Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5601-9000 - Men - 1974

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of Seiko's renowned Lord Matic line, this reference 5601-9000 stands out with its striking time-only configuration. Stripped of the usual day and date complications, the deep black dial achieves a perfect symmetry that is highly sought after by collectors. Encased in a beautifully preserved monocoque stainless steel shell, this piece exemplifies the sharp, angular design language that defined Seiko's golden era of watchmaking in the 1970s, offering a refined aesthetic that remains timelessly elegant. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5601-9000 Serial Number: 406731 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5601 Dial: Deep black with applied silver-tone faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The deep black dial is a masterclass in minimalist design, completely free of a date window to offer flawless visual symmetry. It features applied silver-tone faceted baton hour markers that catch the light beautifully, complemented by the applied Seiko and LM logos at the twelve and six o'clock positions respectively. Crisp white printed text denotes the jewel count and the Suwa factory symbol. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing an even, deep coloration with no visible spotting, moisture marks, or surface damage, presenting a remarkably fresh appearance. The silver-tone dauphine hands feature a contrasting black central stripe, adding subtle visual interest while maintaining excellent legibility against the dark background. The hands remain crisp, showing only the faintest micro-signs of age under high magnification, while the sweeping seconds hand retains its sharp, needle-like profile. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel monocoque case embodies the iconic Grammar of Design aesthetic, featuring sharp, sweeping lugs and a seamless transition between the brushed upper surfaces and highly polished flanks. The polished smooth bezel frames the dial perfectly and shows only light, honest handling marks consistent with careful wear over the decades. The factory chamfers remain well-defined, indicating excellent preservation of the original case geometry. The domed crystal sits proud of the bezel, offering slight edge distortion that adds to the vintage charm, and remains clear and free of deep scratches or obtrusive marks. The solid, front-loading caseback is sharply engraved, clearly displaying the reference and serial numbers along with the factory opening instructions. Movement Housed safely within the front-loading case is the Seiko automatic caliber 5601, a highly regarded 23-jewel time-only movement from the esteemed 5600 family. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a performance of 45s to 50s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap, detailed with contrasting white and brown vintage-style stitching near the lugs. The strap complements the dark tone of the dial perfectly and is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable and stylish fit for the wrist. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The watch is remarkably well-preserved, showcasing an outstanding, virtually flawless black dial and a sharp case with clearly defined lug profiles. Normal vintage wear is present in the form of superficial hairline marks on the polished case flanks and caseback, but there are no deep impacts or signs of heavy abuse, resulting in a highly attractive collector-grade presentation. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown. Remarks This time-only Lord Matic is a superb find for the discerning Seiko enthusiast. The absence of a calendar complication elevates the dial's elegance, making it a versatile dress watch that seamlessly bridges the gap between mid-century restraint and 1970s architectural case design. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko tiers, serving as a premium offering for the ambitious professional. The 5600 series movements were so well-regarded that they eventually formed the basis for later King Seiko and Grand Seiko calibers. The time-only variants, such as the 5601-9000, are particularly prized today for their clean aesthetic and direct lineage to Seiko's highest echelons of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LLJ-0001