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

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This timepiece captures the essence of 1970s Japanese horological design, blending reliable mechanical engineering with bold, expressive aesthetics. The Seiko Lord Matic series was instrumental in bringing elevated automatic movements to a wider audience, positioned proudly alongside the King and Grand Seiko lines. Featuring a spectacular faceted crystal and a mesmerizing gradient dial, this example perfectly represents the era's adventurous approach to watchmaking, offering collectors a striking and historically significant vintage piece. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7230 Serial Number: 373278 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Blue-grey gradient sunburst with applied faceted indices; exceptionally clean surface with noticeable degradation to the handset Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest age-related wear Dial and Hands The dial is a captivating study in 1970s design, featuring a deep blue-grey gradient finish that radiates outward in a subtle sunburst pattern. The typography includes a crisp, applied serif Seiko logo and the distinctive LM badge, balanced by printed sans-serif text indicating the 25-jewel automatic movement. Applied faceted block indices with gold-toned central channels provide excellent depth and catch the light dynamically. Upon close inspection, the dial surface itself is exceptionally well-preserved, remaining clean and free of notable spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration. The framed day-date aperture at three o'clock is sharp and legible. However, the original baton hands exhibit clear and honest signs of age, with significant degradation and loss of the black filling within their central channels, alongside light oxidation on their metal borders. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case features a classic tonneau shape characteristic of the era. The architecture displays a pleasing contrast between the brushed upper surfaces and the polished case flanks. The lug profiles retain their fundamental geometry without signs of heavy over-polishing, though the case and polished bezel show honest signs of wear, including localized surface scratches, light scuffs, and handling marks consistent with regular use over the decades. A defining feature of this model is its striking faceted crystal, which acts as a geometric prism over the dial, creating unique optical distortions and reflections. The crystal remains in highly presentable condition, allowing clear visibility of the dial beneath. The original recessed crown sits neatly against the case edge. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606A, a highly regarded 25-jewel automatic movement produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory. The movement presents cleanly, with the rotor clearly signed and the plates showing normal, age-appropriate surfaces. This caliber is celebrated for bringing high-beat technology and robust day-date functionality to the Lord Matic line. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a variance of -26 to -31 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a modern black leather strap featuring a subtle scaled texture and contrasting white stitching. The strap is supple and complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch perfectly, securing with a standard steel tang buckle. Condition This watch is in good vintage condition. The most remarkable aspect is the pristine preservation of the gradient sunburst dial and the intact faceted crystal, which together create a stunning visual impact. The case shows normal, honest wear with surface scratches typical of a cherished vintage tool. The most notable sign of aging is the degradation of the handset filling, which confirms the unpolished and authentic vintage nature of the piece. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown). The tonneau case shape provides a substantial and comfortable presence on the wrist, maintaining the classic proportions expected from 1970s Seiko dress watches. Remarks The Lord Matic 5606-7230 is a brilliant representation of Seiko's willingness to experiment with light, texture, and geometry. The combination of the faceted crystal and the fumé dial creates a wearing experience that shifts continuously depending on the lighting environment. It is a charismatic addition to any vintage Japanese watch collection. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was designed to offer premium automatic movements and sophisticated styling to the modern professional. Utilizing the sophisticated 56xx family of movements, which were also adapted for use in King Seiko and Grand Seiko models, the Lord Matic represented incredible mechanical value. By the early 1970s, Seiko began outfitting these watches with adventurous gradient dials and faceted crystals, capturing the vibrant and forward-looking spirit of the decade. Today, these expressive models are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate Seiko's daring historical catalog. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-ALJ-0033