Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7230 (1973)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic represents a pivotal era in Japanese watchmaking, bridging the gap between accessible daily wearers and the high-end luxury of the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. Introduced in the late 1960s, the LM series quickly became a favorite among executives and watch enthusiasts for its sophisticated designs, robust automatic movements, and exceptional finishing. This particular example stands out with its mesmerizing dial and quintessential 1970s case architecture, offering collectors a superb piece of Seiko's golden age of mechanical innovation. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7230 Serial Number: 322907 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 23 Jewels Dial: Blue gradient dial with applied faceted indices, showing excellent preservation Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: February 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition with attractive dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a visual delight, featuring a striking blue gradient that transitions from a vibrant azure at the center to a deep, dark navy at the periphery. The surface exhibits a subtle sunburst texture that plays beautifully with the light. Applied faceted block indices with white center channels provide excellent depth and contrast. The dial furniture includes a crisply applied "SEIKO" logo and the distinctive "LM" emblem above the 6 o'clock position, accompanied by the printed Suwa Seikosha symbol. A framed day-date aperture sits neatly at 3 o'clock, displaying the day in Kanji characters. The faceted baton hands are well-preserved, featuring luminescent strips that have aged to a warm, earthy tone, adding a touch of authentic vintage character. The dial remains remarkably clean, free from significant spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration, presenting a highly attractive face. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a classic 1970s cushion profile, combining sweeping curves with robust proportions. The case architecture displays a pleasant contrast between brushed upper surfaces and highly polished flanks and bezel. Honest signs of vintage wear, including light surface scratches and minor handling marks, are visible across the case, consistent with regular use over the decades. The lugs retain their substantial shape, and the recessed crown positioned at 3 o'clock integrates seamlessly into the case side. The watch is fitted with a flat Hardlex mineral crystal, correct for the model, offering clear visibility with crisp edges and an unobstructed view of the vibrant blue dial beneath. The solid screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Seiko logo, reference number, and serial number, remaining highly legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606A, a highly regarded automatic movement featuring 23 jewels. Close inspection of the movement reveals the distinct Seiko engraving on the rotor and the caliber designation clearly stamped on the bridge. The mechanism presents cleanly, with the expected visual patina of a vintage caliber around the case sealing areas. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +40 to +45 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap, featuring a textured surface and contrasting white edge stitching that complements the white accents on the dial indices. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle and offers a comfortable fit for daily wear. Condition This Seiko Lord Matic is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, showcasing its brilliant blue gradient with no notable flaws or damage. The hands and applied indices retain their sharp facets, with the luminous material showing an even, attractive aging. The stainless steel case exhibits normal signs of wear, including superficial scratches and minor scuffs, but remains structurally sound with well-defined lines. The movement is operational and visually intact, making this a highly wearable and collectible vintage piece. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks The combination of a gradient blue dial and a sharp cushion case makes this Lord Matic a standout piece for any vintage Seiko enthusiast. The rich color of the dial, paired with the intricate faceted indices and Kanji day wheel, perfectly captures the bold yet refined design language of 1970s Japanese horology. It is a watch that offers tremendous wrist presence and historical charm. History Launched in 1968, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko tiers, utilizing the same foundational movement architecture found in those premium models. The 56-series movement inside the LM was a marvel of thinness and reliability, eventually becoming the base for some of the most celebrated chronometers of the era. The Lord Matic was designed for the aspiring professional, offering high-grade finishing, diverse and often daring dial designs, and robust automatic winding. Today, the LM series is highly respected by collectors for providing an exceptional balance of horological significance, build quality, and distinctly vintage aesthetic appeal. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LXX-0032