Seiko - Lord Matic 青嵐 (Ao Arashi) – Blue Storm - No reserve price - 5606-5050 - Men - 1971

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of Seiko's design prowess during the 1970s, specifically the highly collectible Lord Matic series. This particular reference stands out immediately due to its striking faceted crystal, a quintessential feature of the era that plays beautifully with the light, creating a dynamic visual experience over the deep blue sunburst dial. Powered by the high-grade 5606 automatic movement, this piece represents the sweet spot of Seiko's vintage catalog, sitting comfortably between the standard automatic lines and the high-end King Seiko models. It is a stunning time capsule from December 1971 that combines reliable mechanical engineering with distinct Japanese aesthetic flair. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5050 Serial Number: 1D8048 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Blue Sunburst with Faceted Crystal Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Stunning vintage condition. The watch is running between +6 and +12 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Dial and Hands The dial is a mesmerizing deep blue with a rich sunburst finish that shifts in tone depending on the angle of light. It features applied silver baton indices that are substantial and multi-faceted to catch the light. The dial is signed with the applied "SEIKO" logo at the 12 o'clock position and the "LM" Lord Matic logo above the 6 o'clock position. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The original hands are polished steel with a slender design that complements the indices perfectly. The defining feature of this timepiece is the faceted "cut glass" crystal, which remains in excellent condition and creates a prism-like effect that distorts and animates the dial markers beneath it in a truly unique way. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36mm and features the sharp geometric styling characteristic of Seiko's 1970s design language. The case lines remain crisp and well-defined, showcasing a mix of brushed upper surfaces and polished sides. The case preserves its original shape well, with no signs of over-polishing. The faceted mineral crystal is a standout feature, showing sharp edges and clarity that is difficult to find in vintage pieces of this age. The crown is recessed slightly into the case side for a streamlined profile. Movement Inside beats the Seiko Caliber 5606, a high-grade 23-jewel automatic movement that was a workhorse of the era. This movement allows for both hand-winding and automatic winding. The movement presents very cleanly in the photos, and timegrapher results show it running strongly between +6 and +12 seconds per day, demonstrating excellent mechanical health for a watch of this vintage. Strap The watch comes fitted on its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, which is a significant value add for collectors. The clasp is signed with the "LM" logo. The bracelet is comfortable and articulate, fitting a wrist size of approximately 17.5cm. It shows minimal stretch and matches the finish of the watch case perfectly. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is flawless with no visible staining or degradation. The faceted crystal is remarkably clean, allowing the dial's beauty to shine through. The case retains its factory finishes with only very minor handling marks consistent with careful storage. The movement is clean and performing admirably within vintage tolerances. Dimensions The case diameter is 36mm excluding the crown. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable presence on the wrist that fits well with both modern and vintage sizing preferences. Remarks Finding a Lord Matic with a faceted crystal in this condition is becoming increasingly difficult. The blue dial variant is particularly sought after for its ability to catch the light. This watch offers a perfect entry point into high-quality vintage Japanese collecting or a sophisticated addition to an established collection. It is a piece that looks as modern and avant-garde today as it did over fifty years ago. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned by Seiko as a superior grade of automatic watches, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. It utilized the sophisticated 5606 movement, which was thinner and more advanced than many of its predecessors. The Lord Matic series became the canvas for some of Seiko's most adventurous case and crystal designs in the 1970s, embodying the brand's "Grammar of Design" philosophy while experimenting with texture and light. This specific model from 1971 perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of that golden era of watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAJ-0019