Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5601-9000 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic series represents a golden era of Japanese horology, bridging the gap between standard models and the prestigious Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. This particular example is a highly desirable time-only variant, offering a perfectly symmetrical and uncluttered dial that highlights the minimalist beauty of Seiko's renowned design language. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5601-9000 Serial Number: 670121 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5601, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied indices, showing some wear and patina, scattered age-consistent spotting and honest vintage patina throughout Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with well-defined case lines and and some dial wear Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial features a beautifully symmetrical, time-only layout devoid of a date window, allowing the applied faceted baton indices to take center stage. Each index, along with the sharp dauphine hands, features a black central stripe that enhances legibility and contrast against the bright dial. The dial proudly displays the applied Seiko and LM logos, alongside the printed Lord Matic text and the Suwa factory symbol. Close inspection reveals some wear and honest vintage aging, with scattered spotting and a distinct patina present across the dial surface, most notably visible near the edges and across the lower quadrants. The handset remains well-preserved, complementing the beautifully patinated aesthetic of this classic timepiece. Case and Crystal The 36 millimeter stainless steel case exemplifies Seiko's mid-century design philosophy, featuring sharp, sweeping lugs with distinct transitions between the brushed upper surfaces and the polished flanks. The smooth polished bezel secures a domed acrylic crystal that offers a warm, vintage distortion at sharp angles. The crystal shows light surface wear consistent with its age. The case exhibits normal signs of wear, including light surface scratches and handling marks, but retains its strong factory geometry and unpolished character. The solid caseback is clearly engraved with the reference 5601-9000 and serial number 670121, noting the front-loading construction with the text indicating the watch must be opened through the glass. Movement Housed within the case is the Seiko Caliber 5601, a sophisticated 23 jewel automatic movement that powers this specific time-only reference. The 56 series calibers are celebrated for their reliability, smooth sweeping seconds, and slim profile. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a deviation of +26 to +30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black textured leather strap featuring contrasting yellow topstitching. The strap complements the vintage character of the watch and is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Lord Matic is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case remains robust and well-defined, showing honest wear without signs of heavy polishing. The dial exhibits some wear and patina, with a prominent age-consistent patina and visible spotting across the sunburst finish, adding a unique and unrepeatable character to the watch. The hands and applied dial furniture remain crisp and intact. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks A time-only Lord Matic is a rare find, offering a beautifully balanced dial that appeals directly to purist collectors. The honest aging of this example tells the story of a well-loved watch that has gracefully navigated the decades, presenting an excellent opportunity to acquire a mechanically robust and historically significant Seiko. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below King Seiko, offering sophisticated automatic movements and high-quality case finishing to the discerning public. The time-only 5601 references are particularly prized today for their adherence to Taro Tanaka's grammar of design, presenting a clean, uninterrupted canvas that captures the pure essence of vintage Japanese watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI5IQRX10000