Seiko Lord Matic 5606-5080 (1973)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic perfectly captures the vibrant and daring design language of 1970s Japanese horology. Combining a striking geometric case with a mesmerizing faceted crystal and a deeply saturated emerald green dial, this piece stands as a testament to Seiko's golden era of creative styling. The Lord Matic line was celebrated for bringing premium mechanical watchmaking into bold, everyday wear, and this particular example showcases an extraordinary level of aesthetic preservation and mechanical health. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5080 Serial Number: 362619 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606, 25 Jewels Dial: Emerald green gradient dial with applied gold-tone indices, presenting in exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case geometry Dial and Hands The dial is a breathtaking emerald green with a subtle gradient effect that dances under the light, enhanced by the complex geometry of the crystal above it. It features applied gold-tone faceted baton indices with intricate ridged detailing, adding significant depth to the display. The applied gold-tone Seiko and LM logos sit proudly on the upper and lower halves, alongside crisp white printed text for the automatic designation and jewel count. A framed day-date aperture is positioned at three o'clock, offering a clean, metallic contrast. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing no visible spotting, moisture marks, or print loss, representing a highly attractive and age-consistent state of preservation. The gold-tone dauphine hands are finished with central black stripes for legibility and remain in excellent condition, matching the indices perfectly. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctively sharp, square profile with unique notched lug architecture. The top and bottom planes of the case boast a strong horizontal brushed finish, which transitions abruptly into highly polished, sharply angled flanks. The factory chamfers and case lines remain well-defined, displaying only honest, superficial handling marks consistent with careful vintage wear. The caseback is fully intact with clearly legible reference and serial numbers. Above the dial sits a highly pronounced, multi-faceted crystal. This geometric crystal creates captivating visual distortions and reflections, though it does exhibit some minor edge wear and light surface marks typical of its age, which do not detract from the overall stunning appearance of the timepiece. Movement Powering this watch is the respected Seiko Caliber 5606, a 25-jewel automatic movement known for its refined engineering and smooth operation. The movement features both day and date complications and operates at a smooth beat rate characteristic of the 56-series family. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher result indicates a deviation of -11 to -18s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black genuine leather strap featuring an embossed alligator grain pattern. The strap is completed with a standard silver-tone pin buckle, providing a comfortable and elegant contrast to the sharp metallic lines of the case. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The case retains its sharp architectural lines and contrasting finishes, showing only minor, acceptable signs of wear. The dial is wonderfully preserved, completely free of the spotting or degradation often found in watches of this era. The faceted crystal shows minor historical wear but remains highly attractive. Overall, the watch presents beautifully on the wrist. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in width, excluding the crown. Remarks This Lord Matic is a superb representative of Japanese vintage watch design, offering a highly sought-after combination of a colored dial, a faceted crystal, and an angular case. It is a compelling acquisition for any collector focused on the unique and expressive models produced by Seiko during the early 1970s. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic collection was positioned just below the prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, sharing much of the same advanced movement architecture. The 56-series calibers used in the LM range were highly sophisticated for their time, allowing for slimmer case profiles and reliable daily performance. During the 1970s, Seiko began experimenting wildly with case shapes, dial colors, and crystal facets, catering to a domestic market that increasingly viewed watches as stylish accessories. This reference 5606-5080 is a perfect artifact of that innovative era, blending high-quality mechanical watchmaking with unapologetic retro-futuristic flair. / Second Vintage SKU: SEIG59MJ50000