Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-5140 - Men - 1973

Available now on auction by Second Vintage The 1970s was a golden era for Seiko, a period defined by bold experimentation with case geometries, dial textures, and optical effects. The Lord Matic line stood proudly at the intersection of everyday reliability and high-end horological design, positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko tiers while sharing much of their mechanical DNA. This particular example is a masterclass in vintage Japanese design, featuring a mesmerizing brown sunburst dial housed beneath a striking faceted crystal. The combination of the dynamic crystal and the radiant dial creates a captivating play of light that shifts with every movement of the wrist, offering a wearing experience that is both deeply rooted in its era and undeniably timeless. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5140 Serial Number: 315283 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Brown sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, impeccably preserved and exceptionally clean Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a stunningly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a visual triumph, executed in a rich, warm brown tone with a radiant sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. The typography is crisp and precise, featuring the applied silver-tone "SEIKO" and "LM" logos, alongside the printed "AUTOMATIC", "25 JEWELS", and the iconic Suwa Seikosha factory emblem. The dial furniture consists of tall, applied faceted block indices with delicate white painted accents that perfectly match the outer white printed minute track. The hands are intricate faceted batons, featuring a distinct black central stripe and white tips, offering excellent legibility against the dark dial. A sharply framed day-date aperture sits at the three o'clock position, currently displaying a highly desirable Kanji day wheel. Carefully inspected under magnification, the dial is in outstanding condition, remaining free of moisture marks, spotting, staining, or print loss, presenting an exceptionally clean and vibrant face. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a classic 1970s cushion silhouette, characterized by its integrated lug structure and sweeping curves. The watch is fitted with a highly distinctive faceted crystal, featuring a flat central plane surrounded by sharply angled inner edges that distort and multiply the dial details at extreme angles. The case displays honest signs of its vintage age, with visible surface scratches, handling marks, and minor flea bites present on the polished bezel ring and the sweeping case flanks. The transitions between the surfaces remain structurally sound, avoiding the overly rounded look of heavy modern polishing. The screw-down solid caseback is clearly stamped with the Seiko branding, reference number 5606-5140, and the serial number indicating a production date of March 1973. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606A, a highly regarded 25-jewel automatic movement that formed the backbone of the Lord Matic family. Photographed with the caseback removed for inspection, the movement presents cleanly, with the rotor distinctly signed "SEIKO 25 JEWELS JAPAN 5606A". The bridges and plates display the industrial yet refined finishing typical of Seiko's upper-mid-tier calibers of the era. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher results show a deviation of +30 to +38 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern. The strap is detailed with contrasting white stitching that perfectly complements the white accents found on the dial indices and minute track, securing to the wrist with a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case shows expected, honest wear consisting of surface scratches and minor handling marks consistent with regular use over the decades. The true highlight of this watch is the dial, which remains in near-mint condition, completely free of the spotting or degradation often found in colored dials of this era. The faceted crystal adds immense character, and the mechanical performance remains strong. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The cushion case design and integrated lug profile provide a substantial yet incredibly comfortable presence on the wrist, wearing with the classic proportions expected of a 1970s dress watch. Remarks Finding a vintage Seiko Lord Matic with a colored dial in such immaculate condition is becoming increasingly difficult for collectors. The synergy between the warm brown sunburst finish, the complex faceted crystal, and the sharp applied indices makes this a highly compelling acquisition. It is a watch that perfectly encapsulates the adventurous spirit of 1970s Japanese horology while remaining highly wearable for modern daily use. History Introduced in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic was created to bring the high-quality automatic movements of the 5600 caliber family to a broader audience. Positioned as a premium offering just below the elite King Seiko line, the Lord Matic was heavily favored by Japanese businessmen for its reliability, sophisticated styling, and advanced features such as hacking seconds and a quickset day-date complication. The LM line became a canvas for Seiko's designers to experiment with vibrant dial colors, unique textures, and faceted crystals, resulting in some of the most visually interesting watches of the decade. Today, the Lord Matic is celebrated by vintage enthusiasts as one of the best value propositions in classic horology, offering exceptional in-house mechanics and striking aesthetics. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LJX-0008