Seiko - Lord Matic - No reserve price - 5606-7230 - Men - 1972

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This striking timepiece encapsulates the bold, experimental design language that defined Japanese watchmaking in the early 1970s. The Seiko Lord Matic series was positioned as a premium offering, boasting sophisticated movements and exceptional dial finishing that rivaled the brand's highest tiers. This specific example is a visual masterclass, combining a mesmerizing gradient dial with a highly architectural faceted crystal that refracts light from every angle. It is a quintessential vintage Seiko that offers both robust mechanical pedigree and tremendous wrist presence, making it a highly compelling acquisition for the discerning collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Reference Number: 5606-7230 Serial Number: 250995 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5606A, 25 Jewels Dial: Blue gradient sunburst with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: May 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic is a spectacular blue gradient sunburst, transitioning from a brilliant azure in the center to a deep, inky midnight blue at the outer edges. The dial furniture is incredibly elaborate, featuring tall, heavily faceted applied indices with ribbed metallic texturing and crisp white center channels. The applied Seiko and LM logos sit proudly above and below the center pinion, while the sans-serif printed text and Suwa factory symbol remain flawlessly sharp. A framed day and date aperture at the three o'clock position displays a dual-language English and Kanji day wheel. The polished baton hands feature matching white center stripes that tie the entire aesthetic together. Thorough inspection reveals the dial is in stunning condition, entirely free of spotting, moisture damage, staining, or print loss, presenting an exceptionally clean and vibrant face. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a classic 1970s cushion-esque profile, defined by sharp, angular lugs and a beautiful transition between the brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks. The case retains strong structural integrity and sharp lines, showing only honest, age-consistent surface wear and light handling marks without any major dings or structural degradation. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the factory serial number, reference number, and the Suwa factory logo. Above the dial sits a dramatic, highly faceted crystal. The geometric planes of the crystal create a captivating optical effect, adding immense depth and character to the watch while remaining clean and clear for optimal legibility. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5606A, a highly regarded automatic movement from the era. The visual inspection of the movement reveals clean surfaces, with the rotor clearly stamped with the Seiko branding, 25 Jewels, and Japan 5606 A caliber designation. The bridges and plates present well, maintaining the authentic mechanical character of this celebrated 56-series engine. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct, heavily textured black leather strap. The strap features a distinctive pebbled surface reminiscent of stingray, complemented by thick white contrast stitching that perfectly echoes the white accents found on the dial indices and hands. Condition This Lord Matic is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is undeniably the standout feature, exhibiting near-mint preservation with no visible flaws or degradation. The faceted crystal is beautifully maintained, allowing the gradient dial to shine through its geometric cuts. The stainless steel case shows normal, light vintage wear that is entirely consistent with its age, retaining its factory finishes and sharp lug profiles. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a vintage Seiko Lord Matic with a pristine gradient dial and an intact faceted crystal is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the dramatic crystal, the deep blue vignette dial, and the highly desirable Kanji day wheel makes this an incredibly attractive package. It is a watch that captures the essence of 1970s Seiko design, offering tremendous aesthetic value and historical significance in a highly wearable format. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic line was created to bridge the gap between the entry-level Seiko 5 models and the ultra-premium King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections. Powered by the sophisticated 56-series movements, the Lord Matic offered advanced features such as hacking and hand-winding, wrapped in cases that pushed the boundaries of contemporary design. The LM line became a canvas for Seiko to experiment with vibrant colored dials, faceted crystals, and unique case geometries, cementing its legacy as one of the most beloved and visually diverse families in vintage Japanese horology. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-ALJ-0032