Seiko - Lord Matic "Gradient Blue Sunburst" [Near-Mint] - No reserve price - 5606-7230 - Men - 1973

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Seiko Lord Matic, a series that defined the mid-tier luxury market for Seiko in the late 1960s and 1970s. This specific reference, produced in 1973, distinguishes itself with a breathtaking faceted crystal that plays with the light in a way few vintage watches can replicate. Combined with a deep blue gradient dial, this timepiece embodies the adventurous and funky design language of the 1970s while maintaining the sharp "Grammar of Design" case lines Seiko is famous for. It is a stunning conversation piece that bridges the gap between dress watch elegance and retro flair. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic "Gradient Blue Sunburst" Reference Number: 5606-7230 Serial Number: 314530 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Blue Gradient Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent near-mint vintage condition. The faceted crystal and dial are remarkably well-preserved, creating a crisp and attractive presentation that is highly desirable for collectors. Dial and Hands The dial is a mesmerizing deep blue that features a subtle gradient effect, darkening slightly towards the outer edges. It is adorned with applied rectangular silver hour markers that catch the light beautifully. The true highlight of this timepiece is the original faceted crystal, which splits reflections into a prismatic display, giving the watch a gem-like quality. The silver baton hands are sharp and clean, complementing the applied "LM" logo at the six o'clock position. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, adding practical utility to the artistic design. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36mm and features the distinct, angular case design associated with the Lord Matic line. The surfaces show a mix of brushed and polished finishes, preserved in excellent vintage condition with only minor handling marks consistent with careful usage. The screw-down caseback is clean, with the reference and serial numbers clearly visible, confirming its production date and water-resistant heritage. The faceted crystal remains in great condition, allowing the unique geometry of the glass to shine without distraction. Movement Powering this watch is the Seiko caliber 5606, a high-grade 25-jewel automatic movement that was a staple of Seiko's mid-range luxury offerings. The movement is clean and features a signed rotor. Timegrapher results show the watch running between +55s and +61s/day, which indicates a healthy movement that is active and functioning reliably. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring a unique textured scale pattern and contrasting brown stitching. This choice of strap enhances the vintage character of the piece and complements the blue dial perfectly, secured by a classic silver-tone buckle. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial shows no visible staining or aging, retaining its vibrant blue hue. The faceted crystal is clear and sharp. The case retains strong lines with no signs of abuse or heavy polishing. The movement is running actively. Overall, this is a very attractive example of a collectible Lord Matic. Dimensions The case diameter is 36mm excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit that works well on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable presence on the wrist, while the thickness, slightly accentuated by the faceted crystal, allows it to slide under a cuff while still standing out visually. Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7230 with a faceted crystal is a sought-after configuration among Seiko enthusiasts. The combination of the "Disco" style cut glass and the sunburst blue dial makes this specific variation much more collectible than the standard flat-crystal models. It captures the essence of 1970s Japanese design creativity and remains a wearable piece of horological art. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines, offering high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated case designs to the upwardly mobile Japanese market. The 5606 movement was one of Seiko's most widely used and respected calibers of the era, serving as the base for many high-beat chronometers. This specific model from January 1973 represents the era where Seiko began experimenting with bolder textures and crystals, leading into the "Vanac" styles that would follow. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0142