Seiko - Lord Matic "Gradient Blue Sunburst" 蒼影 (Sōei) – Blue Shadow - No reserve price - 5606-7230 - Men - 1973

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a striking representation of 1970s Japanese watchmaking innovation, characterized by its mesmerizing faceted crystal and deep blue gradient dial. The Lord Matic series sat comfortably in the upper echelon of Seiko's lineup during this era, offering high-grade mechanical performance combined with the adventurous "Space Age" design language that makes these pieces so collectible today. This specific reference is a fantastic conversation starter that captures the light beautifully on the wrist. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7230 Serial Number: 322424 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Blue Gradient Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition (The watch shows honest signs of age and wear on the case consistent with its era, while the dial remains attractive. Timegrapher results indicate an active healthy movement.) Dial and Hands The dial is the centerpiece of this timepiece, featuring a rich blue gradient that fades into a lighter center, creating a stunning sunburst effect. It is adorned with polished, applied block hour markers and slender hands that provide excellent legibility. The dial is further enhanced by the original faceted "cut glass" crystal, which acts as a prism to reflect light in a dynamic geometric pattern. A framed day and date window is positioned at the three o'clock mark, and the classic "LM" logo is applied proudly at the six o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the distinct cushioned tonneau shape that defined Seiko's design ethos in the early 1970s. The case lines remain visible, though the surface shows scratches and marks typical of a watch that has been enjoyed over several decades. The faceted mineral crystal is a distinct feature of this reference, adding depth and character to the visual presentation. Movement Powering this watch is the robust Seiko Caliber 5606, a 25-jewel automatic movement known for its reliability and role as a foundational high-beat era mechanism. The movement is clean and currently functioning, with timegrapher testing showing a rate of +43s to +50s per day, which indicates healthy movement activity within a vintage operational range. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic black leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern. The dark tone of the leather complements the deep blue hues of the dial and provides a comfortable and sophisticated fit for daily wear. Condition This piece is in good vintage condition. The case displays visible surface scratches and signs of wear appropriate for a watch produced in 1973. The dial remains in very good condition with vivid coloration. The faceted crystal is intact and preserves the unique visual appeal of the model. Dimensions With a case width of 36 mm excluding the crown, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist with a classic vintage profile. The lug-to-lug distance and case thickness, accentuated by the prismatic glass, give it a presence that feels substantial yet refined. Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7230 is a beloved reference among collectors due to the combination of the reliable 5600-series movement and the "Disco Volante" era styling. The faceted crystal references are becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially with dials that have retained their color vibrancy like this example. It is a charming vintage piece that perfectly embodies the fun and funkiness of 1970s horology. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned as a mid-tier luxury offering, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines but above the standard automatic models. It was designed to bring high-quality automatic movements and superior case finishing to a broader audience. The 5606 movement inside was a marvel of mass-produced engineering, featuring hacking and hand-winding capabilities, and it remains one of the most respected vintage Seiko calibers today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAJ-0015