Seiko Lord Matic 5606-5010 (1971)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of 1970s Seiko design, this Lord Matic encapsulates the bold aesthetic experimentation of the era. The Lord Matic line was positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko tiers, offering sophisticated movements and striking case geometries. This particular reference 5606-5010 features a dramatic cushion case with a wide, brushed bezel that perfectly frames the deep, moody dial, representing the pinnacle of retro-futuristic Japanese watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5010 Serial Number: 162780 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Deep black dial with applied textured indices, well-preserved with minor age-consistent lume darkening Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and an attractive, well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The deep black dial is a striking study in vintage textures, remaining remarkably clean and well-preserved without any heavy spotting or moisture damage. It features applied silver-tone hour markers with uniquely faceted and textured tops, complemented by small, circular luminous plots that have aged to a warm, creamy tone. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos add excellent depth to the display, while the crisp white printing remains fully intact and sharp. The framed day-date aperture at three o'clock provides practical functionality with contrasting day text. The original baton hands feature central luminous strips that show honest, age-consistent darkening, harmonizing beautifully with the dial's authentic vintage character. Case and Crystal The impressive 40 mm stainless steel case features a distinctively bold, television-screen cushion profile characteristic of the 1970s. The wide front bezel showcases a pronounced brushed finish that contrasts appealingly with the polished case flanks. The case remains robust, exhibiting honest signs of wear, surface scratches, and minor scuffs commensurate with its age, while retaining its original, commanding geometric presence. The crystal displays visible surface scratches and handling marks that reflect its history of use, though it remains fully legible. The stainless steel caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers, maintaining good legibility of all factory markings. Movement Inside beats the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5606A automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and the brand's renowned Diashock system. The movement presents cleanly, with the distinctive Seiko-signed rotor and caliber markings clearly visible upon inspection. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances, running strong and steady, the timegrapher indicates a deviation of -20 to 30 seconds per day. This caliber is celebrated for bringing sophisticated day-date mechanics and reliable precision to the Lord Matic line. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Seiko Lord Matic stainless steel mesh bracelet, complete with the factory-signed "SEIKO LM" folding clasp. The mesh design offers exceptional comfort, drapes beautifully, and perfectly complements the bold 1970s aesthetic of the case. It accommodates a wrist size of up to 19 cm. Condition This Lord Matic is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as a highlight of the piece. The case and crystal show expected honest wear, including surface scratches and handling marks, maintaining the authentic character of a genuinely enjoyed vintage timepiece. Dimensions The substantial case measures 40 mm in width, excluding the crown, providing a prominent and highly wearable stance on the wrist. Remarks This reference 5606-5010 is a superb representation of Seiko's golden era of daring case designs. The combination of the deep dial, the wide cushion case, and the original signed mesh bracelet makes it a compelling acquisition for collectors of distinctive Japanese horology seeking a true statement piece. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) series was a vital pillar in Seiko's catalog, acting as a bridge between the accessible Seiko 5 range and the premium King and Grand Seiko lines. Powered by the sophisticated 56-series movements, the Lord Matic offered high-end features in an array of highly stylized, fashion-forward cases that defined 1970s watchmaking and cemented Seiko's reputation for innovative design. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0205