Seiko - Lord Matic 幽環 (Yūkan) – Ethereal Circle - No reserve price - 5606-7000 - Men - 1968

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This distinguished 1968 Seiko Lord Matic represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, combining the sharp "Grammar of Design" case aesthetics with a sophisticated high-grade automatic movement. Positioned historically just below King Seiko in the hierarchy, this reference 5606-7000 features a highly desirable unibody "front loader" case design and a pristine silver sunburst dial. With its Kanji and English day wheel and "Water Proof" caseback marking—indicating early production before the industry shift to "Water Resistant"—this timepiece offers collectors a blend of horological history and timeless style. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Serial Number: 872736 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver sunburst dial that remains in attractive condition, capturing the light beautifully. It is adorned with polished, applied baton indices and the applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos, adding depth and texture to the face. The hands are sharp and legible, maintaining their original finish. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring the desirable alternating English and Kanji day wheel, a signature trait of domestic Japanese models. The text "Lord Matic 25 Jewels" and the Suwa Seikosha logo are crisp and clearly defined. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is a standout feature, utilizing Seiko's "Open Thru Glass" monocoque construction which eliminates the traditional caseback opening to improve water resistance and structural integrity. The case preserves its sharp, faceted lugs and distinctive geometry, though it shows visible surface scratches and signs of wear consistent with its age and use. The acrylic crystal is clear but shows some crazing and light marks when viewed at specific angles. The back of the case features the deep "Horseshoe" style engraving with clear "Water Proof" text, confirming its early production date. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement, a 25-jewel engine known for its reliability and slim profile. This movement allows for both hand-winding and hacking seconds, performing within vintage tolerances and offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a stainless steel multi-link bracelet that complements the vintage aesthetic perfectly. It features a signed Seiko clasp and exhibits wear and stretch consistent with the watch head. The bracelet is sized to fit a wrist circumference of approximately 18cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case and bracelet show honest wear in the form of scratches and handling marks accumulated over decades, the watch retains its original structural integrity and sharp lines. The dial is the highlight, remaining clean and well-preserved. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic dress watch proportion that sits comfortably on the wrist. Remarks This specific reference 5606-7000 is particularly collectible due to the "Water Proof" inscription on the caseback, a marking that was phased out in the very early 1970s. Combined with the "Open Thru Glass" unibody construction and the functional English/Kanji day wheel, this Lord Matic offers a compelling mix of technical interest and vintage charm. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was Seiko's mid-tier offering, sitting comfortably between the everyday automatic models and the high-end Grand and King Seiko lines. The 5606 movement inside was a technical marvel of its time, offering a thin profile that allowed for elegant case designs. These watches were instrumental in establishing Seiko's reputation for producing high-quality, accurate mechanical watches that could compete with Swiss counterparts on the global stage. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0010