Now available at auction from Second Vintage This exceptional Seiko Lord Matic captures the daring and expressive design language of the 1970s, presenting a masterclass in vintage Japanese watchmaking. Known for bridging the gap between Seiko's standard automatic offerings and the prestigious King Seiko line, the Lord Matic series frequently featured high-quality movements paired with adventurous aesthetics. This particular example stands out with its striking faceted crystal and a mesmerizing gradient dial that shifts beautifully under varying light conditions. Preserved in impressive condition, it offers collectors a highly wearable piece of horological history with a distinct, undeniable character. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-8130 Serial Number: 504197 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5606A, 23 Jewels Dial: Grey and brown gradient brushed dial with applied indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1975 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial is a captivating study in 1970s design, featuring a sophisticated grey to brown gradient, often referred to as a fumé finish, complemented by a distinct vertical brushed texture. This intricate surface plays brilliantly with light, creating dynamic visual depth. The dial furniture includes highly polished, applied faceted baton hour markers, alongside the crisply applied silver-tone Seiko and LM logos. A framed day-date aperture resides at the three o'clock position, offering both English and Kanji day wheels, a highly desirable trait for Seiko purists. Under close inspection, the dial surface itself remains remarkably clean and free of spots, moisture damage, or discoloration. The silver-tone baton hands feature black central stripes and white inserts. While the dial is pristine, macro photography reveals honest, age-consistent degradation to the white inserts on the hands, adding a touch of authentic vintage character without detracting from the watch's striking overall appearance. The sweeping seconds hand remains clean and sharp. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a classic tonneau-inspired profile characteristic of the era. The case architecture is well-preserved, showcasing strong lines, distinct lug profiles, and a proper transition between the brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks. The watch exhibits honest, light signs of wear consistent with careful enjoyment over the decades, devoid of any deep gouges or heavy impacts. The visual centerpiece of the exterior is undoubtedly the dramatic faceted crystal. Cut with multiple angled planes, the crystal creates fascinating optical distortions and reflections, amplifying the texture of the dial beneath it. The polished screw-down caseback is in excellent condition, with all factory engravings, including the Seiko Water Resist markings, reference number 5606-8130, and serial number 504197, remaining deep and highly legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5606A, a 23-jewel automatic movement that formed the backbone of the Lord Matic family and served as the foundation for several King Seiko calibers. The movement features a signed rotor and is beautifully engineered, showcasing Seiko's commitment to reliability and precision during this golden era of mechanical watchmaking. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results show an impressive +7 to +12 seconds per day, indicating excellent mechanical health and robust operational status. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct, high-quality black textured leather strap. The strap features a heavy grain pattern and contrasting white perimeter stitching, which pairs excellently with the silver tones of the case and the dynamic gradient of the dial, completing the vintage aesthetic perfectly. Condition This Lord Matic is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case retains its structural integrity and sharp geometry, showing only superficial handling marks expected of a watch from this period. The faceted crystal is remarkably clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the beautifully preserved gradient dial. The dial itself is free of blemishes, standing as a testament to the watch's careful preservation. The movement is exceptionally clean and running with outstanding precision. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The proportions offer a comfortable and classic presence on the wrist, perfectly suited for both formal and casual settings. Remarks Finding a Seiko Lord Matic with a faceted crystal and a gradient dial in such well-preserved condition is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the mesmerizing dial texture, the optical intrigue of the cut crystal, and the highly accurate 5606 movement makes this an incredibly compelling acquisition. It is a watch that commands attention and sparks conversation, ideal for the discerning collector of vintage Japanese horology. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was strategically positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko tiers, offering sophisticated designs and advanced movements to the aspirational consumer. The 5600 series movements utilized in the LM range were highly regarded for their thinness and reliability, eventually being adapted for use in chronometer-certified King Seiko models. During the 1970s, Seiko utilized the Lord Matic collection to experiment with bold, avant-garde styling, incorporating vibrant colors, unusual case shapes, and the iconic faceted crystals that came to define the era. Today, these expressive models are celebrated by collectors for their unique charm and enduring mechanical quality. 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-LJX-0010