Seiko - Lord Matic "Gradient Blue Sunburst" 凛光 (Rinkō) – Dignified Light - No reserve price - 5606-7300 - Men - 1974

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is an exceptional example of the Seiko Lord Matic, a line that defined 1970s Japanese watchmaking elegance, featuring a spectacular faceted crystal and a vibrant gradient dial. This reference 5606-7300 from January 1974 captures the essence of the "Grammar of Design" era with its sharp case lines and bold aesthetic choices. The combination of the electric blue dial with gold contrasting markers makes this a standout piece for any serious collector of vintage Japanese horology. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7300 Serial Number: 412734 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Blue Gradient Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Stunning vintage condition with a pristine dial, sharp case lines, and an original faceted crystal that creates unique light play, running at -32s/day which indicates a healthy movement running within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The dial is undoubtedly the centerpiece of this watch, featuring a deep electric blue finish with a sunburst texture that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with applied gold-tone baton hour markers and matching gold-tone hands, creating a striking contrast against the cool blue background. The dial features the applied "LM" logo at the 6 o'clock position and a framed day-date window at 3 o'clock which displays both Kanji and English days. The original faceted crystal acts as a prism, splitting the dial into different viewing angles and adding a level of depth and sophistication rarely seen in modern watches. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case remains in remarkable condition, preserving the sharp, angular geometry characteristic of the 1970s Lord Matic series. The brushed surfaces on the top of the lugs contrast elegantly with the polished sides. The original faceted mineral glass crystal is in excellent shape, a rare find for a watch of this age, and gives the timepiece its distinct architectural character. The crown fits flush against the case, maintaining the sleek profile. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 25-jewel movement was a high-grade workhorse of the era, offering hacking and hand-winding capabilities. The movement is clean and presents well visually. A timegrapher test reveals the watch is running at -32 seconds per day, which offers reliable vintage performance and indicates a healthy movement running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet featuring the signed "LM" clasp, which is a highly desirable attribute for collectors. The bracelet features a multi-link design that is comfortable on the wrist and perfectly matches the aesthetic of the case. It is currently sized to fit a wrist circumference of approximately 18 cm. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is flawless with no visible staining or oxidation. The case retains its original definition with only minor handling marks consistent with careful use over five decades. The faceted crystal is clear and distinct, preserving the unique visual effect intended by the designer. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that offers significant wrist presence due to the faceted crystal and robust case shape. The lug-to-lug distance ensures a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes, while the bracelet accommodates an 18 cm wrist. Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic represents a golden era of creativity in watch design. The combination of the faceted glass, the blue gradient dial, and the gold accents creates a visual experience that changes with every turn of the wrist. It is a completely original example that serves as both a reliable timekeeper and a stunning piece of wearable history. History The Lord Matic (LM) line was introduced by Seiko in 1968 and positioned as a mid-tier luxury offering, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. It was designed to bring high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated case designs to a broader audience. The 5606 movement used in this series is considered one of Seiko's finest mass-produced calibers, known for its thin profile and reliability. This specific model from 1974 showcases the adventurous design language that Seiko adopted in the mid-70s, moving away from traditional round crystals to more geometric and artistic forms. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0032