Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7280 - Men - 1973

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This captivating Seiko Lord Matic perfectly encapsulates the adventurous and geometric design language of early 1970s Japanese horology. Positioned proudly within Seiko’s mid-to-upper tier hierarchy of the era, the Lord Matic line was renowned for introducing sophisticated automatic calibers and daring aesthetic variations to the discerning collector. This specific example distinguishes itself with a mesmerizing segmented blue dial and a dramatic faceted crystal, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that changes with every flick of the wrist. It stands as a brilliant representation of the Suwa Seikosha factory's creative peak, offering an authentic and visually striking vintage wearing experience. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7280 Serial Number: 332063 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5606A, 23 Jewels Dial: Segmented blue with applied faceted indices, presenting a clean surface with visible age-consistent oxidation on the handset. Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a beautifully preserved dial finish. Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in 1970s texture and color, featuring a deep blue base divided into distinct geometric segments that catch the light to create contrasting horizontal and vertical visual zones. Applied silver-tone faceted baton indices with white inserts mark the hours, complementing the applied serif Seiko and LM logos. A framed day-date aperture at the three o'clock position displays an English and Japanese Kanji day wheel, adding superb regional character. The dial surface itself remains exceptionally clean and vibrant, free of significant moisture damage or heavy spotting. The original steel baton hands, however, display clear and honest oxidation, with visible tarnishing and surface aging that authenticate the vintage nature of the timepiece without detracting from its overall legibility. Case and Crystal The 37 millimeter stainless steel case features a classic tonneau silhouette with integrated lugs, blending brushed upper surfaces with polished flanks. The case remains in good, honest vintage condition, displaying a network of superficial scratches, minor scuffs, and light edge wear consistent with a half-century of regular use. The transitions between the brushed and polished finishes have softened slightly over time but retain their fundamental geometry. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Suwa factory logo, reference, and serial numbers. The watch is fitted with a highly distinctive faceted crystal, featuring angled cuts that act as a prism over the dial. The crystal shows some minor surface wear and micro-scratches under close inspection, but it continues to deliver the dramatic visual effect intended by Seiko's designers. Movement Powering this Lord Matic is the Seiko Caliber 5606A, a highly regarded 23-jewel automatic movement produced by the Suwa division. Visual inspection of the movement reveals a cleanly brushed rotor, alongside honest, age-consistent spotting and mild surface patina across the plates and bridges. All factory engravings, including the caliber designation and jewel count, remain crisp and fully legible. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -60 to -65 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on a period-correct black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodilian pattern and contrasting white stitching. The strap is supple and secures to the wrist with a standard stainless steel pin buckle, complementing the classic yet sporty nature of the steel case. Condition This timepiece is graded in good vintage condition. It presents a highly attractive and well-preserved dial that serves as a stunning focal point. The visible oxidation on the hands and the normal handling marks across the stainless steel case provide an authentic, unpolished aesthetic that many vintage enthusiasts prefer. The faceted crystal and Kanji day wheel elevate the watch, making it a proud survivor of Seiko's golden era of design. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 37 mm in diameter, excluding the slightly recessed crown, offering a substantial yet incredibly comfortable footprint on the wrist that wears beautifully by modern standards. Remarks Watches from the Seiko Lord Matic family equipped with faceted crystals and vibrant dials are increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate expressive vintage design. The combination of the segmented blue dial, the intricate light play of the glass, and the reliable 5606 architecture makes this an exceptionally charismatic piece for any comprehensive Japanese watch collection. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic series was strategically positioned just below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, sharing much of the same advanced movement technology, specifically the 56xx family of calibers. The LM line became Seiko's playground for bold case shapes, vibrant dial colors, and experimental crystal designs throughout the 1970s. Manufactured by the legendary Suwa Seikosha facility, the Lord Matic remains a testament to an era when Seiko was aggressively expanding its global influence through a combination of mechanical excellence and fearless, fashion-forward styling. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-ALJ-0035