Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7231 (1974)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This exceptional Seiko Lord Matic is a quintessential representation of 1970s Japanese horological design, blending mechanical sophistication with bold, expressive aesthetics. The standout feature of this timepiece is undoubtedly its vibrant green gradient dial, viewed through a striking multi-faceted crystal that plays with light from every angle. Positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines during its era, the Lord Matic series offered premium features, including the highly regarded 5600-series automatic movement. This specific example captures the adventurous spirit of 1970s Seiko, making it a highly compelling piece for collectors of vintage Japanese watches who appreciate dynamic dial and case configurations. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7231 Serial Number: 450887 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Vibrant green gradient sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing minor age-related surface spotting. Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition with well-preserved case lines and a highly attractive dial. Dial and Hands The dial is a visual masterpiece, featuring a rich green gradient that transitions from a bright, luminous emerald at the center to a deep, dark forest green at the outer edges. The sunburst finish catches the light beautifully, enhanced by the complex reflections of the crystal above. It features applied silver-tone block indices with white central channels, perfectly matching the original baton hands. The applied 'SEIKO' and 'LM' logos add excellent depth to the dial architecture, while the day-date aperture at three o'clock is cleanly framed in a polished metallic window. Upon close inspection, the dial remains highly vibrant but does exhibit minor, honest signs of age, including light surface dust and faint localized spotting consistent with its vintage nature. The hands show light aging but remain entirely intact and visually sharp. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel cushion-style case is a classic tonneau shape, balancing substantial wrist presence with ergonomic comfort. The case retains strong, well-defined factory lines, showcasing a beautiful contrast between the horizontally brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks. The lug profiles remain sharp, exhibiting normal, honest signs of wear and superficial handling marks expected from a watch of this era, without any severe gouges or signs of heavy over-polishing. The watch is fitted with a dramatic, era-defining faceted crystal featuring a distinctive nine-facet central square cut. This crystal is in good vintage condition, presenting clear views of the dial with only minor micro-abrasions visible under harsh, direct lighting. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606A, a highly respected 25-jewel automatic movement that formed the backbone of Seiko's upper-tier offerings in the early 1970s. The movement presents cleanly, with the rotor clearly bearing the Seiko signature and caliber designation. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher results indicate performance of +40 to +46 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct black textured leather strap. The strap features contrasting white edge stitching that complements the white accents on the dial's indices and hands, securing to the wrist with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Lord Matic is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains excellent structural integrity and sharp finishing transitions, showing only moderate, age-appropriate wear. The green gradient dial remains the undisputed highlight, retaining its vivid coloration despite minor, acceptable age spots. The faceted crystal is well-preserved, and the movement is running smoothly, making this a highly wearable and visually arresting vintage piece. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a 1970s Seiko Lord Matic with its original faceted crystal intact and a vibrant, colored dial is a true delight for vintage enthusiasts. The 5606-7231 reference perfectly encapsulates the transition from the conservative designs of the 1960s into the bold, experimental geometry of the 1970s. It offers an incredible amount of vintage charm and mechanical pedigree in a very accessible and stylish package. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) collection was a crucial pillar in Seiko's catalog, designed to offer the advanced engineering of the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines to a broader audience. Utilizing the sophisticated 5600-series movements, these watches were remarkably thin and accurate. By the early 1970s, Seiko began experimenting wildly with case shapes, dial gradients, and heavily faceted crystals, creating a distinct visual language that remains instantly recognizable today. The Lord Matic stands as a testament to a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, where technical reliability met fearless aesthetic innovation. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLX-0040