Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7231: what to buy and what to avoid

The 5606-7231 exists here with green sunburst, deep blue sunburst and blue gradient dials. Applied faceted indices, applied Seiko and LM logos, baton hands and a framed day-date aperture define the known configurations. One blue gradient example also has a Kanji day wheel, but the available evidence does not establish that wheel as standard across the reference.

The movement distinction is easy to overvalue. Both 23-jewel and 25-jewel examples use the automatic caliber 5606A, so jewel count alone does not make the better watch. Between a clean 23-jewel dial and a spotted or refinished 25-jewel dial, take the clean dial. The market premium belongs more logically to an intact faceted crystal and convincing sunburst finish.

At 36 mm without the crown, the 5606-7231 wears as a compact 1970s watch rather than a reduced modern one. The applied indices and strong blue or green surface keep the face legible, while the faceted crystal introduces reflections that change as the wrist turns. The day-date window adds visual weight at 3 o'clock.

Defined case geometry is essential to the proportion. Polishing that softens the case edges makes the same diameter look rounder and less deliberate, especially beside the angular crystal. The green sunburst version is the more conspicuous choice; the deep blue and blue gradient dials sit more easily with daily clothing.

Hand oxidation is the clearest recorded fault: one 1973 example has visible pitting on the metal surfaces, together with aged lume strips. Dial moisture marks and spotting are more expensive problems because the blue gradient and sunburst finishes carry the watch visually. A redial costs more than honest hand ageing, and refinishing can erase the tonal transition that distinguishes the gradient version.

Faceted crystals lose their effect when chipped, heavily scratched or replaced by the wrong profile. Repeated polishing softens the case geometry, and no service can restore removed steel without altering the case again. Day and date operation also needs direct testing because the watch uses caliber 5606A, but the service history of an individual used Seiko Lord Matic remains unknown without documentation.