Seiko - Lord Matic "Gradient Golden Sunburst" 光波 (Kōha) – Waves of Light - 5606-7300 - Men - 1974

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This is an exceptional example of 1970s Japanese design, featuring a striking brown gradient dial and the highly desirable faceted "cut glass" crystal that defines the specific aesthetic of the era. This Seiko Lord Matic combines a robust stainless steel construction with elegant gold accents, offering a sophisticated presence on the wrist that bridges the gap between dress watch and daily wearer. With its specific presentation engraving on the caseback, this piece carries a unique provenance, anchoring it to a specific moment in history. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7300 Serial Number: 412841 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5606A Dial: Brown Gradient Fumé Case Size: 37 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition Dial and Hands The dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, presenting a rich brown gradient "fumé" finish that darkens towards the edges. It is fitted with applied gold and silver-tone baton indices that are chunky and multi-faceted to catch the light. The original faceted crystal is in remarkable condition, creating a prismatic effect that plays with the light across the sunburst dial surface. The gold-tone hands are sharp and free of corrosion, complementing the applied gold "Seiko" and "LM" logos. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a bilingual or English/Kanji wheel. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the distinct 70s geometry of the 7300 reference, characterized by sharp brushing on the upper surfaces and polished sides. The case lines remain crisp, suggesting the watch has been treated with care over the decades. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with "H. HAYASHI" and the date "10.13.1974," adding a layer of personal history and provenance to the piece. The faceted crystal is clear and sharp, preserving the unique visual distortion effects intended by the original design. Movement Powering the watch is the reliable Seiko Caliber 5606A automatic movement, a 25-jewel mechanism known for its durability and capability. The movement is clean and presents well, offering reliable vintage performance. Timegrapher testing indicates the watch is running between +7 and +13 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement running within excellent vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel link bracelet, complete with the correct "LM" signed folding clasp. The bracelet exhibits normal vintage wear consistent with the case condition and fits a wrist size of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is pristine, and the faceted crystal shows minimal signs of age. The case retains its original factory finishes with sharp transitions between brushed and polished surfaces. There are light handling marks and surface scratches on the caseback and bracelet consistent with a watch of this vintage, but no significant dents or damage. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in width excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage proportion that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case shape and faceted crystal. Remarks This Lord Matic is a fantastic representation of Seiko's "Glamour" period in the 1970s, where dial complexity and case geometry were paramount. The presence of the commemorative engraving dates the gifting of this watch precisely to October 1974, aligning perfectly with the serial number production date of January 1974. History The Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was introduced in 1968 as a high-grade automatic series positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. It was designed to bring high-end movement technology—specifically the thin 5606 caliber—to a broader audience. The Lord Matic series is today celebrated by collectors for offering some of the most adventurous and beautiful dial configurations and case designs from Seiko's golden era of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEICUY8GY0000