Seiko - Lord Matic [Near-Mint] 宝輝 (Hōki) – Treasure Brilliance - No reserve price - 5605-7020 - Men - 1970

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Step back into the golden era of Japanese watchmaking with this refined Seiko Lord Matic. A stunning example from the prestigious Suwa Seikosha factory, this timepiece perfectly embodies the "Grammar of Design" philosophy that elevated Seiko to global prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Featuring a rare monocoque front-loading case and a sophisticated vertically brushed dial, this Lord Matic offers a perfect blend of dress watch elegance and robust engineering. The "Water Proof" caseback designation marks this as a desirable pre-1971 production model, making it a significant piece for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage horology. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5605-7020 Serial Number: 043570 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5605 Dial: Silver vertical brushed texture Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Stunning near-mint vintage condition. The watch presents an exceptionally preserved dial and a sharp, unpolished case appearance. The timegrapher results show -28-34s/day, which indicates a functioning movement typical for a vintage piece of this era. Dial and Hands The dial is the centerpiece of this watch, featuring a spectacular vertically brushed silver texture that plays beautifully with the light, giving it a silk-like appearance. It is adorned with applied multifaceted polished steel baton indices, each detailed with a fine central black inlay for superior contrast. The matching dauphine-style hands also feature black striping, ensuring high legibility. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, and the applied "LM" logo at 6 o'clock remains crisp and bright. The dial is signed "Japan 5605 - 7001T AD" at the bottom edge and appears free of spotting or patina. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinct monocoque "front-loader" construction, designed to improve water resistance and structural integrity by eliminating a removable caseback. The case retains its sharp, original lines with well-defined lugs that exhibit the classic Seiko geometry of the period. The back is clearly engraved with the "Open Thru Glass" instructions and the coveted "Water Proof" text, which is crisp and fully legible. The crystal is in excellent condition, allowing a clear view of the textured dial without distracting marks. Movement Powering this timepiece is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5605 automatic movement. This 25-jewel movement was part of the sophisticated 56 series, known for being thinner than its predecessors while maintaining robustness. Unlike the more common 5606, the 5605 is a date-only caliber, offering a cleaner dial symmetry. The mechanism is offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a deep brown leather strap featuring a crocodile embossed pattern. It is paired with a silver-tone pin buckle that complements the stainless steel case, offering a classic dress watch aesthetic that sits comfortably on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is immaculate, showcasing the original finish without visible aging or staining. The steel case shows only very minor handling marks consistent with careful storage and light use over the last five decades. The engravings on the back are deep and unpolished, preserving the factory specifications. Dimensions With a diameter of 35 mm excluding the crown, the watch offers a classic vintage proportion that slides easily under a dress cuff. The lug-to-lug length ensures a substantial presence on the wrist while maintaining elegant balance. Remarks This specific reference 5605-7020 is particularly noteworthy for its "Water Proof" engraving, a legal designation that Seiko phased out around 1971 in favor of "Water Resistant," dating this piece accurately to the earlier production run. The combination of the monocoque case and the reliable 56-series movement represents a sweet spot in Seiko's vintage lineup, offering King Seiko-adjacent quality at a more accessible tier. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines, serving as the superior mid-tier luxury offering for the Japanese market. The Lord Matic series was the first to widely utilize the 56-stream movements, which were automated equivalents of the manual-winding movements found in King Seiko models. These watches played a pivotal role in establishing Seiko's reputation for accuracy and style during the quartz crisis era, and remain highly collected today for their innovative designs and lasting durability. /Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLX-0021