Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7190 (1973)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a remarkable example of 1970s Japanese watchmaking, combining a bold aesthetic with high-grade engineering. Known for sitting just below King Seiko in the hierarchy, the Lord Matic line offered exceptional finishing and reliable movements. This specific example features a highly desirable faceted crystal and a vibrant green dial that catches the light beautifully, making it a standout piece for any vintage collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7190 Serial Number: 300670 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Green Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Near mint vintage condition with only small signs of wear. Dial and Hands The dial is a stunning shade of emerald green with a subtle sunburst finish that radiates from the center. It features applied gold-tone baton indices and matching hands, creating a sophisticated contrast against the dark green background. The gold-tone "LM" and "Seiko" logos are applied with precision. A framed day and date window is positioned at three o'clock, adding functionality to the elegant design. The overall presentation of the dial is pristine and vibrant. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the sharp, geometric lines characteristic of Seiko's "Grammar of Design" era, alternating between brushed and polished surfaces. The edges remain distinct and well-defined, suggesting the watch has been treated with care. The defining feature of this reference is the original faceted mineral glass crystal, often referred to as "Cut Glass." The multiple facets act like a prism, playing with light and distorting the dial in fascinating ways depending on the viewing angle. Movement Powering the watch is the robust Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement with 23 jewels. This movement was a high-grade workhorse of the era, known for its slim profile and reliability. It features a hacking seconds mechanism and a quickset date function. The movement is clean and is currently running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel link bracelet, complete with the signature "LM" embossed clasp. The bracelet design complements the angular case perfectly and sits comfortably on the wrist. It is currently sized to fit a wrist of approximately 17.5cm. Condition This timepiece is in near mint vintage condition with only small signs of wear. The dial is flawless with only minimal wear. The faceted crystal is clear and free of major chips, preserving the unique visual effect. The case shows only minor handling marks consistent with its age, maintaining its original geometry without signs of heavy polishing. Dimensions The case measures 37mm in diameter excluding the crown, which was a contemporary mid-size for the era but wears with significant presence due to the thick faceted crystal and angular lug design. Remarks Finding a Lord Matic with a faceted crystal in this condition is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the emerald green dial, gold accents, and the prismatic glass makes this specific reference one of the more collectible variations of the LM series. It is a fantastic representation of the adventurous design language of the 1970s. History Introduced in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic series was positioned as a mid-tier luxury offering, bridging the gap between the standard Seiko automatic models and the high-end King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. It was a massive commercial success in Japan, celebrated for bringing high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated case designs to a broader audience. The 5606 movement inside was so well-regarded that it served as the base for many chronometer-grade movements of the time. This specific model hails from October 1973, capturing the peak of Seiko's mechanical creativity before the quartz revolution fully took hold. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLX-0020