Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7030 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Seiko Lord Matic, a series that represented the sweet spot of high-grade Japanese watchmaking during the late 1960s and 1970s. This specific reference is particularly desirable due to its sophisticated vertically brushed linen dial texture combined with crisp Roman numerals, a configuration often referred to by collectors as a "Buckley" style layout. Powered by the robust 5606 automatic movement and housed in a sharp stainless steel case, this timepiece offers a perfect blend of dressy elegance and everyday durability. It stands as a testament to Seiko's golden era of design, offering a unique aesthetic that distinguishes it from the standard stick-marker models of the period. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7030 Serial Number: 072632 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver vertically brushed linen texture with Roman numerals Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, timegrapher results show +50 to +59 seconds per day which indicates an operational and functioning movement. Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a stunning silver surface with a vertically brushed texture that mimics the appearance of fine linen. The hour markers are printed in bold black Roman numerals, providing a high-contrast and classical look that is relatively rare for the Lord Matic line. The handset consists of slender black baton hands that match the numerals perfectly. A framed day and date window is positioned at three o'clock, featuring a bilingual calendar wheel. The applied Seiko and LM logos are crisp and raised, adding depth to the watch face. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the distinct grammar of design lines associated with vintage Seiko, boasting sharp lugs and defined edges. The case construction is a monocoque "front loader" design, indicated by the "Open Thru Glass" inscription on the caseback, which was engineered to improve water resistance and structural integrity. The caseback remains unpolished with all engravings, including the "Water Proof" designation, clearly visible and deep. The crown is original and sits flush against the case. The crystal is clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the textured dial. Movement Inside beats the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606, a 25-jewel automatic movement that was a workhorse for Seiko's mid-to-high-range watches. This movement features both hacking capabilities and hand-winding functionality, which were advanced features for the era. The movement is running strong, and the day-date quickset mechanism is a convenient feature of this caliber. Strap The watch is fitted with a new brown leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern. The rich brown tone of the leather complements the silver linen dial and provides a classic dress watch appearance. It is secured by a polished silver-tone buckle that suits the overall aesthetic of the case. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved with no visible staining or aging to the linen texture. The case retains its factory geometry with sharp lines, showing only minor hairline marks consistent with careful handling over the decades. The caseback inscriptions are deep and legible. The movement is functioning correctly, and the timegrapher data indicates a strong heartbeat. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, which was the classic standard for men's dress watches of this period. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable presence on a variety of wrist sizes, while the slim profile allows it to slide easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks Finding a Lord Matic with this specific Roman numeral linen dial configuration is an uncommon occurrence. The "Water Proof" text on the back dates this piece specifically to the earlier production run before the industry switched to "Water Resistant" nomenclature, adding a layer of collectibility. It is a refined choice for the collector who appreciates Japanese horological history and distinctive dial executions. History The Lord Matic (LM) line was introduced by Seiko in 1968 as the successor to the Lord Marvel. Positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines, the Lord Matic was designed to offer high-quality automatic movements and superior case finishing to the aspiring professional class. The 5606 movement used in these watches became legendary for its reliability and thin profile, eventually serving as the base for many higher-grade chronometer movements. The Lord Matic series is widely regarded today as offering some of the best value in the vintage watch market. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0025