Seiko - Lord Matic 響光 – Kyōkō – Echo Light - No reserve price - 5606-5040 - Men - 1972

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This distinctive Seiko Lord Matic represents the bold design language of the 1970s, combining a unique case shape with a sophisticated textured dial. As a significant part of Seiko's mid-tier luxury offering during the golden era of mechanical watchmaking, the Lord Matic line offered specifications that rivaled even the higher-end King Seiko models. This particular example, with its vertically brushed silver dial and charming "TV screen" case, stands as a stylish testament to Japanese design innovation, making it a compelling choice for collectors seeking character and reliability. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-5040 Serial Number: 235923 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Silver vertical brushed Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: March 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest and attractive aesthetic with normal signs of wear consistent with its age, running with visible amplitude and reliable mechanics. Dial and Hands The dial features a sophisticated vertical brushed silver finish that interacts beautifully with the light, creating a subtle linen-like texture. It is adorned with applied baton hour markers featuring black inlays for contrast, accompanied by sharp sword-style hands. The dial proudly displays the applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos, along with the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol above the six o'clock position. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, featuring a bilingual day wheel with English and Kanji characters. The dial surface shows minor signs of aging and faint patina around the periphery, which adds to its vintage charm without detracting from its legibility. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a rectangular "TV screen" design with soft, rounded corners that was iconic to the 1970s era. While the case width measures 33mm, the square profile allows it to wear significantly larger on the wrist, offering a substantial presence. The case surfaces display light scratches and handling marks typical of a watch from this period, yet the edges remain defined. The crystal is clear, allowing for an unobstructed view of the textured dial. The caseback clearly displays the reference 5606-5040 and serial number, confirming its production date and authenticity. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement, a 23-jewel workhorse known for its reliability and thin profile. The movement offers hand-winding and hacking capabilities, which were premium features at the time of production. The watch is currently running showing results of +33 to +45 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement functioning within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching, which complements the black details on the dial markers and hands. The strap is in excellent condition and secured by a silver-tone buckle, providing a comfortable fit and a sporty yet elegant look that suits the versatile nature of the case design. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The dial retains its original character with a clean vertical brush finish, showing only gentle evidence of time. The case has been preserved with its original geometry intact, showing honest wear that tells the story of its history. The movement is functioning correctly and the quickset features for the day and date are operational. Overall, it is a well-preserved example ready for immediate wear. Dimensions With a case width of 33mm, the square architecture of the Lord Matic provides a wrist presence comparable to a 36mm or 37mm round watch. The lug-to-lug length ensures it sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes, sliding easily under a cuff due to the slim profile of the 5606 movement. Remarks The Lord Matic series is often cited by collectors as one of the best value propositions in vintage Seiko collecting. It sits in the sweet spot between the robust sports divers and the high-end Grand Seiko models. This reference 5606-5040 captures the funky yet refined essence of 1972, offering a distinct alternative to traditional round dress watches. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned as a high-grade automatic watch for the aspiring middle class in Japan. It utilized the 5606 caliber, which was a foundational movement for Seiko, serving as the base for many high-beat and chronometer-grade movements in the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. The Lord Matic series became immense popular in the 1970s for its vast variety of dial textures and case shapes, cementing Seiko's reputation for vertically integrated manufacturing and avant-garde design. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0134