angled lugs and a seamless transition between brushed upper surfaces and polished flanks. The case retains its sharp factory lines and chamfers, avoiding the over-polished appearance often found in watches of this vintage. It features a sophisticated front-loading, one-piece case design intended to improve water resistance, with the caseback clearly engraved with all factory specifications, the Suwa logo, and the serial number. The watch is fitted with a clear, domed acrylic crystal that provides a warm, distortion-free view of the dial beneath. The case exhibits only honest, light handling marks and superficial surface wear entirely consistent with careful use over the decades. Movement The watch is powered by the highly regarded Seiko caliber 5606 automatic movement, an advanced 23-jewel mechanism known for its day-date complication and refined architecture. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results indicate a strong performance of +14 to +18 seconds per day. Strap Complementing the vintage aesthetic is a handsome, heavily textured brown leather strap featuring contrasting tan edge stitching. The strap conforms comfortably to the wrist and is secured with a classic polished stainless steel pin buckle, perfectly bridging the gap between casual and formal wear. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally preserved, standing out as a near-mint example with no visible flaws or degradation. The stainless steel case retains its sharp architectural lines and original finishing contrasts, showing only light, age-consistent handling marks. The crystal is clear, and the caseback engravings remain deep and highly legible. Dimensions The case measures 36 millimeters in diameter, excluding the winding crown. Remarks A quintessential example of late 1960s Seiko design, this Lord Matic offers a sophisticated blend of dress and everyday appeal. Its highly legible, immaculate dial and sharp case architecture make it a versatile and highly desirable addition to any serious vintage watch collection. History Introduced in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic line was positioned strategically just below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko tiers, utilizing the highly capable 5600 series of movements. These watches were designed for the ambitious professional, offering advanced features such as hacking seconds and quickset day-date functions in a remarkably slim profile. The 5606-7000 reference perfectly encapsulates Seiko's evolving "Grammar of Design" ethos, characterized by flat surfaces, sharp angles, and an emphasis on the interplay between light and shadow. Today, the Lord Matic is celebrated by collectors as one of the most mechanically impressive and aesthetically pleasing vintage Seiko models of its decade. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLL-0011