Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7230 - Men - 1972

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic represents one of the most compelling eras of Japanese watchmaking, a period during the late 1960s and 1970s when Seiko was pushing the boundaries of both mechanical precision and avant-garde design. Positioned proudly in the brand's hierarchy, the LM series utilized the highly regarded 5600 family of movements, sharing technical DNA with the legendary King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. This particular example perfectly captures the bold aesthetic spirit of 1970s Seiko, featuring a mesmerizing deep blue sunburst dial housed beneath a striking faceted crystal. It is a brilliant representation of vintage Seiko's ability to combine robust mechanical engineering with daring, architectural case and crystal designs that remain highly sought after by collectors today. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7230 Serial Number: 280965 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Deep blue sunburst with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean presentation Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a striking, well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a visual triumph, executing a deep, vibrant blue sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. The dial furniture is highly elaborate, featuring applied, multi-faceted baton indices with finely ribbed central textures and polished outer edges that provide incredible depth. The applied silver-tone "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and prominent, positioned above the printed "AUTOMATIC" and "25 JEWELS" typography, alongside the classic Suwa factory symbol. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position, featuring a gold-tone border that adds a touch of warmth to the cool blue palette. The original baton hands feature white central stripes that complement the dial text. Close visual inspection reveals the dial surface to be exceptionally clean and well-preserved, completely free of moisture damage, spotting, or edge wear. The hands exhibit some minor, honest age-related surface marks and light scratches visible under macro magnification, which is entirely consistent with an unrestored vintage timepiece of this era and does not detract from the stunning overall presentation. Case and Crystal The 36 millimeter stainless steel tonneau-shaped case exemplifies Seiko's masterful approach to geometry in the 1970s. The case architecture features a beautiful transition between the finely brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks and bezel ring. The lug profiles remain sharp and well-defined, showing honest, light handling marks and superficial scratches consistent with careful vintage wear, without any signs of heavy over-polishing. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Seiko branding, Suwa symbol, reference 5606-7230, and the serial number 280965, all remaining highly legible. Crowning the case is a remarkable and era-defining faceted crystal, featuring a flat central surface framed by sharply angled interior slopes that create captivating optical distortions of the dial beneath. The crystal shows some light surface scratches and minor wear along the faceted edges, authenticating its vintage heritage while maintaining excellent overall transparency. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606A, a highly respected 25-jewel automatic movement produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory. The movement is cleanly presented, with the rotor distinctly stamped with "SEIKO", "25 JEWELS", and "JAPAN 5606A". The 5600 movement family is renowned for its sophisticated engineering, having served as the foundational architecture for many of Seiko's higher-tier chronometers of the decade. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. [-29s-35s/day] Strap The watch is currently fitted with a handsome black leather strap, featuring a subtle textured pattern and contrasting white edge stitching. The strap pairs excellently with the deep blue dial and polished case elements, secured comfortably by a classic stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Seiko Lord Matic is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case retains its strong architectural lines and factory finishes, showing only normal, age-appropriate wear. The highlight of the watch is undoubtedly the exceptionally clean and vibrant blue sunburst dial, which remains free of any significant flaws or degradation. The faceted crystal, while showing light signs of use, remains a striking and integral part of the watch's vintage charm. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The cushion-style case design provides a substantial and incredibly comfortable presence on the wrist, wearing with the distinct, slightly oversized feel characteristic of 1970s tonneau cases. Remarks Finding a vintage Seiko Lord Matic with such a pristine colored dial and its original-style faceted crystal intact is becoming increasingly difficult. This piece offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a watch that is not only mechanically significant but also a pure, unadulterated slice of 1970s design language. The interplay between the faceted glass, the complex applied indices, and the dynamic blue dial makes this an exceptionally charismatic watch for any dedicated collector of Japanese horology. History Introduced in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was created to serve as the sophisticated, high-quality automatic offering for the discerning professional, positioned just below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections. The LM line heavily utilized the Suwa factory's 5600 series of movements, bringing high-beat technology and refined automatic winding to a broader audience. During the early 1970s, Seiko began experimenting wildly with case shapes, vibrant dial colors, and uniquely cut faceted crystals, reflecting the bold fashion and design trends of the decade. The Lord Matic series became a canvas for this creativity, resulting in some of the most distinctive and memorable watches Seiko ever produced, celebrated today for their incredible build quality and unmistakable retro appeal. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LJX-0003