Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7290 (1973)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Seiko Lord Matic represents the golden era of Japanese watchmaking, combining sophisticated mechanical engineering with striking aesthetic design. Positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, the Lord Matic series utilized the highly regarded 5600 movement family, offering collectors a taste of high-end horology wrapped in distinctive, expressive styling. This particular example is elevated by its breathtaking vertically brushed gradient blue dial, a testament to Seiko’s mastery of dial manufacturing during the 1970s. It stands as a highly collectible and visually captivating vintage timepiece, perfect for both seasoned Seiko enthusiasts and those looking for a standout daily wearer with genuine heritage. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7290 Serial Number: 306311 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Vertically brushed gradient blue dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved. Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines. Dial and Hands The visual centerpiece of this watch is its stunning gradient blue dial, which transitions from a vibrant, dynamic blue in the center to a deep, near-black navy at the outer edges. The surface features a refined vertical brushing that catches the light beautifully, creating a dynamic interplay of color and texture. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, remaining clean and free from moisture damage, heavy spotting, or significant discoloration. It is furnished with prominent applied faceted baton indices, each featuring a central white channel that enhances legibility. Small, perfectly rounded lume pips sit at the inner edge of each marker, showing a charming, even creamy patina. The applied silver-tone "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and highly dimensional. At the three o'clock position, a substantial faceted gold-tone frame houses the day and date complications, featuring a highly desirable dual-language English and Kanji day wheel. The original baton hands mirror the indices with matching white inserts and a black central stripe, remaining in excellent condition alongside the sweeping seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 37 mm stainless steel case boasts a classic 1970s silhouette, characterized by broad lugs and flowing lines. The case exhibits a beautiful contrast between the brushed upper surfaces of the lugs and the highly polished case flanks. The transitions between these finishes remain well-defined, indicating careful preservation over the decades. Honest signs of wear, including superficial scratches and minor handling marks, are present and entirely consistent with the age of the timepiece, confirming its authentic vintage condition without detracting from its strong wrist presence. The dial is protected by a clear crystal that provides an unobstructed view of the vibrant dial beneath, showing only minimal signs of age. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is clearly engraved with all factory markings, including the reference number 5606-7290, the serial number 306311, and the Suwa factory symbol, all remaining deep and highly legible. Movement Powering this Lord Matic is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5606A, a 25-jewel automatic movement belonging to the legendary 56xx family, which also served as the foundation for contemporary King Seiko and Grand Seiko calibers. The movement is proudly signed on the rotor and features a cleanly finished architecture. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. (+15s to +23s/day). The mechanical integrity of this caliber ensures it remains a reliable companion, maintaining the authentic operational character of the era. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, a fantastic and increasingly rare inclusion. The clasp is proudly stamped with the "SEIKO LM" branding, and the endlinks are correctly stamped with the "XAA" code, confirming its authenticity to the watch. The bracelet exhibits normal vintage stretch and wear, perfectly matching the condition of the case. It is sized to comfortably accommodate a wrist up to 18.5 cm. Condition This Seiko Lord Matic is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the absolute highlight, remaining remarkably crisp, vibrant, and free of the degradation often seen in colored dials of this period. The case retains strong lines and factory-intended finishes, displaying only honest, attractive wear. The original signed bracelet completes this highly original and well-preserved package. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 18.5 cm Remarks Finding a vintage Lord Matic with a gradient dial in such pristine condition is a rare treat. The vertical brushing combined with the deep blue vignette effect makes this watch a true strap monster and a mesmerizing piece to view under natural light. Complete with its original signed bracelet and highly legible Kanji day wheel, this is a prime example of Seiko's mid-century design prowess and a worthy addition to any serious vintage collection. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic (LM) line was created to sit squarely between the accessible Seiko 5 series and the premium King Seiko and Grand Seiko ranges. It was designed for the discerning professional who demanded high precision, advanced automatic winding, and sophisticated styling. The LM series exclusively utilized the 56xx series of movements, which were thinner and more refined than previous generations, allowing for sleeker case designs. The Lord Matic quickly became one of Seiko's most successful and varied domestic lines, offering a vast array of dial textures, case shapes, and crystal facets. Today, they are celebrated by collectors as some of the best value propositions in vintage horology, offering near-Grand Seiko movement architecture with wildly creative 1970s aesthetics. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-ALJ-0002