Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7000 (1969)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic represents the golden era of Japanese watchmaking, offering a sophisticated blend of style and mechanical prowess. Produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory, this reference 5606-7000 features the highly regarded monocoque case design which opens through the crystal, ensuring better water resistance and a slimmer profile. With its elegant gold-plated case and classic sunburst dial, this timepiece is a perfect example of why the Lord Matic series remains a favorite among collectors today. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Serial Number: 950210 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition with visible signs of honest wear on the case plating while maintaining a pristine dial, accompanied by timegrapher results showing performance between +7 and +15 seconds per day which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in exceptional condition, retaining a bright and reflective finish that catches the light beautifully. It features applied gold-tone baton indices with black central inlays that match the slender gold-tone hands, creating a cohesive and legible layout. The applied gold LM logo sits proudly above the 6 o'clock position, while the framed day and date window at 3 o'clock adds practical utility to the elegant design. Case and Crystal The 35mm case is finished in Seiko Gold Plate (SGP) and features the distinctively sharp lines associated with late 1960s Seiko design language. There is visible wear to the gold plating on the high points of the lugs and bezel edges, consistent with the age of the watch. The stainless steel caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers, noting the unique "Open Thru Glass" one-piece construction. The crystal is clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement, a 23-jewel high-grade engine that was a staple of Seiko's mid-range luxury offerings. The movement offers both hand-winding and hacking capabilities. Timegrapher testing shows the watch is running within vintage tolerances with a rate of +7 to +15 seconds per day, indicating reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring unique decorative contrast stitching in white and orange tones. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the vintage character of the gold-plated case, offering a comfortable fit for daily wear. Condition This specific example is in Good vintage condition. While the case shows honest signs of age with some surface wear and softening of the gold plating on the lugs, the dial remains remarkably fresh and crisp. The structural integrity of the watch is sound, and the movement is performing admirably for a timepiece from this era. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that offers a refined presence on the wrist suitable for both formal and casual occasions. Remarks This 5606-7000 is a quintessential Lord Matic, combining the innovative front-loading case design with a high-beat lineage movement. It serves as a fantastic entry point into vintage Seiko collecting, offering the charm of the late 1960s design philosophy in a wearable and attractive package. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, offering high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated designs to the upwardly mobile Japanese market. The 5606 movement became one of Seiko's most ubiquitous and reliable base calibers of the era. This model hails from the Suwa factory, a rival to the Daini factory, driving the internal competition that led to Seiko's dominance in mechanical watchmaking during this period. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLA-0005