Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7310 (1973)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic is a truly captivating example of 1970s Japanese horology, featuring a vibrant emerald green gradient dial that immediately commands attention. The Lord Matic series was positioned as a high-grade offering during Seiko's golden era, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, and this specific reference 5606-7310 showcases the sharp "Grammar of Design" case lines that collectors adore. With its stunning colored dial and gold accents, this timepiece represents a perfect blend of vintage elegance and retro flair, making it a highly desirable addition for any serious Seiko enthusiast. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7310 Serial Number: 3N8902 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Emerald Green Gradient Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Stunning vintage condition, featuring an exceptionally preserved dial and a sharp case. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of -38s to -45s/day, which indicates a healthy movement operating with a consistent rate. Dial and Hands The centerpiece of this watch is the mesmerizing emerald green dial which features a vertical gradient effect, appearing lighter in the center and darkening towards the edges. The dial is adorned with gold-toned applied baton indices that are faceted to catch the light, perfectly matching the gold-toned sword-style hands. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, displaying the day in both Kanji and English, while the gold applied "Seiko" and "LM" logos add a touch of luxury to the rich green background. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is in remarkable condition, retaining its original sharp edges and defined geometry typical of Seiko's 1970s design language. The upper surfaces of the lugs feature a vertical brushed finish that transitions cleanly into polished sides. The crystal is clear and presents well, allowing the complex dial texture to shine through without distraction. The crown is discreetly integrated into the case side at the 3 o'clock position, maintaining the sleek profile of the watch. Movement Powering the watch is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement, a 23-jewel mechanism renowned for its reliability and thin profile. This movement was a staple of Seiko's mid-to-high-range watches in the 1970s and offers reliable vintage performance. The movement is clean and the rotor swings freely, winding the mainspring efficiently as intended. Strap The watch is fitted with a brand new black leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern. The strap is supple and complements the green dial and steel case perfectly, securing with a silver-tone pin buckle that suits the vintage aesthetic. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is flawless with no visible signs of aging, moisture, or spotting. The case retains strong factory lines with only very minor surface handling marks consistent with careful storage. The movement is functioning, and timegrapher results show a deviation of -38s to -45s/day, suggesting the mechanism is mechanically sound and running consistently. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, which is the classic standard for men's dress watches of this era. The lug design and case shape allow it to sit comfortably and prominently on the wrist, offering a presence that feels slightly larger due to the vibrant dial. Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic "LM" series is increasingly sought after by collectors for offering Grand Seiko-level design language at an accessible price point. This particular example, with its specific green gradient dial configuration and Kanji date wheel, is a rare find in such well-preserved condition. It is a striking wristwatch that embodies the creativity and manufacturing prowess of Seiko in 1973. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was essential to Seiko's dominance in the automatic watch market, featuring the sophisticated 56 series movement which was thin, accurate, and robust. These watches were manufactured at the Suwa Seikosha factory and played a pivotal role in establishing Seiko's reputation for quality mass-produced mechanical watches. The "LM" was often the watch of choice for the rising Japanese middle class and business professionals, symbolizing success and modernity in the 1970s. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0045