Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7070 - Men - 1968

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This 1968 Seiko Lord Matic represents a significant chapter in the golden era of Japanese watchmaking, positioning itself as a high-grade automatic timepiece that bridged the gap between the standard lineup and the prestigious King Seiko models. Featuring the desirable "Water Proof" caseback marking that indicates early production, this example showcases the sharp aesthetics and engineering prowess of the Suwa Seikosha factory. With its sophisticated monocoque case design and an intricate multi-link bracelet, this Lord Matic offers a compelling blend of mid-century style and mechanical reliability. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7070 Serial Number: 894669 Movement: Seiko Caliber 5606 Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst with applied baton indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition. Running within vintage tolerances. Movement is active and operational. Dial and Hands The dial presents a refined silver sunburst finish that radiates effectively under direct light. It is furnished with applied steel baton indices, each featuring a black central inlay that provides excellent contrast against the pale background. The applied Seiko logo and the Lord Matic "LM" emblem are crisp and elevated. A framed day and date window is positioned at the three o'clock location, displaying English and Kanje/alternative characters. The hands are polished steel in a pencil style, matching the indices with thin black center lines, accompanied by a needle-thin seconds hand. The dial text remains sharp and legible, showing no significant signs of oxidation or damage. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinct front-loading "monocoque" design, as evidenced by the "OPEN THRU GLASS" inscription on the caseback. The case profile exhibits a blend of brushed surfaces on the top of the lugs and polished sides, creating a defined architectural look. There are visible signs of use throughout, including surface scratches and small dings on the bezel and case flanks, consistent with honest vintage wear. The crystal is slightly domed and clear, though close inspection may reveal minor hairline marks typical of age. The crown is recessed slightly into the case side, maintaining the sleek silhouette. Movement Powered by the robust Seiko Caliber 5606, this 23-jewel automatic movement is a staple of Seiko's mid-tier luxury range from the late 1960s. The movement is entirely enclosed within the front-loading case, designed for durability and dust protection. Running within vintage tolerances, the movement is active and operational. Strap The watch is fitted with a highly attractive and period-correct stainless steel bracelet featuring an intricate link design reminiscent of beads-of-rice bracelets. It provides a fluid and comfortable fit on the wrist. The folding clasp is stamped with the Seiko branding. The bracelet is currently sized to fit a wrist of approximately 17.5cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case shows honest wear with scratches and marks commensurate with its age and use as a daily wearer. The dial has been preserved in excellent condition, free from heavy patina or moisture damage. The structural integrity of the case remains solid, and the caseback markings are deep and legible. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage proportion that sits neatly on the wrist. The lug width and case thickness are balanced, making it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This specific reference 5606-7070 is notable for its "Water Proof" marked caseback, a designation that Seiko phased out in favor of "Water Resistant" shortly after this watch was produced in 1968. This dates the watch to the very specific early era of the Lord Matic line. The monocoque case construction is a testament to Seiko's engineering focus on water and dust resistance during this period. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic series was developed by Suwa Seikosha to offer a high-quality automatic watch that sat just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko in the corporate hierarchy. It utilized the newly developed 5606 movement, which was thinner and more advanced than previous iterations, allowing for slimmer case designs. The Lord Matic became a massive success in Japan, defining the business watch aesthetic of the late 1960s and 1970s. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0020