Seiko - Lord Matic "Gradient Golden Sunburst" 瑞光 – Zuikō – Auspicious Light - No reserve price - 5606-7231 - Men - 1974

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Seiko Lord Matic is a striking representation of 1970s Japanese design philosophy, combining bold geometry with refined elegance. Known for sitting just beneath the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines in terms of quality and finishing, the Lord Matic series offered high-beat movements and sophisticated aesthetics to the discerning gentleman. This specific reference, the 5606-7231, is particularly desirable due to its distinct faceted cut crystal and mesmerizing gradient dial, creating a visual depth that plays beautifully with the light. Preserved in stunning condition, this timepiece represents a golden era of Seiko manufacturing, dating back to November 1974. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7231 Serial Number: 4N0296 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Gradient Brown Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Stunning vintage condition with very minimal signs of wear. Testing reveals a rate of approximately -10 to -15 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement performing well within acceptable vintage parameters. Dial and Hands The dial is the centerpiece of this watch, featuring a rich gradient brown sunburst finish that darkens towards the outer edges, creating a captivating vignette effect. It is adorned with raised, polished steel block indices that catch the light effortlessly. The silver baton hands are crisp and feature original luminous inlays that have aged gracefully. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, featuring both English and Kanji day display options, a highly collectible feature for vintage Seiko enthusiasts. The applied "Seiko" and "LM" logos add a touch of dimensionality to the face. The dial is viewed through an impressive multi-faceted cut glass crystal, which splits the light and creates a unique geometric distortion characteristic of the most stylish 1970s models. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the sharp, distinct lines associated with Seiko's "Grammar of Design" era, combining brushed and polished surfaces to accentuate the architectural shape. The case edges remain sharp and well-defined, suggesting the watch has been treated with great care over the decades. The standout feature is undoubtedly the faceted mineral crystal, which remains in excellent condition, preserving the unique visual interplay between the glass planes and the dial underneath. The crown is original and sits semi-recessed into the case flank for a streamlined profile. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust and highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606. This 25-jewel automatic movement was a high-grade workhorse of the era, known for its reliability and slim profile. The movement is clean and presents well, offering reliable vintage performance. It features a hacking seconds function for precise time setting. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap is supple and complements the darker tones of the gradient dial perfectly, giving the watch a sporty yet sophisticated appearance suitable for both casual and formal wear. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is flawless with no visible staining or damage. The faceted crystal is remarkably clean, allowing the dial texture to shine through without obstruction. The case retains its original factory lines with only very minor micro-handling marks that are barely visible to the naked eye. The movement is running strong and keeping time within vintage tolerances. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36 mm, this watch sits comfortably on the wrist, offering a classic mid-size proportion that was standard for the era and remains timeless today. The lug-to-lug length ensures a balanced presence suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic is a fantastic example of why vintage Seikos are so heavily collected today. It offers a unique visual experience thanks to the faceted crystal and gradient dial, elements that are rarely found in modern watchmaking. It is a conversation starter that combines horological history with distinct 1970s flair, making it a perfect acquisition for the collector seeking character and quality. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned as a high-mid-range offering, superior to the standard automatic lines and utilizing movements that served as the base for many King Seiko and Grand Seiko models. The 5606 movement inside this watch was a marvel of mass-production engineering, offering hacking, hand-winding, and day-date complications in a thin package. By 1974, when this watch was produced, the LM line had embraced the funky, avant-garde design language of the decade, resulting in iconic pieces like this faceted crystal model that remain icons of the era. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0156