Seiko - Lord Matic - 5606-5080 - Men - 1973

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This striking Seiko Lord Matic perfectly captures the daring and innovative design language of early 1970s Japanese watchmaking. Born during a golden era of Seiko's mechanical production, the Lord Matic line was positioned just beneath the Grand Seiko and King Seiko tiers, offering exceptional automatic movements housed in highly stylized cases. This particular example stands out with its architectural case geometry and a mesmerizing faceted crystal that plays brilliantly with the vibrant blue dial beneath. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5080 Serial Number: 368833 Movement: Caliber 5606 Automatic, 25 Jewels Dial: Vibrant blue gradient with vertical brushing, applied silver indices, exceptionally clean condition with no visible damage Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Stunning vintage condition with sharp factory case lines and a pristine dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a visual triumph, featuring a rich blue gradient finish enhanced by a distinct vertical brushing texture that catches the light beautifully. The typography is precise and well-preserved, with the printed sans-serif AUTOMATIC and 25 JEWELS text remaining crisp alongside the factory dial code at the bottom edge. Applied silver indices with white central stripes provide excellent depth and contrast, perfectly matching the applied Seiko and LM logos. The dial presents in stunning condition, remaining remarkably clean and free of spots, moisture marks, or discoloration. The original baton hands mirror the indices with their white central inserts, showing only the faintest signs of honest aging under high magnification, while maintaining a bright and highly legible appearance. Framing the day and date aperture is a sharp, faceted metallic window that completes the sophisticated layout. Case and Crystal The 34 millimeter stainless steel case exhibits a bold, architectural square profile that is emblematic of the era. The case retains its sharp factory lines and crisp lug profiles, showcasing a distinct transition between the heavily brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished chamfers and case flanks. Honest signs of vintage wear, including superficial micro-scratches, are visible upon close inspection, but the case remains unpolished in appearance and structurally excellent. The recessed knurled crown sits neatly against the right flank. A defining feature of this timepiece is its striking faceted crystal, which features a central ridge and angled planes that create a captivating prism effect over the blue dial. The crystal is well-preserved, allowing clear and unobstructed viewing of the dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the respected Seiko Caliber 5606, a 25-jewel automatic movement renowned for its reliability and advanced features for the period. The solid stainless steel caseback clearly displays the reference 5606-5080 and the serial number 368833, along with the Suwa factory symbol. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -9s to -14s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring contrasting reddish-brown stitching that complements the vintage character of the timepiece. The strap is supple and features a standard polished stainless steel buckle, offering a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is presented in stunning vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, entirely free of spotting or damage, serving as the visual centerpiece of the watch. The stainless steel case retains its original factory finishes, with sharp edges and only minor, age-consistent handling marks. The faceted crystal is clear and attractive, and the caseback engravings remain deep and fully legible. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 34 mm in width, excluding the crown. Remarks With its combination of a vibrant textured dial, an architectural case, and a dramatic faceted crystal, this Seiko Lord Matic represents a highly collectible segment of Japanese horological history. It offers a unique aesthetic that is nearly impossible to find in modern watchmaking, making it a compelling addition to any serious vintage collection. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic series was designed to bring high-grade automatic movements and sophisticated styling to the discerning professional. Manufactured by the Suwa Seikosha factory, the LM line often shared movement architecture with the King Seiko 56 series, cementing its reputation for mechanical excellence. During the 1970s, Seiko experimented wildly with case shapes, dial textures, and faceted crystals, creating a distinct visual identity that remains highly sought after by collectors today. This specific reference perfectly encapsulates that era of fearless design and mechanical pride. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAL-0013