Seiko - LM "Gradient Vivid Blue Sunburst" [Near-Mint] 輝軸 – Kijiku – Axis of Light - No reserve price - 5606-7230 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional timepiece represents the peak of Seiko's 1970s design language, combining mechanical precision with a bold aesthetic that defined the era. Known among collectors for its striking geometry and vibrant dial work, this Lord Matic features a rare faceted crystal and a deeply saturated blue dial that plays magnificently with the light. It is a quintessential Japanese Domestic Market executive watch that offers both historical significance and undeniable wrist presence, preserving the high-end finishing that the Lord Matic line was famous for. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7230 Serial Number: 353764 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A Dial: Faceted Blue Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Near-mint vintage condition showing exceptional preservation with a flawless dial and minimal handling marks. Timegrapher results included below. Dial and Hands The dial is the absolute highlight of this timepiece, presenting a stunning deep blue sunburst finish that is vertically faceted to create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The three-dimensional quality of the dial is enhanced by the original faceted "prism" crystal, which distorts and reflects the gold-tone applied indices in a mesmerizing fashion. The hands are gold-tone and faceted to match the hour markers, providing excellent legibility against the dark blue background. A day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, framed in polished metal, featuring a bilingual English and Kanji day wheel which underscores its JDM heritage. The gold-tone "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are applied, adding a touch of luxury to the face. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the distinct grammar of design lines that Seiko perfected in the early 1970s, with sharp surfaces and a cushion-style geometry. The metalwork is in outstanding condition, retaining its factory sharpness and distinct brushed finishes on the upper surfaces with polished sides. The crown allows for easy operation of the movement. The defining feature is the original faceted mineral crystal, which remains in superb condition, clear and free of distinct chipping, allowing the unique dial texture to shine through without obstruction. Movement Powering this watch is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606A, a 23-jewel automatic movement that was a staple of high-grade Seikos from this period. It offers both hand-winding and hacking capabilities. The movement is clean and presents well. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of -31 to -37 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement running within vintage tolerances for a mechanical automatic of this specific age and reference. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, a rare find that completes the collector's package. The bracelet features a unique folded link design consistent with the 7230 reference and includes the original clasp signed with the "LM" logo. It is sized to fit a wrist circumference of approximately 17cm and remains tight and comfortable on the wrist. Condition This Lord Matic is in near-mint condition, appearing almost indistinguishable from when it left the Suwa factory in 1973. The dial is flawless with no spotting, staining, or degradation of the lacquer. The case edges are incredibly crisp, suggesting the watch has seen very little use over the decades. Only the faintest handling marks can be found upon extreme close inspection, making this a collector-grade example. Dimensions With a case diameter of 37 mm, the watch sits prominently on the wrist, wearing slightly larger than its dimensions suggest due to the cushion case shape and the faceted crystal profile. The lug-to-lug brings a comfortable balance, making it suitable for a wide variety of wrist sizes. Remarks Finding a faceted crystal Lord Matic with a deep blue dial in this state of preservation is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the gold accents against the blue dial creates a striking contrast that is both sporty and elegant. This specific reference, the 5606-7230, is often sought after for its specific case architecture and the original bracelet which creates a seamless integrated look. History The Lord Matic (LM) line was introduced by Seiko in 1968 and positioned as a high-grade automatic series, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko in the corporate hierarchy. It was designed to offer the upwardly mobile Japanese professional a watch that was both robust and sophisticated. The 5606 movement inside was considered one of the finest mass-produced movements of the era, serving as the base for many certified chronometers. This specific example dates to May of 1973, a golden era for Seiko manufacturing where experimental case shapes and bold dial colors began to dominate their catalog. /Second Vintage SKU: SEIQDX1600000