Seiko - Lord Matic 霊影 (Reiei) – Spirit Shadow - No reserve price - 5606-7000 - Men - 1969

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic represents the golden era of Japanese watchmaking from the late 1960s, offering a sophisticated blend of mid-century design and horological innovation. The Lord Matic line was introduced as a high-tier offering, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko in the hierarchy, and this specific example features the technically interesting monocoque case design. With its crisp silver dial, Kanji day wheel, and classic gold-plated proportions, it is a quintessential dress watch that captures the essence of 1969 style. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Serial Number: 987334 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver sunburst with day and date Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Gold Plated Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honest signs of age consistent with a piece from 1969, featuring visible wear to the gold plating on the case edges and lugs. The dial remains remarkably clean and attractive. Timegrapher testing shows the movement running at -49s/day, which indicates acceptable mechanical function for a vintage timepiece of this era. Dial and Hands The dial features a refined silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully, serving as an elegant backdrop for the applied gold baton hour markers. The gold dauphine hands are sharp and legible, complementing the applied gold "LM" logo at the six o'clock position. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, featuring a desirable Kanji day wheel that adds significant collector appeal. The text remains crisp and black, preserving the original aesthetic balance of the face. Case and Crystal The case is constructed with Seiko's distinct "Open Thru Glass" monocoque design, a one-piece construction that enhances water resistance and structural integrity by eliminating a removable caseback. The gold plating shows evidence of its history, with visible wear and softening on the sharp edges of the lugs and bezel, adding to its vintage character. The stainless steel back portion contains all relevant reference and serial engravings which remain deep and legible. The crown is recessed slightly into the case side, maintaining the sleek profile. The crystal is clear with no distracting marks, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement, a 23-jewel workhorse known for its reliability and slim profile. This movement allows for the streamlined case design and offers reliable vintage performance. The specific timegrapher reading of -49 seconds per day suggests the movement is functioning, though running slightly slow, which is not uncommon for unrestored vintage mechanics. Strap The watch is fitted with a textured black leather strap featuring distinct gold contrast stitching. This choice of strap perfectly complements the gold tones of the case and indices, giving the watch a sporty yet dressy appearance suitable for daily wear. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The most notable signs of age are the wear patterns on the gold plating, particularly around the lugs and bezel edges, which is typical for gold-plated Seiko models of this vintage. However, the dial is preserved in excellent condition, free from moisture damage or significant staining. The hands and indices are bright and consistent. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size for the late 1960s that offers a refined presence on the wrist. The lug design and case shape allow it to wear comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The reference 5606-7000 is a significant model in Seiko's history due to its front-loading case design, marked "Push Set Lever" and "Open Thru Glass" on the reverse. This engineering choice allowed for a thinner, more water-resistant case. The combination of the Lord Matic pedigree, the clean silver dial, and the Kanji day wheel makes this a compelling choice for collectors of Japanese vintage horology. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) series was Seiko's response to the need for a high-quality, automatic watch that offered luxury features at a more accessible price point than the Grand Seiko. The 5606 movement inside became legendary for its use in many high-grade Seiko watches of the 1970s. This specific example, produced in 1969, dates to the early and most desirable years of the Lord Matic production run. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0162