Seiko Lord Matic 薄影 (Usu-kage) 5606-5040 (1971)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This distinctive Seiko Lord Matic represents the bold, geometric design language that defined the early 1970s. With its "TV-screen" case shape and sophisticated charcoal grey dial, this timepiece offers a retro aesthetic that sits comfortably on the wrist while projecting a strong vintage character. The Lord Matic series was positioned as a high-grade offering in Seiko's lineup, featuring advanced automatic movements and superior finishing, making this a collectible piece of Japanese horological history. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5040 Serial Number: 1N9720 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Charcoal Grey Sunburst Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: November 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear to the case and bezel consistent with its age, while the dial remains in excellent preservation. Timegrapher results show -18s to -25s/day, indicating a running movement functioning within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The dial is a highlight of this piece, featuring a deep charcoal grey tone with a subtle sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with applied block hour markers featuring white inlays, which match the design of the baton-style hands. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding utility to the design. The "LM" logo and the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol are crisp and clearly visible above the 6 o'clock position. The dial surface itself is well-preserved, showing minimal aging. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a rectangular "TV-screen" silhouette with rounded edges, a hallmark of 1970s watch design. The case exhibits visible surface scratches and contact marks throughout, particularly on the polished bezel and case sides, which is expected for an unpolished vintage watch of this era. The crystal shows some hazing and fine scratches but remains transparent enough to enjoy the dial clearly. The crown is recessed slightly into the case side, maintaining the sleek profile. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606, a 23-jewel automatic movement that was a staple of high-mid range Seikos of the period. This movement features hacking capabilities and hand-winding support. The watch is currently running between -18s and -25s/day, which indicates a healthy movement operating within acceptable vintage parameters. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, signed with the "Seiko LM" logo on the clasp. The bracelet design complements the case perfectly and fits a wrist size of approximately 17.5cm. The bracelet shows normal stretch and surface wear consistent with the watch head. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the external case parts show evident signs of daily wear and history through surface scratches, the structural integrity remains sound. The dial is the standout feature, remaining clean and attractive. The movement is running and functioning as described. Dimensions The case measures 33mm in width excluding the crown. Due to the square shape, it wears slightly larger than a round watch of equivalent diameter, offering a substantial presence on the wrist without being overbearing. Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic 5606-5040 is a charming example of the brand's adventurous design period. It combines a unique case shape with a classic dial configuration, making it a versatile accessory for both casual and formal vintage styling. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, offering high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated designs to the upwardly mobile Japanese market. The 5606 movement inside was one of Seiko's most widely used high-grade calibers, known for its slim profile which allowed for elegant case designs like this one. This specific example dates to November 1971, placing it right in the golden era of Seiko's mechanical dominance. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0040