{"product_id":"seiko-lord-matic-5606-7230-kaliber-5606-25-steine-suwa-seikosha-blaues-zifferblatt-neunfach-facettiertes-glas-original-stahlarmband-august-1972-frisch-revidiert","title":"Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7230 – Caliber 5606, 25 jewels, Suwa Seikosha – blue dial, nine-faceted crystal, original steel bracelet – August 1972 – freshly serviced","description":"\u003cdiv role=\"feed\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv role=\"article\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eNine facets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eNot three, as on the well-known faceted Seiko crystals of the early 1970s, but nine. The edge of this crystal is divided into nine circumferential facets, each inclined at its own angle toward the center.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYou only truly see what this means when you turn the watch in your hand: nine distinct bands of light run around the dial, each at its own speed, depending on the angle at which each facet catches the light. With a dark blue dial that already interacts with light itself, this creates an effect one would hardly expect from a watch in this price range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIt cannot be captured in a photograph. You have to see it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eOn the crystal, quite frankly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThese crystals are no longer available today.\u003c\/strong\u003e A damaged nine-faceted crystal can only be replaced with a standard round crystal—and with that, the watch loses exactly what makes it special. With this reference, the condition of the crystal is therefore not a side issue, but the single most important factor in its value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eHence a word on expectations: an original crystal that has been worn for over fifty years is not flawless. Fine signs of wear are part of its character. What is decisive is that the edges of the facets are sharp and the surfaces are complete—and they are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe Lord Matic in the Seiko hierarchy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe Lord Matic (LM) series was introduced in 1968 and occupied the upscale middle segment at Seiko: above the Seiko 5, but below King Seiko and Grand Seiko. It was produced in the \u003cstrong\u003eSuwa factory\u003c\/strong\u003e—the same factory that developed the Grand Seiko in parallel, while Daini was responsible for King Seiko. This internal competition between Suwa and Daini was the engine that brought Japanese watchmaking of the 1960s and 1970s to a world-class level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTechnically, the Lord Matic benefited directly from this. The caliber 5606 belongs to the \u003cstrong\u003e56-series family\u003c\/strong\u003e—the same architecture upon which the King Seiko caliber 5626 and the Grand Seiko caliber 5646 are based. The Lord Matic ran at a lower frequency and with a simpler fine adjustment than its more expensive siblings, but the fundamental construction is identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe fact that Seiko graced this mid-range line with a nine-faceted crystal in 1972 says a lot about the standards of those years. Faceted crystals were a design element that Seiko also used on select Grand Seiko references.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe caliber 5606\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutomatic with additional manual winding\u003c\/strong\u003e – unlike older Seiko automatic movements, the 5606 can also be wound by hand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eHacking seconds\u003c\/strong\u003e when the crown is pulled out, allowing for second-accurate setting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003e25 jewels\u003c\/strong\u003e as indicated on the dial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick-set for day and date\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eBilingual day wheel\u003c\/strong\u003e, Japanese and English\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe bilingual execution follows the Japanese calendar convention: Sunday in red, Saturday in blue. In the photo, Saturday 土 is shown in blue—a detail not found on European watches that reveals the watch's origin at a glance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDial and case\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is finished in a deep blue that transitions from a lighter center outward to almost black. In the shade, it looks dark and understated; in direct light, the center opens up and the blue glows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe hour markers are applied, faceted batons with polished flanks; executed as a double index at twelve o'clock. Next to each index sits a small luminous dot. Added to this are broad polished hands and a fine center-sweep seconds hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is labeled with the applied SEIKO logo at the top and the LM signet with \u003cem\u003e25 JEWELS\u003c\/em\u003e and the Suwa factory mark at the bottom. The calendar window at three o'clock is enclosed with an applied frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe stainless steel case follows the design language that Taro Tanaka formulated at Seiko as the \"Grammar of Design\": flat, sharply defined surfaces instead of rounded transitions, angular lugs, and a flat-polished bezel. The faceted crystal continues this principle on the upper side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWith a diameter of 37.3 mm and a lug-to-lug of only 41.4 mm, the watch is compactly proportioned; the 12 mm height is largely due to the curvature of the faceted crystal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe original bracelet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMounted is the \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal Seiko steel bracelet\u003c\/strong\u003e that belongs to this reference: broad, longitudinally brushed links with polished connections in between, in a style that Seiko used for its high-end lines in the early 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is remarkable because these bracelets were the first things to wear out and be replaced. The vast majority of Lord Matics offered today wear aftermarket straps. A preserved original bracelet contributes significantly to the integrity of the watch—and it is nearly impossible to source separately anymore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTechnically perfect. The watch was professionally serviced in Japan in the spring\/summer of 2026—completely disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and regulated. The automatic winding, manual winding, hacking seconds, and quick-set for day and date function perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003enine-faceted crystal is original\u003c\/strong\u003e; the edges of the facets are sharp and the surfaces are complete. Fine, age-appropriate signs of use are present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial is well preserved: the color gradient is even, the lettering is complete and sharp, the applied indices are firm and without corrosion, and the calendar frame is intact. The luminous dots next to the indices have darkened due to age and no longer glow—this is the norm for watches of this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe stainless steel case shows age-appropriate traces of wear; the transitions between surfaces and edges are preserved, and the watch has not been over-polished. The case back shows the usual fine scratches from opening and wearing; all engravings—reference 5606-7230, serial number, Suwa mark—are complete and clearly legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe original bracelet shows signs of wear on the edges of the links but is complete and functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand \/ Line:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiko, Lord Matic (LM)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5606-7230\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 282519\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction date:\u003c\/strong\u003e August 1972\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiko caliber 5606, automatic with manual winding, 25 jewels, hacking seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suwa Seikosha, Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, minutes, center seconds, day and date with quick-set, bilingual day wheel (Japanese\/English)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original nine-faceted crystal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter (without crown):\u003c\/strong\u003e 37.3 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug-to-lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 41.4 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight (incl. bracelet):\u003c\/strong\u003e 86 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eBracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original Seiko steel bracelet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eService:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring\/summer 2026, Japan – complete disassembly, cleaning, oiling, regulation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor whom\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor anyone who has seen what a faceted crystal does with light—and has yet to encounter nine facets. This is hardly found on any other watch, and it is rare to find such examples with an undamaged original crystal anymore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor collectors looking for complete watches. Original crystal and original bracelet together on a fifty-year-old Lord Matic—this is the condition one usually only reaches after a long search and two separate purchases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor lovers of blue dials. The transition into the dark makes the watch two different watches depending on the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAnd for anyone looking for a technically fully equipped automatic movement with manual winding, hacking seconds, and quick-set, without paying the surcharge for a King Seiko—all with the same movement architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty (pre-owned)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a pre-owned item. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs this is a vintage watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Vintage \u0026 JDM (Japan Domestic Market)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54781462479186,"sku":"A508","price":549.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0911\/3908\/0530\/files\/4F1669C1-1B03-4492-B04A-3F9DF98435FF.jpg?v=1789896690","url":"https:\/\/japanese-microbrands.com\/en\/products\/seiko-lord-matic-5606-7230-kaliber-5606-25-steine-suwa-seikosha-blaues-zifferblatt-neunfach-facettiertes-glas-original-stahlarmband-august-1972-frisch-revidiert","provider":"Japanese Microbrands - Mario Lenke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}