Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7230 - Men - 1973

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic represents a golden era of Japanese horology, a time when daring design and mechanical excellence converged perfectly. Positioned proudly just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, the Lord Matic was crafted for the discerning professional who demanded both precision and style. This particular example encapsulates the vibrant aesthetic of the 1970s, featuring an incredibly dynamic faceted crystal and a mesmerizing deep blue dial that shifts dramatically in the light. It is a brilliant showcase of Seiko's mastery over case geometry and dial execution during this prolific period. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7230 Serial Number: 362937 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A Dial: Deep blue sunburst with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a stunningly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a visual triumph, executed in a rich, deep blue sunburst finish that radiates beautifully outward from the center. It features highly elevated, applied faceted block indices, each detailed with a striking golden central channel that catches the light from every angle. The applied polished SEIKO and LM logos stand proud against the blue backdrop, while the printed text, including the Suwa factory emblem, remains razor-sharp with no visible print loss. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position, offering both English and Kanji day displays. The dial is in remarkable condition, appearing exceptionally clean and free of the spotting, moisture marks, or discoloration that often plague vintage pieces. The original baton hands feature black central stripes and luminous inserts, complementing the subtle, evenly aged luminous pips positioned just outside the hour markers. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case features a classic tonneau silhouette, blending robust presence with elegant proportions. The case retains excellent definition, showcasing the original factory transition between the brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished flanks. While it displays honest, age-consistent wear including light surface scuffs and micro-scratches, the lug profiles remain sharp and the overall geometry is wonderfully intact. Sitting atop the case is a distinctive, era-defining faceted crystal. This prismatic crystal creates mesmerizing optical distortions of the dial below. The crystal exhibits visible surface scratches and edge wear consistent with its age and history of use, adding an authentic vintage character to this striking timepiece. The original signed screw-down caseback remains clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606A, a highly regarded 25-jewel automatic movement crafted by the Suwa Seikosha factory. The movement is visually well-preserved, with the signed rotor and bridges displaying only minor, age-appropriate surface oxidation that does not detract from its mechanical integrity. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a deviation of +10 to +15 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black textured leather strap. The strap features a distinct scaled pattern and prominent white contrast stitching along the edges, perfectly complementing the sharp, angular aesthetic of the case and dial. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is a standout feature, remaining exceptionally clean and vibrant with no notable flaws. The stainless steel case retains strong, attractive lines with normal handling marks and superficial scratches indicative of careful wear over the decades. The faceted crystal shows expected vintage wear, including surface scratches and slight edge scuffing, which aligns perfectly with the honest, unrestored nature of the watch. Dimensions The case measures a classic 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. This proportion was the standard of elegance in the 1970s and translates to a highly versatile and comfortable fit on the modern wrist, aided by the sloping tonneau case design that hugs the wrist securely. Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic is a quintessential example of 1970s design language. The combination of the deep blue sunburst dial, the intricate faceted crystal, and the high-grade 5606 movement makes this an incredibly compelling package for any collector of vintage Japanese horology. It is a watch that commands attention on the wrist, offering a dynamic viewing experience that changes with every shift in lighting. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was a critical component of Seiko's catalog, designed to offer a premium automatic experience just a step below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko models. Utilizing the sophisticated 56-series movements, the Lord Matic brought advanced features like hacking seconds and quickset day-date complications to a wider audience. The line quickly became famous for its bold, experimental case shapes and intricately textured dials, reflecting the optimism and futuristic design trends of the era. Today, the Lord Matic is celebrated by collectors as one of the best value propositions in vintage watch collecting, representing the peak of Seiko's mid-century manufacturing prowess. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LXX-0046