Seiko Lord Matic 5606-5080 (1973)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a quintessential representation of 1970s Japanese watch design, combining bold geometry with striking visual flair. The "TV-screen" case shape, paired with a deeply faceted cut glass crystal and a vibrant emerald green dial, creates a light-catching spectacle on the wrist. As part of the Lord Matic line, this piece represents the high-quality mid-tier luxury segment of Seiko's catalog from the era, offering a sophisticated aesthetic that remains distinct and collectible today. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5080 Serial Number: 363838 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Emerald green with faceted crystal Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: June 1973 Condition: Honest vintage condition with visible wear. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance (+39 to +43s/day). Dial and Hands The dial presents a rich, emerald green tone that serves as a vibrant backdrop for the high-polish furniture. It features applied silver baton indices with faceted surfaces that complement the case geometry. The handset is a matching silver baton style with central striping for contrast. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, displaying both English and Kanji characters. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and elevated, adding depth to the face. The visual experience is dominated by the original faceted crystal, which splits the light across multiple planes, creating a dynamic distortion effect characteristic of high-end 1970s Seikos. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive rectangular "TV" shape with a flat, vertically brushed top surface and high-polished flanks. The factory lines remain visible, defining the transition between the finished surfaces. The case shows honest signs of vintage wear, including surface scratches and minor dings consistent with age and use. The defining feature is the faceted mineral glass crystal, which has three horizontal planes cut into the surface. The crystal shows visible scratches and wear along the faceted edges, which is typical for exposed glass designs of this period. Movement Powering the watch is the Seiko Caliber 5606, a robust 25-jewel automatic movement that was a staple of the Lord Matic range. The movement features a day and date complication and is capable of hand-winding. The serial number 363838 on the caseback indicates a production date of June 1973. Timegrapher results reflect current performance; the movement is running and operational. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel link bracelet, which perfectly integrates with the lug design. The clasp features the specific embossed "SEIKO LM" branding, confirming its authenticity to the model. The bracelet exhibits moderate stretch consistent with its age and is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 19cm. Condition This timepiece is in honest vintage condition with visible wear. The case retains its architectural integrity while showing expected wear from decades of use. The dial is well-preserved with vibrant coloration, though the faceted crystal bears scratches that testify to its life on the wrist. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance (see timegrapher). Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in width excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage proportion that wears larger due to the square profile. The bracelet is sized to accommodate a wrist circumference of up to 19cm. Remarks This Lord Matic 5606-5080 is a charismatic example of Seiko's "Glamour" era, where case shapes and crystal cuts were experimented with boldly. The combination of the green dial and the cut glass makes this a conversation piece that captures the funk and precision of 1970s horology. History The Lord Matic (LM) line was introduced by Seiko in 1968 as a successor to the Lord Marvel, positioning itself as a high-grade automatic watch just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. Powered by the sophisticated 5600 series movements, the LM range became famous for its immense variety of dial colors, case shapes, and the use of faceted crystals in the early 1970s. These watches were designed to offer luxury finishing and reliable performance to the upwardly mobile Japanese professional. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAL-0006