Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7231 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Seiko Lord Matic perfectly encapsulates the bold and optimistic design language of 1970s Japanese horology. Positioned proudly in Seiko’s catalog just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko tiers, the Lord Matic line was celebrated for its robust mechanical architecture and highly expressive aesthetics. This particular example is a visual standout, defined by its mesmerizing blue sunburst dial and a dramatic faceted crystal that fractures and multiplies light across the watch face. It is a brilliant representation of the era's adventurous styling, preserved in highly attractive condition for the discerning collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7231 Serial Number: 393991 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Radiant blue sunburst dial with applied faceted indices and framed day-date display, presenting in exceptionally clean condition. Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a pristine dial and sharp case lines. Dial and Hands The dial is an absolute triumph of vintage Seiko design, featuring a rich, dynamic blue sunburst finish that shifts in tone from deep navy to vibrant cobalt depending on the light. Carefully assessing the dial reveals an exceptionally clean surface, completely free of spotting, stains, moisture marks, or print loss. The typography is crisp and precise, with an applied silver-tone serif "SEIKO" logo at twelve o'clock and the applied "LM" badge at six o'clock. Printed text includes "AUTOMATIC" and "25 JEWELS" alongside the iconic Suwa Seikosha factory symbol. The hour markers are prominent, applied faceted blocks featuring white central inserts that perfectly match the clean, sharp baton hands. A day-date aperture is positioned at three o'clock, framed by a stepped metallic border, displaying the day in a striking red Kanji format alongside the date. The entire dial assembly is flawlessly preserved, offering a near-mint visual presentation. Case and Crystal The 36-millimeter stainless steel case features classic 1970s geometry, characterized by sharp, sweeping lugs and a seamless integration of brushed and polished surfaces. The upper lug surfaces retain their factory-style directional brushing, which transitions cleanly into the mirror-polished case flanks. The crown is appropriately positioned at three o'clock, nestled slightly into the case profile in true Lord Matic fashion. The screw-down solid stainless steel caseback is crisply engraved with "WATER RESISTANT," the Seiko logo, the serial number 393991, and the reference 5606-7231, all remaining deeply legible. Crowning the case is a highly distinctive faceted crystal. The geometric cuts of the crystal create a captivating optical effect over the blue dial. The crystal remains highly transparent and structurally sound, showing only minor, honest edge wear and faint handling marks consistent with its vintage pedigree. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606A, a sophisticated 25-jewel automatic movement that formed the backbone of the Lord Matic family. Visual inspection of the movement reveals a remarkably clean and well-maintained mechanism, with bright bridges and a rotor clearly stamped with "SEIKO," "25 JEWELS," and "JAPAN 5606A." The movement architecture is highly finished for its class, showcasing the engineering prowess of the Suwa factory. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher results reflect a deviation of +19 to +21 seconds per day, indicating excellent health and operational reliability for a mechanical watch of this era. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring a refined Saffiano-style textured finish. The strap is accented with contrasting white stitching that elegantly complements the white inserts found on the dial's indices and hands. It is secured by a standard polished stainless steel pin buckle and shows minimal signs of wear, providing a comfortable and highly complementary aesthetic to the vibrant blue dial. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The stainless steel case remains sharp and well-defined, exhibiting only light, honest handling marks and superficial scratches commensurate with careful wear over the decades. The dial is the undisputed highlight, remaining virtually flawless and exceptionally vibrant. The faceted crystal shows minor surface wear but retains its dramatic light-catching properties. The movement is clean, operational, and performing beautifully on the timegrapher. Dimensions 36 mm case diameter. Remarks Finding a Seiko Lord Matic with a pristine colored dial and its signature faceted crystal intact is becoming increasingly difficult. This example offers a perfect blend of high-grade mechanical performance and undeniable 1970s charm, making it a highly compelling acquisition for both dedicated Seiko enthusiasts and collectors of unique vintage design. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was created to replace the Seiko Lord Marvel and Seikomatic ranges. Equipped almost exclusively with the high-quality 5600 series movements, the LM series was positioned as an upper-mid-tier offering, boasting features like hacking seconds and quickset day-date complications. As the 1970s progressed, Seiko used the Lord Matic line as a canvas for some of their most creative and expressive designs, experimenting with vibrant dial colors, gradient finishes, and elaborately faceted cut-glass crystals. These watches remain a testament to a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, where mechanical excellence met fearless aesthetic innovation. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAL-0014