Seiko - Lord Matic "Gradient Golden Sunburst" 清輝 (Seiki) – Pure Radiance - No reserve price - 5606-8110 - Men - 1975

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a quintessential example of 1970s Japanese watch design, combining bold geometry with an exquisite dial treatment that captures the light beautifully. With its distinctive faceted crystal and rich gradient dial, this timepiece represents the golden era of Seiko's mechanical watchmaking, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines in hierarchy. It offers a unique aesthetic that is both retro and sophisticated, making it a compelling choice for collectors of vintage Japanese horology. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-8110 Serial Number: 501252 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A Dial: Bronze gradient with vertical faceted crystal Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1975 Condition: Good vintage condition, with some wear present. Timegrapher readings provided indicate performance of approximately +21 to +22 seconds per day, which indicates healthy movement running within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The dial is the centerpiece of this watch, featuring a stunning bronze to taupe gradient sunburst finish that darkens towards the edges. It is protected by the original faceted mineral glass crystal, which features vertical cuts that play with the light and distort the dial elements in a charming, prismatic way. The applied silver-tone hour markers are blocky and substantial, matching the baton-style hands. A framed day and date window is positioned at three o'clock. The "LM" logo and "23 Jewels" text are crisp and clearly legible against the metallic background. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the sharp, angular lines characteristic of Seiko's design grammar from the 1970s. The lugs are tapered and integrate smoothly with the case body. As a vintage piece, the case shows honest signs of wear with surface scratches and marks consistent with its age and use. The defining feature is the faceted crystal, known as "cut glass" in Seiko catalogs of the era. The crystal shows visible scratches and scuffs across its geometric planes, which is common for these exposed surfaces, but it retains its structural integrity and unique visual appeal. The crown is recessed slightly into the case side at the three o'clock position. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606A automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was a high-grade workhorse for Seiko during this period, featuring hacking and hand-winding capabilities. The movement is clean and the rotor is signed with Seiko branding. Timegrapher readings provided indicate performance of approximately +21 to +22 seconds per day, which indicates healthy movement running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a striking brown leather strap featuring a reptile grain texture and contrasting yellow stitching. The strap is supple and complements the bronze tones of the dial perfectly. It is secured by a silver-tone pin buckle that suits the vintage character of the watch. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The dial is well-preserved with a vibrant finish. The case retains its original geometry but shows visible scratches and dings from decades of wear. The faceted crystal exhibits surface wear and scratches typical for this specific design but remains clear enough to enjoy the unique dial beneath. The movement is functioning correctly and the quickset features are operational. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, which was the classic standard for men's dress watches of the era. The lug design and faceted crystal give it a substantial presence on the wrist despite the modest dimensions. Remarks The Lord Matic series was positioned as a mid-tier luxury offering, delivering high-quality finishing and advanced movements at an accessible price point. The specific combination of the 8110 case and the faceted crystal makes this reference particularly desirable among enthusiasts who appreciate the funkier side of 1970s design. The way the faceted glass interacts with the sunburst dial creates a dynamic visual experience that changes with every angle. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was a significant success for Seiko, bridging the gap between their everyday automatic watches and the high-end King Seiko models. The 5606 movement inside was one of Seiko's most widely produced and respected thin automatic calibers. This specific example, produced in October 1975, showcases the adventurous styling that Seiko embraced during the decade, moving away from traditional round cases towards more architectural shapes and experimental crystals. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1C7XB7M000