Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7280 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, where bold design language met sophisticated mechanical engineering. Positioned proudly within Seiko's catalog during the vibrant 1970s, the LM line was designed for the discerning professional who appreciated the precision of Caliber 56 architecture combined with striking visual aesthetics. This particular example commands attention through its spectacular faceted crystal and deeply saturated blue dial, offering a highly dynamic wearing experience that shifts with every angle of light. It is a brilliant encapsulation of vintage Seiko charm, preserving the angular case geometry and refined dial furniture that collectors actively seek. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7280 Serial Number: 341093 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A Dial: Vibrant blue sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, presenting an exceptionally clean surface free of notable flaws, staining, or moisture marks. Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial, sharp case lines, and honest small signs of wear. Dial and Hands The dial is a breathtaking execution of vintage Seiko design, featuring a deep, vivid blue surface finished with a subtle sunburst texture that radiates from the center. Upon close visual inspection, the dial remains in near-mint condition, showing no signs of moisture intrusion, spotting, or ultraviolet degradation. The typography is incredibly crisp, with the white printed "25 JEWELS" and the Suwa factory logo remaining perfectly intact. The applied furniture elevates the visual depth, featuring a polished "SEIKO" logo at twelve o'clock and the distinctive "LM" emblem at six o'clock. The hour markers are highly architectural, utilizing applied, blocky faceted indices with contrasting gold-toned central channels that catch the light brilliantly. At three o'clock, a stepped metallic frame houses the day and date complication, with the Sunday text rendered in a striking red. The silver-toned sword hands feature a polished finish with a central black stripe, displaying only the faintest micro-abrasions under high magnification, entirely consistent with careful vintage preservation. Case and Crystal The 36 millimeter stainless steel case exemplifies Seiko's legendary grammar of design, defined by sharp, sweeping lines and flat plains. The case geometry remains structurally excellent, with a clear transition between the circular brushed finishing on the upper lug surfaces and the high-polish finish on the case flanks. The lug profiles retain their distinct factory shape and sharp edges, avoiding the softened look of heavy over-polishing. Honest signs of wear are present, consisting of superficial surface scratches and micro-marks acquired through normal historical use, which simply validate the authentic vintage nature of the timepiece. The recessed, knurled crown sits neatly against the case edge. Capping the watch is a spectacular faceted crystal, featuring geometric, diamond-like cuts across its surface. This architectural crystal distorts and multiplies the blue dial beneath it, creating a mesmerizing optical effect while remaining clear and highly legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Automatic Caliber 5606A, a highly respected movement from the golden age of Japanese mechanical horology. Visual inspection of the caliber reveals a clean and well-maintained environment, with the brushed finish on the winding rotor and movement bridges presenting beautifully. The engravings denoting the twenty-five jewels and the caliber number remain sharp and distinct. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance, timegrapher results indicate an output of -17 to -22 seconds per day. The solid stainless steel screw-down caseback threads securely, bearing the correct factory engravings and serial number. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black textured strap, featuring a crosshatch pattern reminiscent of saffiano leather. Thick white contrast stitching runs down the edges, providing a sporty yet refined aesthetic that complements the sharp lines of the stainless steel case perfectly. The strap is completed with a polished stainless steel pin buckle and remains in fresh, highly wearable condition, perfectly sized to accommodate a refined wrist profile. Condition This Lord Matic survives in excellent vintage condition, standing out primarily due to the exceptional preservation of its blue dial and the striking presence of its faceted crystal. The stainless steel case displays normal, honest vintage wear in the form of light scratches, but crucially retains its sharp geometric profile and original finishing contrasts. The dial is virtually flawless, free from the spotting or edge degradation often found in watches of this era. Mechanically, the watch is fully operational and ready for immediate enjoyment. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 millimeters across, excluding the crown. This dimension provides a universally flattering fit, offering enough presence to showcase the complex faceted crystal while remaining comfortably proportioned for daily wear. Remarks It is increasingly difficult to source vintage Seiko Lord Matic examples that retain both their delicate faceted crystals and completely unblemished colored dials. The intersection of the deep blue sunburst finish and the geometric crystal creates a piece of wrist architecture that is incredibly dynamic. This watch represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a mechanically sophisticated and visually arresting piece of 1970s design. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic series was positioned just beneath the prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, sharing much of the same movement architecture and design philosophy. Designed for the upwardly mobile professional, the LM models often featured the advanced Caliber 56, a movement so successful it was later modified to power King Seiko models. The Lord Matic line became a canvas for Seiko's most adventurous design elements of the 1970s, including vibrant dials and complex faceted crystals, perfectly capturing the optimistic and forward-looking spirit of Japanese watchmaking during that era. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0170