Now available at auction from Second Vintage This exceptional 1969 Seiko Lord Matic represents a high point in Japanese watchmaking design, featuring the highly collectible "Water Proof" monocoque case construction and a sophisticated vertical brushed dial. As a refined "date-only" variation of the famous Lord Matic series, this reference 5605-7020 combines the sharp Grammar of Design case lines with a robust high-beat lineage movement, offering a distinct collector's appeal for those who appreciate the golden era of Seiko. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5605-7020 Serial Number: 991844 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5605 Dial: Vertical Brushed Silver Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents a very sharp and unpolished aesthetic with a flawless dial and healthy mechanical performance ranging from -3s to -11s/day. Dial and Hands The dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, displaying a stunning vertical brushed texture that catches the light beautifully and adds significant depth to the silver tone. It features applied baton hour markers with black central inserts for high contrast, matched perfectly by the sword-style hands which also carry black striping. The dial text is crisp and preserved to perfection, showcasing the applied "SEIKO" logo and the printed "LM" and "Lord Matic" branding, along with the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol above six o'clock. A framed date window sits at the three o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is a "front-loader" monocoque design, evidenced by the caseback inscription "Open Thru Glass," which eliminates the traditional removable caseback to improve water resistance and structural integrity. The case retains its original sharp edges and distinct geometry, showing only minor surface handling marks consistent with careful use. The crystal is clean and clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the textured dial. The caseback markings are deep and legible, clearly displaying the desirable "Water Proof" text which confirms its production prior to the industry shift to "Water Resistant." Movement Powering this watch is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5605 automatic movement, a 25-jewel mechanism derived from the high-grade movements of the era. This specific caliber is the "date-only" version, which is often preferred by collectors for its simplicity compared to the day-date 5606 models. The watch is running within vintage tolerances with a timegrapher reading of -3s to -11s/day, which indicates healthy movement performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a new high-quality black leather strap with an alligator grain pattern. The strap complements the black accents on the dial and hands, giving the watch a formal and dressy appearance suitable for any occasion. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved with no visible staining or oxidation. The case shows honest vintage character with sharp lines that suggest it has not been heavily polished, retaining the original silhouette intended by the designer. The movement is clean and functioning correctly, making this a ready-to-wear example. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic proportion that sits elegantly on the wrist. The monocoque design allows for a relatively slim profile, enhancing its comfort as a daily wearer or dress watch. Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic 5605-7020 is a remarkable find for collectors, particularly due to the specific combination of the "Water Proof" caseback text and the vertical brushed dial. Produced in September 1969, this watch sits right at the transition of Seiko's most innovative era. The monocoque case design is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Suwa factory, designed to protect the movement from moisture and dust more effectively than standard snap-back cases. With its running condition verified and its aesthetics preserved, this is a quintessential example of why vintage Seiko continues to captivate enthusiasts. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned as a mid-tier luxury offering, sitting just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. It was the successor to the Lord Marvel and featured high-quality automatic movements that were thinner and more advanced than previous iterations. The Lord Matic series played a crucial role in popularizing Seiko's "Grammar of Design" philosophy, bringing sharp angles and mirror-polished surfaces to a wider audience. These watches were designed to be robust yet elegant daily wearers, a philosophy that holds true more than five decades later. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1-3 days after purchase. The watch will be securely packaged and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. Please review the pictures carefully before bidding. We strive to showcase the watch from multiple angles for an accurate representation. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. The watch will be delivered in fully functional working condition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1820YJU000