Seiko Lord Matic 銀輪 (Ginrin) 5606-7070 (1969)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Seiko Lord Matic, a model line that represented the sophisticated middle ground of Seiko's lineup during the late 1960s and 1970s. This particular timepiece is historically significant, featuring a commemorative caseback inscription for a 30-year service award dated Showa 45 (1970), which aligns perfectly with the watch's production date. Combining a crisp silver sunburst dial with a high-grade 5606 movement, this Lord Matic offers both collector appeal and reliable daily wearability. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7070 Serial Number: 980586 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with sharp case lines and a pristine dial. Recently serviced movement. Timegrapher testing -3s to -5s/day with strong amplitude which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in exceptional condition, radiating a bright and clean metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. It features polished applied baton indices with black central inserts that match the handset. The applied "Seiko" and "LM" logos are crisp and raised, adding depth to the face. The day and date window is framed in metal at the three o'clock position, displaying the date clearly against a white background. The dauphine-style hands are sharp and free of corrosion, maintaining excellent legibility. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is well-preserved, retaining its original geometry and sharp edges. There are light signs of handling consistent with age, but no significant dents or deep scratches that detract from the overall aesthetic. The caseback is particularly interesting, featuring the "Water Proof" designation which confirms its pre-1971 production, along with instructions to "Open Thru Glass," indicating the front-loading case design used to improved water resistance. The caseback also bears a unique Japanese engraving commemorating 30 years of continuous service, awarded in Showa 45 (1970), adding a layer of tangible history to the piece. The crystal is clear and free of distracting marks. Movement Powering the watch is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was a high-spec caliber of its time, offering hacking capabilities and hand-winding. The movement is running smoothly and keeping good time for a vintage piece, as confirmed by the timegrapher readings. Recently serviced, confirmed by the excellent timegrapher test. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring contrasting brown stitching. The leather is supple and complements the silver tones of the case and dial perfectly, giving the watch a versatile look suitable for both casual and dress wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is virtually flawless, which is rare for watches of this vintage. The case shows honest wear but remains architecturally strong. The unique caseback engraving is deep and legible, preserving the history of the original owner. Dimensions With a case diameter of 37 mm, this Lord Matic sits prominently on the wrist, offering a slightly larger presence than many standard vintage dress watches. The lug design allows for a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7070 is a quintessential example of Japanese watchmaking prowess from the late 1960s. The combination of the "Water Proof" caseback, the specific 1969 production date, and the corporate award engraving makes this a narrative-rich collector's piece. It is a stylish, robust, and conversation-starting vintage watch that captures the essence of the Showa era. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic series was positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, utilizing the advanced 56 series movements that would later be found in higher-end chronometer-grade watches. The Lord Matic was an immense success for Seiko, bringing high-beat accuracy and sophisticated design to a wider audience. This specific example, produced in August 1969, represents the early and highly desirable era of the LM production run. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLL-0015