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

Available now on auction by Second Vintage

This Seiko Lord Matic perfectly captures the daring and innovative design language of the 1970s, combining a highly architectural case with a mesmerizing faceted crystal and a deeply textured dial. The Lord Matic line was positioned as a premium offering, boasting the sophisticated 5600 series movement that also powered many King Seiko models. This specific execution, with its sharp, blocky geometry and striking blue vertical-gradient dial, represents the pinnacle of Seiko’s mid-century aesthetic experimentation. It is a brilliant statement piece that offers both mechanical pedigree and undeniable visual impact, making it a highly compelling addition for any serious collector of vintage Japanese horology.

Brand: Seiko
Model: Lord Matic
Reference Number: 5606-5080
Serial Number: 301399
Movement: Caliber 5606 Automatic, 25 Jewels
Dial: Striking deep blue vertically striated dial, applied indices, exceptionally clean condition
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1973
Condition: Excellent vintage condition, well-preserved with sharp case lines and a pristine dial

Dial and Hands
The dial of this Lord Matic is a visual triumph, featuring a rich, deep blue base with pronounced vertical striations that catch the light dynamically from every angle. The typography is crisp and perfectly preserved, with the applied silver "SEIKO" and "LM" logos standing proud above the surface, accompanied by the printed "AUTOMATIC" and the Suwa factory symbol. The hour markers are elaborate, applied silver blocks with distinct horizontal grooving, adding incredible depth to the display. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at three o'clock, featuring a dual-language Kanji and English day wheel. Upon close visual inspection, the dial remains in exceptionally clean condition, completely devoid of spotting, moisture damage, or print loss, presenting a remarkably fresh appearance. The original baton hands feature a central black stripe that complements the indices, and they remain in excellent condition with no signs of oxidation or wear.

Case and Crystal
The bold, square stainless steel case is a masterclass in 1970s watch design, featuring a robust, block-like profile with dramatic transitions between its surfaces. The top of the case exhibits a distinct horizontal brushing, which breaks sharply into highly polished, sloping chamfers and vertically brushed flanks. The lug profile remains incredibly sharp, retaining its factory geometry and original finishing techniques. The case shows honest, age-consistent signs of wear, including fine handling hairlines and minor superficial nicks along the polished edges, but nothing that detracts from its structural integrity or visual appeal. The solid stainless steel caseback is clearly engraved with all factory markings, including the reference and serial numbers. A defining feature of this timepiece is its highly faceted, emerald-cut style crystal, which projects a spectacular prismatic effect over the dial while remaining clear and highly legible.

Movement
Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels and the Suwa factory's renowned engineering. This caliber is celebrated for its refinement and was a cornerstone of Seiko's upper-tier offerings during the era. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate an impressive +15 to +20 seconds per day, confirming the robust health and excellent operational condition of this mechanical caliber.

Strap
The watch is fitted with its original period correct stainless steel bracelet, featuring a distinctive multi-link construction that perfectly complements the blocky architecture of the case. The original folding clasp is prominently signed with the "SEIKO LM" logo in relief. The endlinks are correctly stamped with the factory code XNB 011, confirming its originality to the timepiece. The bracelet exhibits normal, light vintage wear consistent with the case and remains structurally sound.

Condition
This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. It has been wonderfully preserved over the decades, retaining its sharp factory case lines and a pristine, undamaged dial. The visible wear is entirely honest and consistent with careful use, allowing the watch to maintain its authentic vintage character while presenting beautifully on the wrist.

Dimensions
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Wrist Size: 17.5 cm

Remarks
Finding a faceted-crystal Lord Matic with a dial this vibrant and well-preserved is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the vertical blue texture, the prismatic crystal, and the original signed bracelet makes this a standout example. It offers immense character and reliable mechanical performance, ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.

History
Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was created to bridge the gap between the standard automatic models and the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko ranges. Powered primarily by the sophisticated 5600 series of movements, the Lord Matic offered high-end features such as hacking, hand-winding, and a quickset day-date function in a slightly more accessible package. During the 1970s, Seiko used the LM line to experiment with bold, avant-garde case shapes, vibrant dial textures, and faceted crystals, perfectly capturing the optimistic and futuristic design ethos of the decade. Today, these expressive models are highly sought after by collectors for their unique aesthetic and robust mechanical heritage.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent).
Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age.
Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description.
If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: SEI16EFOXA000