Seiko - LM "Brown Gradient Sunburst" 繊影 – Senei – Delicate Shadow - No reserve price - 5606-5080 - Men - 1973

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a striking representation of 1970s Japanese design, combining geometric boldness with refined elegance. The watch features a captivating square case architecture paired with a distinctive faceted crystal that plays beautifully with the light, creating a unique visual depth. The dial itself is a stunning display of craftsmanship, showcasing a brown gradient "fumé" finish that transitions from a warm bronze center to a darker periphery. This timepiece is a perfect choice for collectors seeking the specific charm of the faceted crystal era and the robust engineering of Seiko's golden age. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5080 Serial Number: 350003 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Brown gradient with faceted crystal Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: May 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a very well-preserved dial and case, showing only minor signs of age. Timegrapher readings show +59 to +65 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy running movement. Dial and Hands The dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, presenting a flawless brown gradient finish that exudes warmth and vintage character. It is adorned with applied silver baton hour markers that feature faceted surfaces to catch the light. The original silver hands are detailed with black inlays for excellent legibility. A framed day and date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, displaying the day in English with a vibrant red Sunday indicator. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and intact, while the Suwa Seikosha symbol sits neatly above the 6 o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive square "TV screen" shape with sharp, architectural lines. The top surfaces display a vertical brushed finish that contrasts elegantly with the polished sides. The lugs are short and integrated, allowing the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist. A defining characteristic of this reference is the original faceted crystal, which features horizontal and vertical bevels that distort and reflect light in a fascinating manner, adding depth to the dial view. The case edges remain well-defined, showing that the watch has been treated with care over the decades. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 25-jewel movement was a high-grade workhorse for Seiko during this era, known for its slim profile and durability. The movement appears clean and well-maintained in the images, offering reliable vintage performance. It features a hacking mechanism for precise time setting and hand-winding capability. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring a reptile grain texture. The strap is accented with contrasting brown stitching that perfectly complements the bronze tones of the dial, securing with a simple polished steel buckle. Condition This Lord Matic is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is pristine with no visible staining or patina. The case retains its original geometry with sharp edges and clearly visible factory brushing, showing only light surface scratches consistent with careful use. The faceted crystal is clear and maintains its distinct edges. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in width excluding the crown, a classic size for square watches of this period that offers a substantial presence on the wrist due to the angular shape. Remarks This reference 5606-5080 is a quintessential example of Seiko's "Grammar of Design" evolution in the 1970s, where case geometry and special crystals became a focal point. The combination of the faceted glass and the gradient dial makes this a visually dynamic piece that changes character depending on the viewing angle. History The Lord Matic (LM) line was introduced by Seiko in 1968 and positioned as a mid-tier luxury offering, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. It was designed to offer high-quality automatic movements in stylish, contemporary cases. The 5606 movement inside this watch was one of Seiko's most successful calibers, bringing features like hacking and hand-winding to a wider audience. This specific example from 1973 captures the adventurous design spirit of the decade. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLX-0027