Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, combining robust mechanical engineering with the refined, sophisticated design language that defined the late 1960s. Produced by the legendary Suwa Seikosha factory, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below the Grand and King Seiko tiers, offering exceptional quality, advanced automatic movements, and elegant case profiles. This specific example, featuring a striking dark dial and a highly desirable unibody case construction, captures the essence of vintage Seiko charm, making it a compelling addition to any serious collection. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7000 Serial Number: 868988 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5606, 23 Jewels Dial: Dark charcoal grey with applied faceted indices, presenting in exceptionally clean and well-preserved condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dark charcoal dial of this Lord Matic is a masterclass in understated elegance, presenting in stunningly clean condition. A thorough visual inspection reveals a beautifully preserved surface free from noticeable spotting, moisture damage, or distracting discoloration. The dial is adorned with applied, faceted baton indices that catch the light brilliantly, adding a dynamic depth to the watch face. The applied silver-tone "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and perfectly positioned. At the three o'clock position, a framed dual-language day and date aperture displays both English and Kanji characters, a highly sought-after feature among collectors. The polished dauphine hands remain sharp and legible, sweeping gracefully over the finely printed minute track, completing a dial that is both visually striking and remarkably well-preserved. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a distinctive tonneau-inspired profile with broad, sloping lugs that sit comfortably on the wrist. The case geometry remains sharp, showcasing clear transitions between the polished bezel and the finely brushed upper lug surfaces. The watch displays honest, superficial handling marks and light scratches consistent with its vintage pedigree, yet it avoids any heavy polishing that would compromise its original silhouette. Turning the watch over reveals the impressive "Open Thru Glass" unibody caseback, a design choice that enhanced water resistance in its day. The caseback engravings, including the Suwa logo, reference numbers, and "WATER PROOF" designation, remain deep and highly legible. The watch is fitted with a clear, flat mineral crystal, correct to the period, which protects the dial and offers an unobstructed view of the pristine display beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement renowned for its reliability and smooth operation. This caliber was a staple of the Lord Matic line, offering hacking and hand-winding capabilities alongside its day-date complication. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. (40 to 47 s/d). Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring a classic crocodile-style texture. The strap is detailed with contrasting white perimeter stitching, which perfectly complements the silver-tone accents of the dial and the stainless steel case, securing comfortably to the wrist with a standard steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear standout, remaining exceptionally clean and free of the degradation often found in watches of this age. The stainless steel case retains strong, defined lines with only normal, age-appropriate surface wear. The unibody caseback is wonderfully preserved with crisp factory engravings. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, offering a classic and versatile vintage proportion that wears beautifully on the modern wrist. Remarks With its moody dark dial, sharp case lines, and dual-language Kanji calendar, this Lord Matic is a highly versatile timepiece. It bridges the gap between a formal dress watch and a daily wearer, offering tremendous value and undeniable mid-century style for the discerning vintage enthusiast. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) series was created by Seiko to serve as a premium offering that sat just below the prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. Equipped with the sophisticated 5600 series movements, the Lord Matic brought high-end features like hacking seconds, quickset day-date functions, and slim case profiles to a broader audience. The line quickly became a massive success in Japan, celebrated for its reliable mechanics and the sharp, "Grammar of Design" influenced aesthetics that remain highly collectible today. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0198