Seiko Lord Matic 銀輝 (Ginki) 5606-7100 (1968)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a remarkable example of late 1960s Japanese watchmaking, distinguished by its unique and highly collectible "split window" dial layout. Produced in December 1968, this reference 5606-7100 features a sophisticated front-loading "monocoque" case design that ensures superior water and dust protection. With its vertically brushed dial texture and the distinct placement of the day aperture at 9 o'clock and the date at 3 o'clock, this timepiece offers a refreshing departure from the standard day-date configurations of the era. It represents the golden age of Seiko's mechanical prowess, bridging the gap between the standard automatic lines and the high-end King Seiko models. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7100 Serial Number: 8D2703 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Vertically brushed silver with split day-date windows Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with a sharp case and a pristine dial. The movement is running within vintage tolerances with a timegrapher reading of -8 to -11 seconds per day, indicating healthy movement. Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a vertically brushed silver texture that catches the light dynamically. It showcases the rare and desirable split configuration with the day window positioned at 9 o'clock and the date window at 3 o'clock. The day wheel features both English and Kanji characters, adding to its collectibility. Applied polished steel block indices with black accents are paired with matching baton-style hands, providing excellent legibility. The dial remains in outstanding condition with crisp text and no significant signs of aging. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinct cushion shape with a front-loading monocoque construction, meaning the movement is accessed through the crystal rather than a removable caseback. The case retains its original geometry with defined edges and surfaces, showing only minor hairline scratches consistent with careful usage. The caseback engraving is sharp and legible, clearly reading "Open Thru Glass" along with the reference and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and free from distracting marks. Movement Powered by the robust and respected Seiko Caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement that was a staple of Seiko's mid-tier luxury offerings. The movement features a hacking mechanism for precise time setting. Based on timegrapher data, the watch is running between -8 and -11 seconds per day, offering reliable vintage performance for daily wear. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching, which complements the black accents on the dial markers and hands. The strap is in good condition and ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean, preserving the original vertical brushing perfectly. The case shows honest signs of history with light wear but no major dings or deep scratches, maintaining its architectural integrity. Dimensions With a case diameter of 35 mm, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, offering a classic vintage proportion that slides easily under a shirt cuff. The cushion case shape gives it a slightly larger visual presence than the dimensions suggest. Remarks The Lord Matic 5606-7100 is often sought after by collectors for its unique dial symmetry and monocoque case construction. This specific example, dating to late 1968, is a fantastic survivor that embodies the "Grammar of Design" philosophy that Seiko was perfecting during this period. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic series was positioned as the sophisticated superior to the standard automatic range, incorporating higher-grade movements and more elaborate case designs. The 5606 movement inside this watch was considered one of Seiko's finest mass-produced calibers of the era, serving as the foundation for many chronometer-grade watches. This specific model captures the innovative spirit of Seiko as they began to dominate the global watch market in the late 1960s. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI8S4QP40000