Seiko Automatic Ref. 5606-7290 – August 1973 (freshly serviced in January 2026)
Seiko Automatic Ref. 5606-7290 – August 1973 (freshly serviced in January 2026)
This Seiko Automatic with reference 5606-7290 dates from August 1973 and is a classic representative of the Seiko LM (Lord Matic) line. Seiko positioned the Lord-Matic models in the early 1970s as high-quality, everyday automatic watches below King Seiko and Grand Seiko – technically sophisticated, reliable, and with an independent design.
The Caliber 5606 movement used here is a 25-jewel automatic movement with quick-set date and day of the week (bilingual display), known for its robust construction and good rate stability. The 5606 series was used for many years in various LM, Lord Matic Special, and Business models.
Particularly noteworthy is the shimmering blue dial, which changes from dark blue to a vibrant sunburst depending on the light. The applied, faceted indices and the gold-colored frame of the day-date window give the watch a high-quality appearance typical of the early 1970s.
Another striking feature is the original faceted Hardlex crystal, which is in very good condition and shows only minimal age-related edge marks. The original Seiko LM stainless steel bracelet is also preserved and underlines the authentic character of this watch.
Historical Background – Lord Matic & Caliber 5606
The Lord Matic (LM) series was positioned by Seiko in the late 1960s as a premium everyday automatic line – clearly above Seiko 5, but below King Seiko and Grand Seiko. Technically, Seiko used proven, powerful movements that were also attractive for the Japanese domestic market (JDM).
The Caliber 5606 movement used here is an automatic movement with 25 jewels, a quick-set date mechanism, and a bilingual day-date display (Japanese/English). Characteristic is the precise, robust construction, which was designed for longevity and everyday usability. The Caliber 5606 is considered one of the most sophisticated LM movements and was used in numerous high-quality Lord-Matic references.
Reference 5606-7290 – Design & Classification
The reference 5606-7290 is particularly valued for its faceted crystal, which gives the watch a strong three-dimensional effect and clearly distinguishes it from models with flat crystals. In combination with the blue sunburst dial, applied indices, and the original LM stainless steel bracelet, the result is a very coherent, typically Japanese 1970s design.
This reference is significantly rarer to find than standard LM variants and is increasingly sought after, especially in original condition – particularly with a well-preserved crystal.
This watch was fully serviced in Japan in January 2026.
The automatic movement was completely disassembled, cleaned, re-oiled, and regulated. All functions (automatic winding, hand setting, quick-set date and day of the week) were checked and are working perfectly. Technically, the watch is therefore in very good and stable condition.
Condition
- Technical: very good, freshly serviced (01/2026, Japan)
- Dial: very good, almost new condition
- Crystal: very good, only minimal edge wear
- Case & bracelet: age-appropriate, light signs of wear
Technical Data
- Brand: Seiko
- Model / Reference: 5606-7290
- Year of Manufacture: August 1973
- Movement: Seiko Automatic Caliber 5606
- Jewels: 25 Jewels
- Functions: Hour, Minute, Second, Date & Day (quick-set)
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Diameter: 36.6 mm (without crown)
- Height: 11.4 mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 41 mm
- Lug Width: 16 mm
- Bracelet: original Seiko LM stainless steel bracelet
- Weight: approx. 80 g (incl. bracelet)
Warranty (used)
This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.
Note
As this is a used watch, no water resistance can be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.
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