Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7010 - Men - 1970

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic represents a golden era of Japanese horology, serving as the sophisticated bridge between the accessible Seiko 5 line and the elite Grand Seiko and King Seiko families. Introduced in the late 1960s, the LM series utilized the highly capable 56-series movement, a caliber family so robust and refined that it formed the foundation for Seiko's highest-tier chronometers of the period. This particular example perfectly encapsulates Seiko’s "Grammar of Design" ethos, featuring a brilliantly sharp case profile, a mesmerizing textured dial, and an undeniable presence on the wrist that rivals watches at much higher price points. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7010 Serial Number: 033926 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606, 23 Jewels Dial: Vertical brushed silver dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a highly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a study in refined mid-century Japanese design, featuring a spectacular vertical hairline brushed finish that catches and plays with the light beautifully. The surface is exceptionally clean, completely free of moisture spots, stains, or print loss, presenting a stunning silver-grey metallic sheen. It is adorned with highly polished, faceted applied baton indices, each featuring a crisp black central channel that enhances legibility. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos stand proud of the dial surface, while the "LORD MATIC", "23 JEWELS", and the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol are printed with perfect precision. At the three o'clock position, a stepped metallic aperture frames the day and date wheels, offering the desirable dual-language English and Kanji day display. The polished dauphine hands feature matching black central stripes and exhibit only very light, age-consistent surface aging visible strictly under high-magnification macro inspection, remaining visually striking to the naked eye. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case showcases Taro Tanaka’s legendary design language, characterized by broad, flat lugs and sharp, angular transitions. The top surfaces of the lugs retain their factory-style brushing, which transitions abruptly into highly polished case flanks, creating a dynamic visual profile. The case remains in excellent vintage condition, displaying honest, light superficial scratches and handling marks commensurate with careful wear over the decades, without showing signs of heavy or careless polishing. The sharp lug profiles and crisp edges remain beautifully defined. The watch features a distinctive front-loading case architecture, as noted by the factory "OPEN THRU GLASS" engraving on the reverse. The solid stainless steel caseback is remarkably well-preserved, with deep, legible engravings including the pre-1971 "Waterproof" designation and the serial number. The crystal sits cleanly above the polished bezel, presenting a clear, unobstructed view of the dial with no significant scratches or distracting marks. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement renowned for its reliability and sophisticated engineering, which includes hand-winding and hacking capabilities. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results show an impressive +6 to +10 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodilian pattern and contrasting white perimeter stitching. This strap pairs exceptionally well with the monochromatic silver and black aesthetic of the dial. It is secured with a classic polished stainless steel pin buckle and shows minimal signs of wear, remaining supple and ready for immediate use. Condition This Lord Matic is presented in excellent vintage condition. It is a wonderfully honest and highly original surviving example that has been treated with respect. The dial is the undeniable star, remaining virtually flawless, while the case retains the sharp, architectural geometry that collectors demand from vintage Seiko. The light surface wear on the polished case flanks is entirely consistent with its age and adds to the authentic vintage charm of the piece. The movement's outstanding timegrapher performance further elevates this watch into the realm of premium collector-grade examples. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a versatile 37 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The lug width accommodates standard 18 mm straps, allowing for versatile styling options. Remarks Finding a vintage Seiko Lord Matic with a dial and case preserved to this standard is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the vertical brushed silver dial, the sharp "Grammar of Design" case, and the highly desirable Kanji day wheel makes this an exceptional acquisition. It is a timepiece that offers immense historical value and timeless aesthetic appeal, perfectly suited for both the seasoned Seiko collector and the vintage enthusiast looking for an elegant daily wearer. History Launched in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned strategically beneath King Seiko and Grand Seiko, yet it shared much of the same horological DNA. The 56-series movement inside the LM was a marvel of Seiko's automated manufacturing prowess, eventually being tuned to chronometer standards for the higher-tier lines. The Lord Matic was heavily marketed toward the ambitious Japanese salaryman, offering premium features like the day-date complication, hacking seconds, and sophisticated case designs. Today, the LM series is celebrated by collectors as one of the greatest value propositions in vintage watchmaking, offering true in-house mechanical pedigree and iconic design language. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LXX-0038