Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic perfectly captures the adventurous and expressive design language of 1970s Japanese watchmaking. Combining a striking horizontally gradient dial with a dramatic vertically faceted crystal, this timepiece offers a highly dynamic visual experience on the wrist. Paired with its original signed bracelet and powered by the respected 5606 caliber, it stands as a quintessential and character-rich example of Seiko's mid-century innovation. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-8040 Serial Number: 4D1481 Movement: Automatic caliber 5606A, 25 jewels Dial: Gradient golden-brown dial with applied faceted indices, displaying prominent freckled patina and spotting across the center Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and distinct dial aging Dial and Hands The dial features a captivating horizontal gradient design, transitioning from dark grey-brown at the upper and lower edges to a warm golden-champagne tone across the center. It is appointed with a mixture of applied faceted indices, featuring ribbed gold-tone markers at the twelve, six, and nine o'clock positions, alongside silver-tone markers with white central inserts for the remaining hours. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos add excellent depth. The gold-tone faceted baton hands are finished with dark central stripes for contrast, pointing toward a framed day-date aperture at three o'clock. Upon close inspection, the dial exhibits a pronounced, freckled patina and noticeable spotting, primarily concentrated across the lighter central band. This oxidation represents clear, age-related surface aging that provides a highly textured, lived-in vintage character. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel case features a classic tonneau-influenced silhouette with integrated-style lugs. The upper surfaces display radial brushing that transitions into polished case flanks. The case shows honest vintage wear, including superficial scratches, minor handling marks, and slightly softened edges consistent with decades of regular use. The crown is neatly tucked into the case side at the three o'clock position. The watch is fitted with a striking vertically faceted crystal that dramatically refracts light across the dial. The crystal remains in highly attractive condition, showing only light surface wear that does not detract from its impressive geometric presence. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the factory reference and serial numbers. Movement Inside beats the Seiko automatic caliber 5606A, a 25-jewel movement renowned for its slim profile and reliable architecture. The rotor is cleanly stamped with "SEIKO", "25 JEWELS", and "JAPAN 5606A". The movement surfaces appear clean and well-preserved. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The provided timegrapher results indicate a performance of -19s to -25s/day. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, an important detail confirmed by the deeply stamped "SEIKO LM" branding on the folding clasp. The bracelet exhibits moderate stretch and surface scuffs consistent with the wear found on the case, perfectly matching the overall vintage condition of the timepiece. It will accommodate a wrist size of up to 18 cm. Condition This Lord Matic is in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case and original bracelet show honest signs of daily wear with scattered superficial scratches and minor scuffs, while retaining their fundamental shape and structural integrity. The faceted crystal is well-preserved. The dial features clear, noticeable spotting and freckled oxidation across its surface, which is fully documented in the provided images and serves as a testament to its authentic aging process. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The included original bracelet accommodates a maximum wrist size of 18 cm. Remarks The reference 5606-8040 is a wonderful representation of the Lord Matic family, showcasing the bold aesthetic choices that defined the era. The combination of the vertically faceted crystal, the shifting tones of the gradient dial, and the presence of the original signed bracelet makes this a highly appealing target for collectors who appreciate watches with strong 1970s character and honest vintage patina. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was strategically positioned just below the elite Grand Seiko and King Seiko tiers, offering sophisticated mechanical movements and high-end case finishing to a broader audience. The 5600 series of calibers became legendary for their thinness and robust performance, eventually serving as the foundational architecture for many King Seiko models. During the 1970s, Seiko utilized the Lord Matic range to experiment with avant-garde designs, introducing vibrant gradient dials and elaborately faceted crystals that perfectly captured the dynamic and colorful spirit of the decade. 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: SEIP9KHQL0000