NOS! Birthday Watch August! 1968! First (Original) Batch Seiko 5606-7000 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: August 1968
Movement: 5606
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Silver Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 37mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Original Seiko 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 August 1968 vintage is most likely from the first batch of this particular Lord Matic's 7000 series before the LM logo was designed and implemented thereby making this watch not only unique but almost impossible to source especially in NOS condition.

*Take note that the bracelet is an LM styled model but with no LM logo, and in place you will find the "Seiko" word instead, thereby confirming that this bracelet is the ACTUAL AND ORIGINAL bracelet for this watch!

THIS WATCH IS BRAGGING RIGHTS 101!

This simple yet extremely rare Lord Matic brings sexiness to a different level! Even though it's original silvery-white dial, silver indices, silver window for the date / day, and silver hands show practically zero signs of aging after a good restoration. Now, it is as though this watch was put in a time machine and transferred from 1968 to today.

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

The unique but typical LM silver case and bracelet (for their age) are in almost perfect condition; nonetheless, it had undergone a painstaking cleaning process and almost all imperfection (if any) have been meticulously removed. Do note that the brushed finishing effect remains as per original and the edges are clearly defined hence mint in the looks department. The crystal is a Seiko original and has been given a good rub and is almost spotless as well.

The signed 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. Most LM Day / Date models suffer from damage to the day / date quick set, but this baby works perfectly. Note: ONLY ADJUST THE DATE / DAY QUICKSET IN 4H TO 8H POSITION; SO ADJUST THE HOUR HAND WITHIN THE 4H TO 8H 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 February 2023; hence it underwent a full 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 superb readings i.e. rate of +3 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 257! Such readings are 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 41mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm, and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; thus, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

Everything including the well preserved SS bracelet are original, thereby the timepiece is considered in MINT condition, what with its age of almost 55 years being taken into consideration because of its NOS status.

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

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in 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 August 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$ 120.00 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 it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after FIRST EDITION Silver Sunburst Dial Seiko Lord Matic in MINT 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!