Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-8040 - Men - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The 1970s marked a golden era of experimental design and technical refinement for Seiko, and the Lord Matic line stood proudly near the pinnacle of their catalog, offering King Seiko-level finishing to the discerning consumer. This specific reference is a remarkable visual experience, defined by a mesmerizing interplay between a vibrant, vertically brushed gradient dial and a highly architectural faceted crystal. It is a brilliant representation of Japanese domestic market flair, combining bold geometric aesthetic choices with the robust mechanical heart of the legendary Suwa Seikosha factory. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-8040 Serial Number: 476002 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Striking blue vertical-brushed gradient dial with applied two-tone faceted indices, exceptionally clean and flawlessly preserved. Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an immaculate dial and crisp factory case geometry. Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a true masterpiece of vintage Seiko manufacturing, presenting a vivid blue canvas that deepens into a darker hue at the outer edges in a handsome fumé effect. The surface is executed with a meticulous vertical brushing that catches the light dynamically from every angle. The dial furniture is incredibly elaborate, featuring prominent applied block indices. Notably, the markers at twelve, six, and nine o'clock feature finely grooved gold-tone inserts, adding an unexpected and luxurious contrast against the polished steel borders. The applied silver-tone "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and prominent, sitting above the cleanly printed "AUTOMATIC" and "25 JEWELS" text alongside the Suwa factory emblem. A highly polished, gold-tone framed aperture at three o'clock displays the day and date, with the Sunday text rendered in a striking red. The handset consists of faceted gold-tone batons featuring black central accent lines, matching the aesthetic of the indices perfectly, accompanied by a sweeping gold-tone second hand. Crucially, the dial remains in stunning condition, entirely free from moisture spotting, discoloration, surface scratches, or print degradation, presenting a pristine aesthetic under the crystal. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is executed in a soft cushion or barrel profile with integrated, hooded lugs, a hallmark of 1970s futuristic design. The transition between the vertically brushed upper case surfaces and the highly polished case flanks remains remarkably sharp, indicating careful ownership and excellent preservation of the original factory chamfers and lines. The watch is fitted with a spectacular faceted crystal, featuring precise geometric cuts that create a kaleidoscope of reflections over the blue dial beneath, elevating the visual presence of the watch significantly. The crystal displays very well, maintaining excellent clarity. The polished screw-down caseback bears crisp, deep engravings, including the Seiko branding, water resistance notation, and the serial number 476002, all of which remain highly legible alongside minor, honest surface hairlines from standard wear. The knurled crown sits neatly tucked into the case profile, operating exactly as intended. Movement Powering this timepiece is the venerable Seiko Caliber 5606A, a sophisticated 25-jewel automatic movement developed by the Suwa Seikosha facility. Visual inspection reveals a clean, rhodium-plated movement with clear, distinct factory stampings on the winding rotor. While some expected age-related residue is visible around the very outer edge of the inner case lip where the caseback gasket seats, the movement structure itself appears well-kept and structurally sound. Timegrapher results reflect current performance; the movement is running and operational, currently yielding a reading of -15s-20s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with its highly desirable, period correct, original stainless steel multi-link bracelet. The bracelet construction features a handsome interplay of brushed and polished surfaces that echo the finishing of the case. The fold-over clasp is deeply and proudly stamped with the "SEIKO LM" branding, confirming its originality. The bracelet exhibits normal vintage articulation and superficial desk-diving marks consistent with careful wear, accommodating a wrist size of 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case retains strong, well-defined edges and clearly discernible original brushed finishes, showing only honest, light handling marks and superficial hairlines expected from a watch of this era. The absolute standout feature is the dial, which is remarkably well-preserved, showing no signs of environmental damage or aging. The faceted crystal is intact and highly reflective, while the original LM-signed bracelet completes a highly collectible, unmolested vintage package. Dimensions The watch measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The hooded lug design ensures a seamless and very comfortable drape across the wrist, providing a solid, integrated presence that wears beautifully by modern standards. Remarks Finding a vintage Lord Matic with its original faceted crystal intact and a dial of this complexity in such immaculate condition is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the icy blue brushed gradient dial, the two-tone gold and steel indices, and the geometric crystal creates an optical experience that standard flat-crystal watches simply cannot replicate. Complete with its original signed bracelet, this is a top-tier example of Seiko's imaginative 1970s design language. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned as a premium offering in the Seiko hierarchy, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections. The LM series was entrusted with the advanced 56-series automatic calibers, which were so reliable and well-engineered that they eventually formed the basis for the chronometer-certified movements used in higher-tier models. The Lord Matic models were heavily favored in the Japanese Domestic Market, often featuring more daring, expressive, and architecturally complex designs than their export counterparts, making them incredibly sought after by contemporary vintage collectors today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAJ-0013