Seiko - Lord Matic - 5606-7290 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage An exceptional example of Japanese horological design from the golden era of Seiko, this Lord Matic reference 5606-7290 is a true collector's piece. Boasting an incredibly striking gradient fumé dial with a captivating vertical brushed texture, this watch masterfully catches the light from every angle. The Lord Matic line was positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko tiers, offering sophisticated automatic movements and highly refined case geometry that remains highly desirable today. This specific variant, featuring the highly respected caliber 5606A and a versatile stainless steel profile, perfectly embodies the innovative and elegant spirit of vintage Seiko. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7290 Serial Number: 385187 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A Dial: Gradient brownish-grey fumé with vertical brushing Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. The timepiece is exceptionally well preserved, and a timegrapher reading of +45 to +48 seconds per day is recorded, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Dial and Hands The dial on this Lord Matic is nothing short of breathtaking, featuring a gradient brownish-grey fumé finish enhanced by a distinct vertical brushed texture. It is adorned with highly polished, faceted applied indices that provide a stunning depth and contrast against the darker edges of the dial. The applied Seiko and LM logos remain crisp and sharp, accompanied by the classic Suwa Seikosha symbol above the six o'clock position. The gold-tone hands are beautifully preserved, featuring delicate central white inserts that enhance legibility, while the dual English and Kanji day-date aperture at three o'clock sits within a sharply finished metallic frame. The original lume dots along the minute track display a lovely, honest aging consistent with the era. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case showcases Seiko's renowned design language with sharp, faceted lugs and clean, angular lines that give it a highly dynamic wrist presence. The case remains very well preserved, displaying only honest, light surface marks indicative of careful wear over the decades, while retaining its original sharp geometry. The stainless steel caseback is clearly stamped with the correct serial and reference numbers, maintaining deep and legible engravings. The crystal is highly transparent and well preserved, providing an unobstructed and clear view of the magnificent dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko automatic caliber 5606A, featuring 25 jewels and known for its sophisticated engineering, which includes a day-date complication with quickset functionality. The movement is visibly clean and well preserved, with the rotor and plates showing excellent original finishing. The recorded timegrapher results display a rate of +45 to +48 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic vintage stainless steel Seiko bracelet that complements the angular case design perfectly. The bracelet features an intricate multi-link construction that offers excellent articulation and comfort on the wrist, securing with a cleanly stamped LM signed folding clasp that completes the cohesive aesthetic. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The watch is very well preserved for its age. Only light wear and handling marks are visible. Limited scratches and minimal signs of use are present, while the dial, case, and hands show very good overall preservation. The overall appearance is clean, attractive, and well above average for a vintage piece. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The included stainless steel bracelet accommodates a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm. Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic is a superb find for any collector of vintage Japanese horology. The combination of the mesmerizing vertical brushed gradient dial, the sharp faceted case, and the reliable 5606 caliber makes it a highly versatile and visually captivating watch. The presence of the original LM signed bracelet further enhances its historical charm and strong collectibility. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic series was created to bridge the gap between Seiko's standard automatic offerings and the prestigious King and Grand Seiko lines. Equipped with the advanced 56-series movements, the LM line was characterized by its slim profiles, highly capable calibers, and exceptional build quality. These watches often shared the same strict design principles as their higher-end counterparts, resulting in timepieces with brilliant flat surfaces and sharp angles. Today, the Lord Matic is celebrated by enthusiasts as one of the best value propositions in vintage watch collecting, representing a pinnacle of Seiko's mid-century innovation and timeless aesthetics. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0103