Seiko - Lord Matic "Gradient Green Sunburst" [Near-Mint] 流光 (Ryūkō) – Flowing Light - No reserve price - 5606-7310 - Men - 1973

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This visually arresting 1973 Seiko Lord Matic is a prime example of the bold creativity that defined the Japanese manufacturer during the 1970s. Characterized by its striking emerald green gradient dial and intricate faceted crystal, this timepiece captures the light in a way that is both sophisticated and distinctly vintage. The sharp "Grammar of Design" case lines combined with the high-grade 5606 movement make this not just a stylistic statement, but a serious piece of horological engineering from Seiko's golden era. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7310 Serial Number: 302771 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A Dial: Emerald green gradient Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Near-mint condition with exceptional preservation of the case lines and dial. Dial and Hands The dial is a stunning emerald green that features a vertical gradient effect, shifting from lighter tones in the center to deeper shades at the periphery. It is adorned with applied gold-tone baton indices and matching gold-tone hands, creating a luxurious contrast against the green surface. The applied gold "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are present, along with the Suwa Seikosha factory symbol above the six o'clock position. The date and day aperture is framed in gold at the three o'clock position. A defining feature is the original faceted crystal, known as "Cut Glass," which features vertical facets that refract light and add immense depth to the visual presentation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is in remarkable condition, retaining its original sharp geometry and crisp edges. The brushed surfaces on the lugs transition seamlessly into polished sides, showcasing the high quality of finishing typical of the Lord Matic line. The faceted crystal is clear and sharp, preserving the unique prismatic effect intended by the designers. The screw-down caseback is clean with deep, clearly legible engravings of the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering the watch is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606A, a 23-jewel automatic movement that was a workhorse of the era, offering hacking and hand-winding capabilities. The movement is clean and features a signed rotor. Timegrapher testing shows the watch running between -10s and -16s/day, which indicates healthy movement performance within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic black leather strap featuring an embossed pattern. It is paired with a polished silver-tone buckle that complements the steel case, ensuring a comfortable and elegant fit on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is in near-mint condition. The dial is flawless with no visible signs of aging or staining. The case appears exceptionally well-preserved with very sharp unpolished lines and only the faintest signs of handling. The movement is clean and the caseback engravings remain sharp and defined. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic and versatile size that wears prominently due to the angular case shape and faceted crystal height. Remarks The Lord Matic series was positioned as a high-tier offering in the 1970s, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. This particular reference 5606-7310 stands out for its "Vanac-style" boldness without losing the elegance of a dress watch. Finding a colored dial variant with its original faceted crystal in such pristine condition is becoming increasingly difficult for collectors. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was the successor to the Lord Marvel and integrated the new 56-series movement, which was thinner and more advanced than its predecessors. This movement family was so capable that it also served as the base for many King Seiko and Grand Seiko chronometers of the period. This specific example, produced in October 1973, represents the peak of Seiko's experimental design phase where vibrant colors and geometric crystals became a hallmark of luxury. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0033