Seiko Lord Matic 昇光 (Shōkō) 5606-7000 (1969)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a remarkable example of late 1960s Japanese horology, embodying the sharp lines and refined aesthetics that defined the brand's "Grammar of Design" era. Positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, the Lord Matic series offered exceptional finishing and high-grade movements, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors today. With its "Waterproof" caseback marking and monocoque construction, this specific example from 1969 represents a significant transitional period in Seiko's history. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Serial Number: 955122 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents with sharp case lines and a pristine dial, preserving its collector-grade appeal. Timegrapher results included below. Dial and Hands The watch features a sophisticated silver sunburst dial that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with applied polished steel baton indices featuring black central inserts for contrast. The matching hands are sharp and legible, maintaining the sleek monochromatic look. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos add depth to the dial, while the Suwa factory symbol and "23 Jewels" text are crisply printed above the 6 o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the distinct monocoque "one-piece" construction, designed to improve water resistance by eliminating a removable caseback. The case is accessed through the crystal, as noted by the instruction "OPEN THRU GLASS" on the back. The case lines remain impressive and sharp, showcasing the multi-faceted lugs that define this reference. The crystal is clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. The crown is recessed slightly into the case side, maintaining the streamlined silhouette. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was a high-beat marvel of its time, featuring hacking seconds and hand-winding capabilities. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of -52 to -60 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap complements the black accents on the dial and hands, giving the watch a sporty yet elegant appearance suitable for daily wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean with no visible staining or damage. The case retains its original geometry with sharp edges and distinct brushing on the upper surfaces, showing only minor handling marks consistent with careful use. The caseback inscriptions are deep and fully legible, confirming its "Waterproof" era production. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug width is 18 mm, allowing for easy strap changes if desired. Remarks This reference 5606-7000 is particularly sought after due to its "Waterproof" stamping on the caseback, a feature that was replaced by "Water Resistant" in Seiko production shortly after 1970. The combination of the monocoque case, the robust 5606 movement, and the clean silver dial makes this a definitive example of the Lord Matic line. It is a sophisticated dress watch that carries significant historical value. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was Seiko's mid-tier luxury offering, integrating the newly developed 5606 movement which would later serve as the base for many higher-end Chronometer grade watches. The Lord Matic series was pivotal in bringing automatic watches with hacking and hand-winding features to a broader audience. These watches were manufactured at the Suwa Seikosha factory and are celebrated today for their durability and timeless design language. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI128KRWG000