Seiko - Lord Matic "Gradient Green Sunburst" 翠王 (Suiō) – Emerald King - No reserve price - 5606-7231 - Men - 1973

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic represents one of the most significant chapters in the history of Japanese watchmaking, serving as the sophisticated tier immediately below King Seiko and Grand Seiko during the brand's golden era. This specific example from 1973 captures the essence of the "Grammar of Design" era with its sharp case lines and highly legible dial layout. Powered by a high-grade 25-jewel automatic movement, this Lord Matic offers a compelling blend of everyday durability and refined mid-century aesthetics, making it a perfect entry point for serious vintage Seiko collecting. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7231 Serial Number: 305143 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest aesthetic consistent with its age, showing moderate wear while retaining strong case definition. Timegrapher testing indicates a daily rate of approximately -49s to -52s/day, which indicates a running movement operating within acceptable vintage parameters. Crown is pulled out in the images, and functions as intented. Dial and Hands The dial features a classic silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light, a hallmark of the Lord Matic series. It is adorned with sleek, faceted applied baton indices that add depth and sophistication to the face. The hands are sharp, polished stick-style pointers, providing excellent legibility against the light background. The distinctive "LM" logo is applied at the 6 o'clock position, balancing the Seiko logo at 12. A framed day and date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, completing the practical and balanced layout. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures a classic 36mm, offering a versatile presence on the wrist that embodies 1970s proportions. The case architecture features the distinct, angular lugs and polished surfaces characteristic of Seiko's design language from this period. There are visible signs of use and handling marks consistent with a watch of this vintage, adding to its honest character. The crystal remains clear, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial details. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Seiko Caliber 5606, a 25-jewel automatic movement that was a staple of high-grade Seikos in the 1970s. This movement is renowned for its reliability and engineering quality. Timegrapher readings show a daily deviation of approximately -49 to -52 seconds. While showing a vintage variance, the movement is functioning reliably and offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet that complements the case design perfectly. It is sized to fit a wrist circumference of approximately 17.5cm. The bracelet shows normal stretch and surface wear consistent with the watch head, maintaining a cohesive vintage look and a comfortable fit on the wrist. Condition This Lord Matic is in good vintage condition. The case retains its original geometry with evident wear marks that tell the story of its life. The dial is well-preserved, maintaining its starburst finish. The movement is running and functional. Overall, this is a charming example of a 1973 Seiko that wears its history with pride. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in diameter excluding the crown, which was the standard for men's dress watches of the era and remains highly wearable today. The lug-to-lug length ensures the watch sits prominently yet comfortably on the wrist, while the slim profile of the automatic movement allows it to slide easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic is a testament to the manufacturing quality of the Suwa Seikosha factory in the early 1970s. With its 25-jewel movement and timeless design, it offers tremendous value for collectors looking to acquire a piece of genuine horological history. It is a watch that balances elegance with mechanical prowess, ready to be worn and enjoyed by its next custodian. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned as the mid-range luxury offering from Seiko, sitting above the standard automatics and just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. It was a massive commercial success, bringing high-end design features—such as monocoque cases and high-beat movements—to a wider audience. The LM series is historically significant for utilizing the 5606 caliber, which served as the base for many higher-end chronometer movements. This 1973 model hails from a time when Seiko was rapidly conquering the global market with superior finishing and reliability. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0085