Seiko - Lord Matic 昇進 (Shōshin) – Advancement - No reserve price - 5606-7070 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic reference 5606-7070 is a quintessential example of Japanese watchmaking from the golden era of the 1970s. As a sophisticated bridge between Seiko's standard lineup and the prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko models, the Lord Matic series offered exceptional finishing and advanced movement technology. This specific example dates back to June 1970 and features the desirable "Water Proof" caseback text, a detail only found on early production models before the industry shifted to "Water Resistant" terminology. With its distinct vertically brushed dial and innovative one-piece case construction, this timepiece is a stylish and collectible choice for the vintage enthusiast. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7070 Serial Number: 062381 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A Dial: Silver with vertical brushed texture Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition Dial and Hands The highlight of this timepiece is its exquisite silver dial, which features a refined vertical brushed texture that plays beautifully with the light, often referred to by collectors as a linen-style effect. The dial is adorned with applied baton indices featuring black inlays for contrast, matching the dauphine-style hands. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos add depth to the face, while the framed day and date window at the three o'clock position remains crisp and legible. The dial remains in excellent preservation, showing no significant staining or aging, which provides a clean and attractive appearance. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 37mm and features the classic Lord Matic silhouette with strong lugs and a smooth bezel. This model utilizes a monocoque "Open Thru Glass" front-loading case design, which was engineered to improve water resistance and structural rigidity. The case is in honest vintage condition, displaying visible scratches and signs of wear on the bezel and lugs consistent with its age and history. The caseback is clearly engraved with the reference details and the collectible "Water Proof" designation. The crystal is clear with only minor evidence of use, allowing an unobstructed view of the textured dial. Movement Powering this watch is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606A, a 25-jewel automatic movement that was a staple of high-grade Seikos from this period. The movement features hacking capabilities and hand-winding support. Testing on a timegrapher reveals a daily rate of approximately -30 to -35 seconds per day, which indicates reliable vintage performance and a healthy operating state for a watch of this era. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap is supple and complements the monochromatic aesthetic of the silver dial and steel case, securing with a silver-tone buckle that suits the vintage character of the piece. Condition This Lord Matic is in good vintage condition. While the case shows expected surface wear and scratches typical of a 50-year-old timepiece, the structural integrity remains excellent. The dial is the standout feature, preserved in stunning condition with sharp printing and intact indices. The movement is functioning reliably within vintage expectations. Dimensions The case diameter is 37mm excluding the crown, offering a classic mid-size profile that wears comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug-to-lug length ensures a balanced presence, making it suitable for both formal and casual wear. Remarks This reference 5606-7070 stands out due to its early 1970 production date, confirmed by the serial number and the "Water Proof" stamping, which was phased out shortly after in favor of "Water Resistant." The monocoque case design is a testament to Seiko's engineering prowess during this period, prioritizing durability and slimness. History Introduced in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned as a high-quality automatic watch for the rising Japanese middle class and business professionals. It utilized the 5600 series movements, which were essentially thinner, refined versions of the movements found in King Seiko and Grand Seiko models of the time. The Lord Matic was an immense success for Seiko, defining the "Grammar of Design" era with its sharp case lines and high-quality dials, leaving a lasting legacy in horological history. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLL-0013