Seiko LM "Gradient Blue Sunburst" 5606-7310 (1973)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is an exceptional example of the Seiko Lord Matic, a timepiece that perfectly captures the bold and adventurous design language of the 1970s. Known for their high-quality movements and distinct aesthetics, the Lord Matic series sat just beneath the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, offering luxury finishing and sophisticated engineering. This specific reference features the highly collectible faceted "cut glass" crystal and a mesmerizing blue gradient dial, making it a true statement piece on the wrist. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7310 Serial Number: 3D6379 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606 Dial: Blue Gradient Vertical Brushed Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Stunning near-mint vintage condition. The watch presents with a sharp case, a flawless dial, and a clean movement, offering an impressive visual presence on the wrist. Dial and Hands The dial is the absolute highlight of this timepiece, featuring a striking blue gradient finish with a vertical brushed texture that plays beautifully with the light. The applied baton indices feature gold-tone accents that contrast elegantly against the cool blue tones. The hands are sharp and polished, also featuring gold accents to match the markers. A gold-framed day and date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding a touch of luxury to the utilitarian function. The original faceted crystal creates a prism effect that distorts and reflects the dial elements in a unique and captivating way. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the sharp geometric lines and flat surfaces characteristic of Seiko's "Grammar of Design" philosophy from this era. The edges remain distinct and well-defined, indicating excellent preservation. The defining feature is the original faceted mineral glass crystal, which has multiple angled planes that catch the light from every direction. The caseback is a screw-down stainless steel type, clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this watch is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5606 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was a workhorse of the era, known for its slim profile and reliability. The movement appears clean and well-maintained in the images, with the rotor spinning freely. It is currently running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, which is a significant value add for collectors. The clasp is signed with the distinct "LM" logo. The bracelet is comfortable and articulate, currently sized to fit a wrist of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is pristine with no visible signs of aging, moisture, or spotting. The case retains its original factory brushing and polishing lines with only very minor surface handling marks. The faceted crystal is remarkably clean, allowing the dial to shine through without obstruction. The movement is clean and the overall presentation is collector-grade. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, which was a contemporary size for the era and wears prominently due to the faceted crystal and angular case shape. Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic is a quintessential example of Japanese watchmaking from the golden age of the 1970s. The combination of the "Vanac-style" faceted crystal, the deep blue gradient dial, and the gold accents makes this a visually stunning watch that stands out in any room. It is a rare find in such well-preserved condition, complete with its original bracelet, making it a perfect acquisition for the enthusiast of vintage Japanese horology. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was Seiko's mid-tier automatic offering, positioned to bring high-end design and movement quality to a broader audience. It utilized the 56 series movements, which were thinner and more advanced than previous iterations, allowing for sleeker case designs. The Lord Matic series became a playground for Seiko designers in the 1970s, leading to some of the most creative and colorful dials and case shapes in the company's history. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLJ-0135