Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7230 (1973)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This striking 1970s Seiko Lord Matic is a quintessential example of the brand's creative peak during the "Space Age" era. Featuring a mesmerizing gradient blue sunburst dial and a distinct faceted crystal, this timepiece captures the light in a way that is both retro and undeniably elegant. The Lord Matic series was positioned as a high-grade automatic line, sitting just below King Seiko, and this reference 5606-7230 combines robust engineering with a playful, avant-garde design that has become highly collectible among vintage enthusiasts. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7230 Serial Number: 311108 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Gradient Blue Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest wear consistent with its age, particularly on the crystal and case edges which exhibits scratches and nicks along the edges. However, the dial remains in lovely condition, maintaining the watch's attractive vintage appeal. The timegrapher results indicate -20s to -26s/day, which indicates a healthy movement running within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The dial is the centerpiece of this watch, featuring a deep blue sunburst finish that gradients into lighter hues towards the center. It is adorned with applied rectangular hour indices that catch the light beautifully. The original baton-style hands are present and coordinate perfectly with the indices. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, with a white background for high legibility. The applied "Seiko" and "LM" logos are crisp and intact. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinct 1970s cushion shape with integrated lugs, offering a comfortable and sleek profile on the wrist. The case retains its original lines but shows visible surface scratches and dings from decades of use. The watch is fitted with its original-style faceted mineral glass crystal. The crystal has multiple cut planes that create a prism effect; it shows evident signs of wear, including scratches and chips along the faceted edges, which is common for this specific model configuration. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 25-jewel movement was a high-grade workhorse of the era, known for its slim profile and reliability. The movement is clean and is currently performing within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance for the next owner. Strap The watch has been fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white and brown stitching. The strap is in very good condition, supple and ready for wear, complementing the sporty yet dressy nature of the Lord Matic design. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case and faceted crystal show clear signs of history and wear, the dial remains vibrant and well-preserved. It is an honest example of a 1973 production piece that has been worn and enjoyed, yet still presents a compelling aesthetic on the wrist. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, which was the classic standard for gentlemen's watches of this period. The lug-to-lug distance and case shape allow it to wear slightly larger, providing substantial presence without being overpowering. Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic "Faceted Glass" models are becoming increasingly sought after for their unique visual character. This specific example, with its vibrant blue dial, represents the fun and experimental side of 1970s watch design. It is a conversation starter that combines mechanical reliability with a distinct disco-era flair. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was Seiko's mid-tier luxury offering, integrating the newly developed 56-series automatic movements. These watches were designed to offer a thinner profile and higher finishing than the standard models, incorporating features like hacking and hand-winding. By 1973, when this watch was produced, the LM line had embraced the bold styling cues of the decade, experimenting with colorful dials and faceted crystals that defined the era's horological fashion. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0163