Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7010 – June 1969 – Linen Dial, Day/Date – "WATER PROOF" Caseback – Serviced

The Lord Matic is the Seiko series most frequently underestimated by collectors. Technically, it sits just below the King Seiko – and this example from June 1969 features two things that set it apart from the series: a linen-textured dial and the early "WATER PROOF" engraving.

The Lord Matic in the Seiko lineup

Seiko introduced the Lord Matic in 1968 to bridge the gap between the everyday-ready Seiko 5 and the prestige lines, King Seiko and Grand Seiko. It was manufactured at the Suwa factory in Nagano. The aspiration was "everyday luxury": a technically sophisticated automatic movement in a slim, understated case.

The 25-jewel caliber 5606 offers automatic winding and manual winding, as well as a dual-language quick-set for day and date – features that were by no means standard in Swiss watches of this price range at the time. The 56 platform is technically closely related to the King Seiko caliber 56KS.

The day display is bilingual, switching between Japanese Kanji and English abbreviations – a detail nowhere to be found on European watches from those years.

Two features of early production

The case back bears the engraving SEIKO · WATER PROOF · STAINLESS STEEL · 5606-7010 with the serial number 963689, which dates the watch to June 1969. The designation "WATER PROOF" was only used by Seiko during the early phase and was replaced shortly thereafter by "WATER RESISTANT" – a reliable identifier for an early case.

The second feature is the dial. Instead of a smooth or sunburst finish, this example features a fine, bidirectional linen texture that refracts light across its dense weave. These dials are more elaborate to produce and significantly rarer in the series than the smooth versions. On the wrist, the difference is immediately visible: the dial never looks flat, but changes with every movement.

Serviced with documentation

The watch was fully serviced in Japan in the spring of 2026 and is in excellent condition.

Design and character

The flawless, textured dial features slender, applied and faceted indices; the "SEIKO" signature is at 12 o'clock, with the LM emblem and "LORD MATIC 25 JEWELS" below at 6 o'clock. The day-date window at 3 o'clock is framed with a white background.

The case measures 36.7 mm excluding the crown, with a 40.4 mm lug-to-lug and a height of only 9.5 mm. The short, boldly flared lugs and the slim polished bezel give the watch a compact, very tidy silhouette. At 44 grams on a black leather strap, it is effortless to wear.

Condition

The dial and crystal are in perfect condition. The case and crown show the age-related signs of wear typical for a watch that is about 55 years old. The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Operating note: The day and date quick-set on the caliber 5606 should not be used between 8:00 PM and 4:00 AM; please set the hands to approximately 6:00 beforehand.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Seiko
• Model: Lord Matic (LM)
• Reference: 5606-7010
• Caliber: Seiko 5606
• Movement: Automatic with manual winding
• Jewels: 25 Jewels
• Functions: Hour, minute, center seconds, day (Kanji/English) and date with quick-set
• Production: Suwa Seikosha, Nagano
• Case material: Stainless steel, case back with "WATER PROOF" engraving
• Dial: Linen texture
• Diameter excluding crown: 36.7 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 40.4 mm
• Height: 9.5 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight incl. strap: 44 g
• Serial number: 963689
• Date: June 1969
• Service: Serviced by Tamaoki-san (BLUE STREAM, Fukuoka), invoice included
• Strap: Black leather strap
• Origin: Japan

For whom?

For collectors seeking the 56 platform who appreciate its connection to the King Seiko. For anyone who prefers textured dials over smooth ones – here, the light is part of the experience. And for buyers who want a slim vintage automatic with a full calendar for everyday wear.

Warranty (used)

This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

Note

As this is a pre-owned watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.