Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7351 (1974)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of 1970s Japanese watchmaking excellence, combining bold geometric design with an exquisite dial presentation. The Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line represented the tier immediately below King Seiko and Grand Seiko, offering high-grade movements and sophisticated aesthetics. This specific reference 5606-7351 is particularly sought after for its stunning faceted crystal and rich gradient dial, creating a visual depth that changes with every angle of light. Preserved in near-mint vintage condition, this piece serves as a pristine time capsule from August 1974. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic (LM) Reference Number: 5606-7351 Serial Number: 480970 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A Dial: Brown gradient sunburst with faceted indices Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Near-mint vintage condition. The watch presents as exceptionally fresh with razor-sharp case lines and a flawless dial. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily deviation between -19s and -25s/day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The dial is a mesmerizing display of 1970s style, featuring a rich brown-to-gold gradient sunburst finish that darkens towards the edges. The most striking feature is the original faceted crystal, also known as "Cut Glass," which features beveled edges that refract light across the dial face in a geometric pattern. The applied gold-tone hour markers are blocky and multi-faceted to match the hands. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring both English and Kanji day options, a desirable feature for collectors. The dial text remains crisp, featuring the applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos alongside the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is a masterclass in Seiko's design language of the era, characterized by sharp, distinct angles and a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The case edges remain incredibly sharp and unpolished, retaining their original factory definition. The magnificent faceted mineral crystal is free from significant chips or scratches, preserving the unique visual effect intended by the designer. The crown is small and recessed slightly into the case, typical for the 5606 caliber series, ensuring a sleek profile on the wrist. Movement Powering the watch is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5606A automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was a workhorse of the era, known for its slim profile and reliability. It features hand-winding capability and a hacking seconds function for precise time setting. The movement is clean and running, with timegrapher results showing a deviation of approximately -19 to -25 seconds per day, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality brown leather strap featuring contrasting stitching. The strap color perfectly complements the warm tones of the gradient dial, enhancing the vintage appeal and making it ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in near-mint vintage condition, which is rare for a watch approaching its 50th anniversary. The case exhibits virtually no signs of wear, maintaining its sharp grammar of design lines. The dial is pristine, showing no signs of moisture, spotting, or patina. The movement is clean and functional. It is a collector-grade example that appears to have been worn very sparingly, if at all. Dimensions With a case width of 37 mm, this watch sits prominently on the wrist due to the angular case shape and the height of the faceted crystal. It offers a classic vintage fit that works well for a variety of wrist sizes, commanding attention through its light-catching properties rather than sheer bulk. Remarks Finding a faceted crystal Lord Matic in this state of preservation is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the "fumé" gradient dial and the pristine cut glass creates a retro-futuristic look that defines the best of 1970s design. This is not just a watch, but a piece of design history that is ready to be worn and admired. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic series was positioned as Seiko's mid-tier luxury offering, bridging the gap between the mass-market Seiko 5 and the high-end King Seiko. The 5606 movement used in this series was remarkably thin for an automatic of its time, allowing for slimmer, more elegant case designs. By the mid-1970s, the LM line became more experimental with dials and crystals, resulting in iconic references like this 5606-7351 that are highly prized by collectors today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0031