Seiko - Lord Matic - 5606-8040 - Men - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of Japanese horological artistry from the golden era of Seiko manufacturing. The Lord Matic series represents the perfect bridge between everyday reliability and high-end Grand Seiko finishing. This particular reference elevates that ethos with a mesmerizing vertically brushed dial and a striking geometric faceted crystal, offering immense visual depth and a dynamic presence on the wrist. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-8040 Serial Number: 477031 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Vertically brushed gradient grey dial with applied faceted indices, presenting in exceptionally clean condition with no visible spots or marks Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, featuring a pristine dial, sharp case lines, and an original integrated bracelet Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a masterful display of texture and light, featuring a crisp vertical brushing that transitions through subtle shades of grey and taupe depending on the viewing angle. The dial furniture is beautifully executed, with a deeply applied Seiko logo, the distinctive LM badge, and the Suwa factory symbol proudly displayed above the six o'clock position. The applied faceted indices are highly intricate, featuring polished gold tone accents and black central inserts that perfectly match the faceted baton hands. A framed day and date window sits cleanly at the three o'clock position, offering both English and Kanji variations. Crucially, the dial presents in exceptionally clean condition, completely free of any visible spotting, staining, moisture marks, or surface degradation. All printed text remains factory crisp, and the overall aesthetic is remarkably well preserved. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case showcases the sharp, angular design language that defined Seiko in the 1970s. The transition between the brushed upper lug surfaces and the highly polished case flanks remains well defined, demonstrating the factory case geometry. The watch is fitted with a spectacular faceted crystal, featuring a grid of angled planes that catch the light and create a mesmerizing optical effect over the dial beneath. The crystal is well preserved, allowing clear visibility of the intricate dial details. The polished bezel and case sides exhibit light, honest surface wear consistent with careful vintage use, without any deep strikes or signs of heavy over polishing. The screw down caseback is clean and fully legible, clearly displaying the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5606A, a 25 jewel automatic movement produced by the Suwa Seikosha facility. As seen in the detailed photographs, the movement and rotor are remarkably clean, with all factory engravings clearly visible. This caliber is celebrated for its smooth sweep and reliable daily performance, serving as the foundational architecture for many high tier Seiko lines of the era. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece, with timegrapher results showing +7 to +8 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel multi link bracelet, a crucial component for collectors seeking completeness. The folding clasp is deeply stamped with the correct Seiko LM branding, and the endlinks bear the distinct XAA 940 factory codes, confirming its originality to this reference. The bracelet exhibits moderate stretch consistent with its age and features a brushed finish that perfectly complements the case. It currently accommodates a wrist size of 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is graded in excellent vintage condition. The priority for any collector is the dial, and this example is stunningly preserved, showing no signs of moisture intrusion, spotting, or dial rot. The hands and applied markers retain their sharp facets and vibrant finishing. The stainless steel case retains strong lines and crisp chamfers, showing only honest, superficial handling marks that validate its authentic vintage character. The original bracelet remains secure and functional, and the intricate faceted crystal stands out as a brilliant centerpiece. Dimensions The case measures a classic 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, offering a perfectly balanced and universally wearable proportion. The integrated style lug design allows the watch to sit flush and comfortably against the wrist, while the original bracelet is sized to fit a 17.5 cm wrist. Remarks Finding a Lord Matic with its original faceted crystal intact and a dial this pristine is becoming increasingly difficult. The interplay between the geometric crystal and the vertically brushed gradient dial makes this specific reference one of the most visually engaging models in the LM lineup. It is a brilliant representation of 1970s Seiko design philosophy, offering tremendous value and undeniable charm for the astute vintage enthusiast. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was positioned strategically below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections, bringing high grade mechanical watchmaking to a broader audience. Utilizing the sophisticated 56 series movement family, the LM range became a canvas for Seiko to experiment with bold case shapes, vibrant dials, and unique crystal designs. Today, the Lord Matic is highly respected among collectors for its exceptional build quality, reliable movements, and quintessentially Japanese design language. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LXX-0041