Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7280 - Men - 1973

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic encapsulates the daring and expressive design language of 1970s Japanese horology, marrying sophisticated mechanical engineering with striking visual architecture. Positioned as a premium offering from the Suwa Seikosha factory, the Lord Matic line delivered exceptional build quality that rivaled its King Seiko and Grand Seiko siblings. This particular example stands out with its dramatic faceted crystal and mesmerizing geometric gradient dial, offering collectors a highly evocative and incredibly well-preserved piece of Seiko’s golden era. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7280 Serial Number: 364568 Movement: Seiko Caliber 5606A Automatic, 23 Jewels Dial: Two-tone brown geometric gradient dial with applied indices, exceptionally clean condition with no visible spots or damage Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, well-preserved case lines and a remarkably clean dial Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in 1970s design, featuring a rich brown gradient finish interrupted by a striking horizontal geometric band across the center. The typography is sharp and precise, with an applied silver-tone sans-serif Seiko logo, the applied LM emblem, and the distinctive Suwa factory symbol proudly displayed above the six o'clock marker. The dial furniture includes tall, faceted rectangular hour markers that catch the light beautifully, perfectly matched by polished baton hands featuring central black striping and white accents. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at three o'clock, displaying both English and Kanji day options. Carefully inspecting the dial reveals an exceptionally clean surface, free from moisture marks, spotting, staining, or print loss. The factory dial code JAPAN 5606 -8080T is clearly legible at the bottom edge, confirming the outstanding preservation of this highly attractive face. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a classic tonneau or C-shape profile, a hallmark of the era that provides excellent wrist presence. The case retains sharp transitions between the vertically brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished flanks. While it displays honest, age-appropriate handling marks and light surface scratches, the lug geometry remains strong and well-defined, avoiding the over-polished look often found on watches of this vintage. The knurled crown is neatly tucked into the case side at three o'clock. The visual centerpiece of the exterior is the dramatic, multi-faceted crystal, cut with vertical geometric planes that create dynamic optical distortions and light play across the dial below. The crystal shows minor signs of age and light surface wear but remains highly legible and structurally sound. The solid screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with all factory markings, including the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5606A, a 23-jewel automatic movement manufactured by the Suwa Seikosha division. The movement presents cleanly in the provided images, with the winding rotor prominently engraved with SEIKO 23 JEWELS JAPAN 5606A. The plates and bridges show an honest vintage appearance with normal signs of mechanical life. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result indicates a performance of -52 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black textured leather strap, featuring a heavy grain pattern and contrasting white perimeter stitching. This period-correct styling complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch perfectly while providing a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains its original brushed and polished finishes with normal, honest signs of wear and handling. The faceted crystal exhibits light surface wear consistent with age but remains a stunning visual element. The dial is the undeniable highlight, remaining flawlessly preserved with no visible spotting, degradation, or damage, offering a pristine display of Seiko's intricate 1970s dial manufacturing. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in width, excluding the crown. Remarks Finding a Lord Matic with its original faceted crystal intact and a dial in such immaculate condition is becoming increasingly difficult for collectors. The combination of the complex ombré geometric dial, the cut glass, and the reliable 5600-series movement makes this a highly compelling acquisition for enthusiasts of vintage Japanese watchmaking. History Introduced in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) series was created to serve as a high-end automatic watch for the discerning professional, sitting proudly just beneath the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines in the brand's hierarchy. The 5600 series of calibers developed for the Lord Matic were so successful and robust that they were eventually refined and utilized in both King Seiko and Grand Seiko models. During the 1970s, Seiko began experimenting with bold, architectural designs, utilizing faceted crystals and vibrant gradient dials to reflect the changing tastes of the decade. The Lord Matic remains a testament to Seiko's unparalleled ability to combine avant-garde styling with serious mechanical pedigree. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LJX-0009