Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7300 (1974)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Embodying the daring and expressive design language of the 1970s, this Seiko Lord Matic is a spectacular example of Japanese watchmaking from a highly creative era. Renowned for bridging the gap between standard models and the elite King and Grand Seiko lines, the Lord Matic series frequently featured high-beat-capable architectures and striking aesthetics. This particular piece commands attention with its vivid purple dial and a highly faceted crystal that creates a dynamic, architectural interplay of light and shadow on the wrist, making it a highly desirable configuration for vintage Seiko collectors. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7300 Serial Number: 410147 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Vibrant purple, applied indices, remarkably clean and well-preserved condition Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial, original bracelet, and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a visual triumph, executed in a deep, vibrant purple that shifts beautifully depending on the light. It is adorned with applied, polished silver-tone baton indices featuring central white inserts, with a prominent double baton positioned at twelve o'clock. The matching polished hands are well-preserved, sweeping over the crisp, factory-printed "SEIKO AUTOMATIC" and "LM 25 JEWELS" typography, along with the iconic Suwa Seikosha logo. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at three o'clock. Crucially, the dial is in outstanding condition, appearing entirely clean and free of moisture marks, spotting, edge wear, or discoloration, presenting an incredibly fresh face that is rare for colored dials of this vintage. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case features a classic 1970s tonneau or cushion profile, characterized by a seamless flow from the lugs into the case flanks. The case retains strong factory lines, with a beautiful contrast between the horizontally brushed upper surfaces and the polished sides. Honest, age-consistent superficial handling marks are present, but the case has avoided heavy polishing, maintaining its intended structural integrity. The watch is fitted with a striking, highly faceted crystal that defines the character of the piece, casting geometric reflections across the purple dial. The crystal displays some minor surface wear and light scratches expected from regular use, but its sharp, cut angles remain distinct and visually arresting. The screw-down caseback is sharply engraved with all factory reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606A, a sophisticated 25-jewel automatic movement that was a cornerstone of Seiko's upper-mid-tier offerings in the 1970s. Close visual inspection of the movement reveals clear factory engravings on the brushed rotor and bridges. While there is some localized verdigris and oxidation visible along the outer edges of the rotor and movement plates—a common occurrence in vintage pieces—the mechanical integrity remains robust. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +7 to +9 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is presented on its original, period-correct stainless steel multi-link bracelet. The bracelet features a complex, articulated link structure that drapes comfortably on the wrist and is secured by a folding clasp proudly stamped with the "SEIKO LM" branding. The bracelet shows moderate stretch and light surface wear consistent with its age, accommodating a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is graded in excellent vintage condition. It stands out primarily due to the immaculate preservation of its vibrant purple dial and the retention of its original faceted crystal and signed LM bracelet. The case exhibits honest, light wear without losing its architectural sharpness, and the movement is running with impressive precision. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The included original bracelet will accommodate a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm. Remarks Colored-dial Lord Matics equipped with their original faceted crystals and signed bracelets have become increasingly difficult to source in such visually cohesive condition. This piece offers a quintessential 1970s aesthetic, combining robust mechanical performance with a design that is as captivating today as it was upon its release. It is a superb addition to any focused collection of vintage Japanese horology. History Introduced in the late 1960s and flourishing throughout the 1970s, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned just below the prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections. Utilizing the advanced 5600 series of automatic movements, the Lord Matic was designed for the discerning professional who demanded high precision and modern styling. The 1970s saw Seiko experiment boldly with color, texture, and crystal shapes, resulting in extravagant and highly stylized models like this faceted-crystal variant. Today, these expressive models are celebrated as perfect representations of Seiko's golden era of mechanical innovation and daring design. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLX-0053