Birthday Watch October 1968! First (Original) Batch Seiko 5606-7070 Lord Matic SUWA, 23J Automatic Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Lord Matic
Year of Production: October 1968
Movement: 5606
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Gold / Black Indices with Pencil Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 9mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Bracelet: Original Bambi Signed SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Ladies and Gentlemen, for those who are unaware of the Seiko Lord Matic's history, please read this short introduction :

"(The) Lord Matic was the mid to high range of automatic watches introduced by Seiko in 1968 and based on the freshly developed 56xx movement. As you might probably know, there was actually two ranges of LM, the one produced by the Suwa factory, based on the 56xx movement and the LM Special introduced a couple of years later by the Daini factory and based on the 52xx movement" ~ Watch & Vintage Magazine.

This watch bears the SUWA logo but DOES NOT have the "LM" logo on the dial, case back nor SS bracelet buckle* because this October 1968 vintage is most likely from the first batch of this particular Lord Matic's 7070 series before the LM logo was designed and implemented thereby making this watch not only unique but almost impossible to source especially in near mint condition.

*Take note that this bracelet is an original Bambi, Japan type because Seiko did not have gold coloured bracelets for this particular watch when they launched it in 1968, so the Bambi SS bracelet was provided with this timepiece instead.

THIS WATCH IS BRAGGING RIGHTS 101!

This simple yet extremely rare Lord Matic brings sexiness to a different level! It's original silvery-white dial, gold/black indices, gold window for the date / day, and gold/black pencil designed hands show practically no signs of aging after undergoing a thorough cleaning. The crystal has been replaced with an original Seiko crystal. It is now in perfect condition.

For these few reasons, this is a highly sort-after Collectible!

This gold case is in stunning condition with its super sharp lines and is beautifully maintained but nonetheless, it was given a good cleaning via ultrasonic immersion and a good buff afterwards. Most imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape and lines but there are still miniscule scratches and a ding or two remaining that are almost invisible to the naked eye.

The unsigned crown is original and is located at the 3H position and is easily accessible. The date / day quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the crown to the first level to adjust the date and day via clockwise or counterclockwise. The time is adjusted by pulling the crown out to the second level. Do note that many LM Day / Date models suffer from damage to the day / date quick set, but this baby works perfectly. ONLY USE THE DATE / DAY QUICKSET BETWEEN 4H TO 8H, SO ADJUST THE HOUR HAND TO THIS POSITION BEFORE ADJUSTING THE DATE / DAY.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 3 October 2023; Hence it was given a proper overhaul instead of a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the impressive 5606 movement, it has 23 Jewels that operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of +1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 161 with a relatively straight and centered line. Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 37mm (with crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm, and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; thus, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

To the best of our knowledge while servicing this timepiece, everything excluding the bracelet are 100% original Seiko. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts, thereby it is considered in outstanding condition.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case is in near mint condition and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same models in the market, BUT almost all are not in the same quality condition and is well maintained as what you see here. Thereby, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in October 1968! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean and polish including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a super rare and highly sort-after First Edition Sunburst Silvery-White Dial Seiko Lord Matic in stunning condition; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!