Seiko Lord Matic 5606-5040 (1972)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic stands as a brilliant testament to the brand's golden era of mechanical watchmaking, occupying a prestigious space just alongside the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. Introduced in the late 1960s and flourishing through the 1970s, the LM series was defined by its sophisticated 5600-series movements and daring, futuristic case geometries. This particular example perfectly captures the bold aesthetic of the 1970s with its distinctive television-style case and a mesmerizing vertically brushed dial. It is a striking representation of vintage Japanese design, offering collectors a mechanically refined and visually captivating timepiece that remains incredibly stylish today. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5040 Serial Number: 237466 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Charcoal grey with vertical brushing, applied indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition with an outstandingly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a visual triumph, featuring a deep charcoal grey surface finished with a pronounced vertical brushing that catches the light beautifully. The typography is crisp and perfectly preserved, with the applied silver-tone "SEIKO" and "LM" logos standing proud beneath 12 o'clock, complemented by the printed "AUTOMATIC 25 JEWELS" text. The applied silver-tone baton hour markers are faceted to enhance legibility and add depth to the dial architecture. A framed day-date aperture sits neatly at 3 o'clock, featuring a vibrant red Sunday indicator that adds a subtle pop of color. The silver-tone baton hands are detailed with a white central stripe, matching the sweeping seconds hand. A thorough visual inspection reveals the dial is in stunningly preserved condition, completely free from moisture damage, spotting, staining, or print degradation, presenting an exceptionally clean and attractive face. Case and Crystal The stainless steel television-shaped cushion case is a quintessential hallmark of 1970s watch design. The case features a wide, polished sloping bezel that transitions into smoothly brushed upper lugs, creating a dynamic interplay of finishes. The case displays honest signs of vintage wear, including hairline scratches, minor scuffs, and handling marks along the polished flanks and bezel, entirely consistent with its age and history. The lugs remain well-defined, and the recessed crown sits cleanly at the 3 o'clock position. The raised, domed crystal follows the square aperture of the dial and exhibits some light surface scratches visible under close inspection, though it does not significantly hinder the view of the striking dial beneath. The solid stainless steel caseback features clear, deep factory engravings including the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5606, an automatic movement featuring 25 jewels and known for its sophisticated engineering during Seiko's most competitive era. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -51 to -55 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel folded-link bracelet, which seamlessly integrates with the case geometry. The clasp is proudly stamped with the raised "SEIKO LM" signature, confirming its factory originality. The bracelet exhibits normal vintage stretch and surface wear consistent with the watch head, and is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 18cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case and original bracelet show honest, authentic wear with surface marks and minor scratches that speak to its life as a worn companion. The crystal bears some light scuffing, but the true highlight is the dial, which has survived in exceptionally clean condition, elevating the overall visual appeal of the watch tremendously. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 32 mm in width, excluding the crown. The integrated lug design and cushion shape give it a substantial presence on the wrist despite the compact measurement, wearing with the distinct, broad profile characteristic of vintage TV-dial watches. The original bracelet will comfortably fit a wrist size of up to 18cm. Remarks This Lord Matic is a remarkable find for enthusiasts of vintage Seiko and 1970s horological design. The combination of the original signed bracelet, the highly reliable 5606 caliber, and the flawlessly preserved vertically brushed dial makes this a highly compelling collector's piece. It offers a perfect blend of robust engineering and undeniable vintage charm. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was created to bring the high-end advancements of the 5600 movement family to a broader audience, positioning itself as a premium offering just below the elite King and Grand Seiko models. The LM series was instrumental in establishing Seiko's dominance in the automatic watch market during the 1970s. Known for their thin profiles, quickset day-date mechanisms, and experimental case designs, Lord Matic watches reflect an era of supreme confidence and creativity at Seiko, securing their lasting legacy among vintage watch aficionados. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAJ-0026