Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7230 - Men - 1973

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic line represents one of the most dynamic and creatively adventurous eras in Japanese watchmaking, perfectly bridging the gap between everyday reliability and high-end horology. Produced during the golden age of Seiko’s 1970s design revolution, this particular timepiece is a masterclass in light play and geometric form. Boasting a mesmerizing faceted crystal and a deeply captivating gradient blue dial, this watch embodies the bold, futuristic optimism of its decade. Carefully preserved and visually striking, it offers collectors a chance to own a highly expressive piece of vintage Seiko history that commands immediate attention on the wrist. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7230 Serial Number: 311196 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Blue gradient sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is nothing short of spectacular, featuring a rich blue gradient that transitions from a brilliant, lighter azure in the center to a deep, inky navy at the outer edges. The surface is executed with a fine sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. It is adorned with prominent, applied faceted silver-tone indices that feature crisp white inserts, perfectly matching the original baton hands. The typography is sharp and fully intact, including the applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos, as well as the printed "AUTOMATIC", "25 JEWELS", and the Suwa factory symbol. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position, offering an English and Kanji day wheel. Crucially, a thorough inspection reveals that the dial is exceptionally clean and remarkably well-preserved, showing no visible spotting, moisture marks, print loss, or surface damage, standing as a pristine example of Seiko's masterful dial manufacturing. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a robust, tonneau-inspired cushion profile that sits with substantial presence on the wrist. The case retains its factory lines, showcasing a beautiful contrast between the horizontally brushed upper surfaces and the brightly polished case flanks and bezel. The lug profiles remain sharp and well-defined, exhibiting only the honest, superficial handling marks and light wear expected from a carefully worn timepiece of this era. The screw-down caseback is fully legible, with all factory engravings, including the serial and reference numbers, remaining crisp and deep. Crowning the case is the watch's most defining feature, a highly geometric faceted crystal with a flat central plane and sharply angled outer facets. The crystal remains highly attractive and structurally sound, though it does display some light surface scratches and minor edge wear visible under close inspection, which is entirely consistent with its vintage nature and adds to the authentic character of the piece. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606A, a highly regarded 25-jewel automatic movement produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory. Close inspection of the movement reveals a clean and well-maintained mechanism, with the rotor and bridges clearly marked with the caliber designation and jewel count. The intricate brushing on the rotor and movement plates presents beautifully. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results reflect a daily deviation of -55 to -62 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome, period correct dark brown leather strap featuring an elegant alligator grain pattern. The strap features precise tonal stitching and is secured by a classic polished stainless steel pin buckle, complementing the rich blue tones of the dial and providing a comfortable, secure fit for daily wear. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition, standing out primarily due to its flawless dial preservation and sharp, unpolished case aesthetics. The stainless steel case shows normal, honest vintage wear with minor surface scratches that do not detract from the overall geometry. The faceted crystal exhibits light, age-consistent surface marks but remains clear and highly reflective. The dial and hands are in near-mint condition, free of the degradation or moisture damage often found in watches of this vintage. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a classic 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The proportions are perfectly balanced, offering a refined, comfortable fit that wears beautifully on a variety of wrist sizes while maintaining the distinctive, slightly chunky profile characteristic of 1970s Seiko design. Remarks Finding a Seiko Lord Matic with its original faceted crystal intact and a dial this immaculate is an increasingly rare occurrence in the vintage market. The dramatic combination of the architectural glass and the vivid, flawless gradient blue dial makes this reference a true standout. It is a highly collectible and wearable piece of mid-century Japanese design that will undoubtedly bring immense joy to its next caretaker. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was positioned proudly just beneath the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections, serving as the sophisticated choice for the discerning professional. Powered by the sophisticated 5600 series of movements, the LM line was instrumental in cementing Seiko's reputation for producing highly accurate, durable, and beautifully finished automatic watches. As the 1970s progressed, Seiko used the Lord Matic range to experiment with bold, forward-thinking designs, incorporating vibrant colored dials, faceted crystals, and angular cases inspired by Taro Tanaka's Grammar of Design. Today, these expressive models are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate their unique aesthetic language and historical significance within Seiko's legendary catalog. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0181