Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7070 - Men - 1968

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Seiko Lord Matic, a significant model in Seiko's history that bridged the gap between the brand's standard automatic lines and the high-end King Seiko and Grand Seiko models. Produced in November 1968, this specific piece is an early execution featuring the highly desirable "Water Proof" caseback marking, a detail that was replaced by "Water Resistant" in later production runs. The watch utilizes a sophisticated front-loading monocoque case design, marked "Open Thru Glass" on the back, ensuring superior structural integrity and a slimmer profile. With its sharp "Grammar of Design" case lines and high-grade 5606 movement, this Lord Matic offers a perfect blend of 1960s horological history and timeless style. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7070 Serial Number: 8N4195 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with sharp case lines and a clean dial, showing only minor signs of wear consistent with careful handling over the decades. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in outstanding condition, retaining a bright and metallic finish that catches the light beautifully. It features applied polished baton indices with black central inlays, matched perfectly by the dauphine-style hands. The day and date window is framed at the 3 o'clock position, featuring a crisp white background. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are sharp and raised, while the Suwa Seikosha swirl logo is printed precisely above the 6 o'clock marker. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is a standout feature, utilizing a one-piece monocoque construction where the movement is accessed through the front. The case retains its original geometry with sharp edges and clearly defined lugs that curve elegantly towards the wrist. The caseback is crisp and unpolished, clearly displaying the "Open Thru Glass" instructions and the rare "Water Proof" designation alongside the reference and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and presents well, contributing to the watch's clean profile. Movement Powering the watch is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was a tier above the standard movements of the era, offering hacking capabilities and hand-winding support. It is currently running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance for the new owner. Strap The watch has been fitted with a high-quality brown leather strap featuring white contrast stitching and an alligator grain pattern. The strap complements the silver dial and steel case perfectly, giving the watch a warm and sophisticated presence on the wrist. It is finished with a polished silver-tone buckle. Condition This example is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is free from significant spotting or patina, maintaining a fresh appearance. The case shows light handling marks and hairline scratches typical of a vintage piece, but there are no deep dings or heavy damage. The inscriptions on the caseback remain deep and fully legible, a testament to the fact that this watch has likely seen very little polishing, if any. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, which is a classic and versatile size for a vintage dress watch. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes, while the monocoque design allows for a relatively slim profile that slides easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks This 1968 Lord Matic is a collector-grade example due to its early production date and the specific "Water Proof" caseback text. The 5606-7070 reference is admired for its robust build and elegant design language that echoes the aesthetics of higher-end Tanaka-designed Grand Seikos of the same period. It is a sophisticated choice for both seasoned Seiko collectors and those looking for a reliable and stylish vintage dress watch. History The Lord Matic (LM) line was introduced by Seiko in 1968 and quickly became one of their most successful mid-range luxury offerings. It was positioned just below King Seiko and was powered by the then-new 56 series movement, which was thinner and more advanced than previous iterations. The LM series played a crucial role in Seiko's dominance of the automatic watch market in the late 1960s and 1970s, offering high style and precision engineering to a broader audience. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAS-0005