Seiko Lord Matic 5606-5080 (1972)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This captivating Seiko Lord Matic perfectly encapsulates the daring and expressive design language of 1970s Japanese horology. Featuring a dramatic architectural case and a highly dimensional stepped green dial, this timepiece is a testament to an era when Seiko confidently experimented with geometry, light, and color. The combination of its faceted crystal and vibrant dial texture creates a mesmerizing visual experience on the wrist, offering collectors a striking piece of vintage Seiko history that stands out in any collection. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5080 Serial Number: 280392 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606, 25 Jewels Dial: Emerald green stepped dial with applied indices, showing visible edge wear and silvering along the outer perimeter Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition with strong case geometry and visible dial edge wear Dial and Hands The dial is a striking deep emerald green, characterized by a vertical stepped or terraced texture that catches the light beautifully and adds immense depth to the watch face. It features applied faceted block indices with white center stripes, which perfectly complement the polished silver-tone baton hands, also detailed with matching white center lines. The applied Seiko and LM logos sit proudly on the dial, along with the printed Suwa factory symbol. A framed day-date aperture at three o'clock displays both English and Kanji day options. Upon close inspection, while the central portion of the dial remains vibrant and clean, there is clear and noticeable wear around the extreme outer edges. This presents as silvering and paint degradation, most prominent along the far left, right, and bottom perimeters. The hands remain in excellent condition with no significant oxidation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a robust, square architectural profile with integrated hooded-style lugs. The top surfaces retain their factory vertical brushing, which transitions sharply into polished flanks and chamfers. The case shows honest vintage wear, including light scratches and handling marks consistent with its age, but it impressively retains its sharp factory geometry and unpolished appearance. The recessed, knurled crown sits neatly against the case side. The solid caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers, along with the Suwa factory emblem. Protecting the dial is a spectacular, heavily faceted crystal featuring multiple flat geometric planes. This emerald-cut style crystal is a hallmark of 1970s Seiko design and remains in commendable condition, showing only very minor superficial micro-scratches while providing a clear view of the dynamic dial below. Movement The watch is powered by the respected Seiko caliber 5606 automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and a day-date complication. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher readings indicate a performance of +20 to +24 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white edge stitching. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle and complements the sharp, vintage aesthetic of the timepiece. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition overall. The stainless steel case is well-preserved, exhibiting honest wear while maintaining its strong, original lines and brushed finishes. The faceted crystal is mostly clear and highly reflective. The dial retains its striking central color and texture, though buyers should note the visible paint degradation and silvering localized around the outer edges. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Lord Matic is a brilliant representation of Seiko's golden era of design, marrying a dependable automatic movement with an unapologetically bold aesthetic. The faceted crystal and stepped green dial make this a highly interactive watch that changes character with every turn of the wrist. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic series was positioned as a premium offering, sitting just below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. The LM models frequently utilized the sophisticated 5600 series movements, which were highly regarded for their slim profiles and reliability. As the 1970s progressed, Seiko used the Lord Matic line as a canvas for avant-garde design, introducing wildly shaped cases, intensely colored dials, and heavily faceted crystals. These expressive models reflect the optimism and bold styling of the decade and have become increasingly coveted by vintage watch enthusiasts who appreciate their unique character and historical significance. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAL-0003