Seiko - Lord Matic - 5606-8040 - Men - 1974

Available now on auction by Second Vintage

The 1970s represented a golden era of daring horological design, and few timepieces capture the spirit of that decade quite like the Seiko Lord Matic. Positioned as a sophisticated offering for the discerning professional, the Lord Matic line frequently experimented with bold dial textures, faceted crystals, and sharp case geometries. This particular example is a masterclass in vintage Japanese aesthetic execution, combining a dramatic gradient dial with a highly architectural faceted crystal and its original signed bracelet. It is a striking, collector-grade piece that perfectly encapsulates the innovative design language of Seiko during its most creative period.

Brand: Seiko
Model: Lord Matic
Reference Number: 5606-8040
Serial Number: 404242
Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels
Dial: Vertically brushed charcoal gradient dial with applied gold-tone accented faceted indices, in excellent clean condition
Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1974
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and sharp case lines

Dial and Hands
The dial of this Lord Matic is an absolute visual triumph, featuring a pronounced vertical brushing that creates a dynamic interplay of light across its surface. The color profile exhibits a beautiful gradient fumé effect, transitioning from a lighter silver-grey at the center to a deep, moody charcoal at the outer edges. The furniture is equally impressive, utilizing tall, applied faceted indices that feature striking gold-tone central channels, perfectly matching the dual-tone dauphine hands. The applied Seiko and LM logos remain crisp and highly polished, while the day-date window at three o'clock is framed in a complementary gold-tone border, displaying a dual English and Kanji day wheel. Crucially, the dial remains in exceptionally clean condition. A thorough inspection reveals no signs of moisture intrusion, spotting, staining, or print loss, presenting a pristine and highly attractive face that has been wonderfully preserved over the decades.

Case and Crystal
The stainless steel case exemplifies Seiko’s renowned grammar of design, characterized by sharp angles, flat planes, and distinct transitions between brushed top surfaces and brightly polished flanks. The case retains strong geometry and well-defined lug profiles, showing only honest, superficial hairline scratches consistent with careful vintage wear. There are no deep gouges or signs of heavy over-polishing, allowing the original architectural intent to shine through. The crown is neatly integrated at the three o'clock position. Above the dial sits a spectacular faceted crystal, featuring a prominent flat top surrounded by steeply angled cuts. This crystalline structure acts as a prism, casting unique reflections and enhancing the depth of the gradient dial beneath it. The crystal remains in very good condition, displaying only minor surface wear that does not detract from its dramatic visual impact.

Movement
Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5606A, a 25-jewel automatic movement that was a cornerstone of the brand's upper-mid-tier offerings in the 1970s. The movement presents beautifully in the photographs, with a clean rotor and well-preserved bridges showing clear factory engravings. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results show +12 to +14 seconds per day with strong amplitude.

Strap
The watch is fitted with its original period correct stainless steel bracelet, a fantastic addition that completes the authentic vintage package. The bracelet features an intricate brick-link construction that drapes comfortably on the wrist, showing normal tolerances and slight stretch consistent with its age. The folding clasp is deeply embossed with the proud "SEIKO LM" signature, and the stamped endlinks fit securely against the case.

Condition
This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable star, remaining virtually flawless and free of any detrimental aging or spotting. The case and original bracelet display honest, superficial wear marks that are entirely appropriate for a watch of this era, retaining their fundamental shape and structural integrity. The faceted crystal is remarkably well-preserved, maintaining its sharp internal angles and clear visibility. Overall, it is a highly cohesive and beautifully maintained example of a standout reference.

Dimensions
The stainless steel case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, providing a substantial yet highly wearable presence on the wrist. The original stainless steel bracelet is sized to accommodate a wrist circumference of up to 17.5 cm.

Remarks
Finding a Seiko Lord Matic that retains its original faceted crystal, pristine gradient dial, and factory-signed bracelet is a true delight for vintage enthusiasts. The combination of the vertically brushed charcoal dial with the gold-tone accents creates a sophisticated contrast that feels both incredibly retro and timelessly elegant. This is a watch that demands attention on the wrist, offering a level of finishing and visual character that punches far above its weight class in the vintage market.

History
Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) collection was positioned just below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, serving as the premium choice for the working professional. The series was built around the highly capable 56-series automatic calibers, which were sophisticated enough to also serve as the base for many King Seiko models. As the 1970s progressed, the Lord Matic line became Seiko's playground for avant-garde design, introducing wildly colored dials, unusual case shapes, and the iconic faceted crystals that came to define the era. Today, these expressive models are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate Seiko's fearless approach to design and unwavering commitment to mechanical quality during the golden age of Japanese watchmaking.

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: SEI-SAL-0030