Seiko - Lord Matic 幽晶 – Yūshō – Phantom Crystal - No reserve price - 5606-7050 - Men - 1968

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This early example of the Seiko Lord Matic represents a fascinating era of Japanese watchmaking, bridging the gap between standard models and the high-end Grand Seiko lines. Produced in the very first year of the Lord Matic's release, this 1968 timepiece features the desirable "One Piece" monocoque case design, accessed only through the crystal, which ensures superior water resistance and structural integrity. With its sharp, angular case lines and classic silver dial, this watch offers a sophisticated aesthetic that remains timelessly stylish. It stands as a testament to Suwa Seikosha's engineering prowess during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7050 Serial Number: 850302 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch runs with healthy amplitude, showing timegrapher readings between +23 and +26 seconds per day, which indicates reliable mechanical health for a vintage movement. Dial and Hands The watch features a refined silver sunburst dial that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with applied baton indices featuring black inlays for contrast, matched by sharp dauphine hands that also carry black detailing. The dial proudly displays the applied "SEIKO" logo at the top and the "Lord Matic 23 Jewels" script with the Suwa Seikosha swirl logo at the bottom. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The dial surface is generally clean with only minor signs of aging consistent with a watch from the late 1960s. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case utilizes a distinctive monocoque "front-loading" construction, giving it a seamless profile along the caseback. The case retains its original geometry with the characteristic brushed finish on the lug tops and polished sides. There are visible surface scratches and marks throughout the case commensurate with its age and honest wear. The caseback is clearly engraved with the "Open Thru Glass" instructions and reference numbers. The crystal shows some light wear but remains clear enough to enjoy the dial details. Movement Powering the watch is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was a high-grade caliber of its time, offering both hacking (seconds stop) and hand-winding capabilities. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, with current testing showing a deviation of +23 to +26 seconds per day, indicating it is mechanically sound and ready for wear. Strap The watch is fitted with a supple burgundy leather strap featuring vintage-style contrast stitching near the lugs. The rich color of the leather complements the silver dial and steel case perfectly, adding a touch of warmth and character to the overall presentation. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. It exhibits honest wear to the case and crystal that one would expect from a watch produced in 1968, but it retains strong case definition and visual appeal. The dial remains attractive and legible. The movement is functioning reliably with good daily rates. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown, making it a classic mid-sized dress watch that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug design and cushion-style case shape give it a slightly larger presence on the wrist than the dimensions might suggest. Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7050 is a significant reference for collectors due to its monocoque case construction, which was a specific engineering choice to improve durability in the late 1960s. This specific example, dating to May 1968, is an early production model, adding to its collectibility. It offers the high-beat styling and finish quality associated with King Seiko models of the era but at a more accessible point, making it a perfect entry into vintage Japanese horology. History Seiko introduced the Lord Matic line in 1968 as a successor to the Lord Marvel. Positioned just under the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines, the Lord Matic was designed to offer high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated designs to the upwardly mobile professional class of Japan. The 5606 movement became one of Seiko's most ubiquitous and reliable base calibers, serving as the foundation for many high-grade watches throughout the 1970s. This specific model captures the very beginning of that successful lineage. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLM-0019