Seiko Lord Matic 5606-5040 (1972)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of Seiko's bold 1970s design language, this Lord Matic features a striking square cushion case and a mesmerizing textured dial. The Lord Matic line was positioned just below King Seiko and Grand Seiko, offering exceptional build quality and sophisticated automatic movements. This particular reference 5606-5040 stands out with its architectural case and dark, moody dial, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of vintage Japanese horology who appreciate distinct textures and sharp case geometry. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5040 Serial Number: 235350 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606, 25 Jewels Dial: Dark grey textured linen dial with applied indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: March 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear Dial and Hands The dial is the undisputed star of this timepiece, featuring a deep grey base adorned with a fine vertical and horizontal crosshatch linen texture that plays beautifully with the light. Applied silver baton indices provide excellent contrast and legibility, complemented by the sharply faceted applied Seiko and LM logos. A framed day-date aperture sits at the three o'clock position, featuring an English and Kanji day wheel. The dial remains in exceptionally clean condition, free from notable spotting, moisture damage, print loss, or discoloration. The silver baton hands and slender central seconds hand are well-preserved, matching the overall crisp and well-preserved aesthetic of the dial surface. Case and Crystal The 32mm stainless steel case features a distinctive square cushion profile, characteristic of the era's adventurous design ethos. The case exhibits a vertically brushed finish on the top surfaces transitioning to polished flanks, maintaining strong, well-defined lines and sharp lug profiles. Honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and minor handling marks, are present across the case and bezel area, fully consistent with its vintage nature. The crystal features a raised profile with beveled edges, showing some light surface wear but providing a clear, undistorted view of the textured dial beneath. The solid stainless steel caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers. Movement Inside beats the Seiko automatic caliber 5606, a highly regarded 25-jewel movement known for its reliability and smooth operation. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of 12s to 15s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap, featuring contrasting white stitching that perfectly complements the monochromatic dial and steel case. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully on the wrist, with a remarkably pristine dial and a case that shows honest, age-appropriate wear without significant loss of its original structural geometry. Dimensions Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic 5606-5040 is a superb representation of 1970s Japanese watchmaking, combining an excellent automatic movement with a dial texture that rivals much more expensive contemporary pieces. The inclusion of the Kanji day wheel adds an extra layer of collectability for enthusiasts of domestic market Japanese watches. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was designed to offer the discerning everyday wearer a taste of Seiko's high-end watchmaking. Utilizing the sophisticated 56-series movements, which were also foundational for contemporary King Seiko and Grand Seiko models, the LM series became known for its precision, durability, and strikingly varied dial designs. The Lord Matic remains a testament to Seiko's golden era of mechanical watch production. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0083