Seiko - Lord Matic 雨音 (Amaoto) – Sound of Rain - No reserve price - 5606-7070 - Men - 1968

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a superb example of the Seiko Lord Matic, a model line that represented the sophisticated mid-tier of Seiko's lineup during the golden era of the late 1960s. Positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko ranges, the Lord Matic offers exceptional finishing and movement quality that rivals its higher-priced siblings. This specific reference features the desirable "Water Proof" caseback, dating it to the very beginning of the Lord Matic production run, making it a significant piece for collectors who appreciate early iterations of iconic designs. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7070 Serial Number: 8N1502 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: November 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with a very clean dial and a sharp case, indicating careful ownership over the decades. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in outstanding condition and catches the light beautifully. It features sharp applied baton indices with black inlays that provide excellent contrast and legibility. The dauphine-style hands match the indices perfectly with their own black striping. The dial text is crisp, featuring the applied "Seiko" and "LM" logos, along with the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol above six o'clock. A framed day-date window sits at three o'clock, featuring a bilingual day wheel with both English and Kanji characters. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 37mm and retains its distinct vintage geometry with sharp lines and defined lugs. This is the reference 5606-7070 which features a unique "Open Thru Glass" monocoque-style front-loading design, as inscribed on the caseback, intended to increase water resistance. The caseback clearly displays the "Water Proof" engraving, a detail only found on early models before the industry shift to "Water Resistant" in the early 1970s. The surfaces show light wear consistent with a well-cared-for vintage piece, and the crystal is clear. Movement Powering the watch is the high-grade Caliber 5606 automatic movement, a 25-jewel engine that was a pillar of Seiko's mechanical prowess in this era. The movement features hacking capabilities and a quick-set day and date function. Current testing shows a deviation of -21s to -30s/day which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the monochrome aesthetic of the silver dial and steel case perfectly, giving the watch a sporty yet dressy appearance suitable for daily wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is free of staining or significant aging, maintaining a bright and clean appearance. The case retains its original architectural shape without signs of over-polishing. The inscriptions on the back are deep and fully legible. It is a genuine example of a 1960s dress watch that has been preserved with care. Dimensions The case diameter is 37 mm excluding the crown, which was a contemporary size for the late 1960s and offers a perfect classic proportion on the modern wrist. The lug design ensures a comfortable fit, making it substantially present without being overbearing. Remarks The Lord Matic 5606-7070 is often cited as one of the best value propositions in the world of vintage horology. It combines the "Grammar of Design" case aesthetics popularized by Tanaka with a robust high-beat era movement. Finding an example from the very first year of production with the "Water Proof" text and such a pristine dial is becoming increasingly difficult. This is a collector-grade timepiece that is ready to be worn and enjoyed immediately. History Seiko introduced the Lord Matic line in 1968 as the successor to the Lord Marvel. It was targeted at the upwardly mobile middle class of Japan and utilized the sophisticated 56 series movement, which served as the base for many King Seiko and Grand Seiko models of the time. The Lord Matic was an immense commercial success for Seiko and remains a testament to their ability to mass-produce luxury-grade timepieces. This specific watch, produced in November 1968, represents the launch year of this historic model line. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0102