Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5206-6050 - Men - 1971

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special exemplifies the high-beat mechanical prowess of Daini Seikosha during the golden era of Japanese watchmaking. The LM Special line was introduced as a premium tier within the Lord Matic family, featuring the advanced 52-series movements that operated at 28,800 bph. This particular example showcases a sophisticated matte black dial, offering a striking contrast against its polished and brushed stainless steel case. With its distinctive faceted crystal and elegant proportions, it represents a highly desirable configuration for collectors of vintage Seiko seeking both technical excellence and refined mid-century aesthetics. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6050 Serial Number: 165276 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5206A Dial: Matte black dial with applied indices, showing light age-consistent spotting Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive presentation Dial and Hands The watch features a deep, matte black dial that provides an excellent backdrop for the applied silver-tone indices. The indices are multifaceted with central black painted stripes, complementing the sleek baton handset. The dial displays the applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos, along with the distinctive Daini Seikosha lightning bolt symbol above the 6 o'clock position. The typography, including the elegant cursive "Special," remains crisp and legible. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, displaying both English and Kanji days. Upon close inspection, the dial exhibits light, scattered spotting and subtle signs of aging consistent with its vintage, adding a layer of honest character without detracting from the overall handsome aesthetic. The hands show light oxidation, aligning perfectly with the dial's patina. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case showcases Seiko's "Grammar of Design" influence, featuring a dynamic interplay of brushed upper surfaces and polished flanks. The hooded lug design provides a seamless integration with the strap. The case lines remain well-defined, though they display honest handling marks, light scratches, and minor nicks typical of a watch that has been worn and enjoyed over the decades. The original faceted crystal adds a remarkable depth and architectural dimension to the dial, catching the light beautifully. The crystal shows some surface wear and light scratches, but remains highly presentable and essential to this model's unique visual appeal. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this Lord Matic Special is the esteemed Daini Seikosha Caliber 5206A, a 23-jewel automatic movement operating at a high-beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement features a distinctive red-lettered rotor and provides hand-winding and hacking capabilities. The mechanism presents cleanly with signs of normal vintage aging on the rotor and plates. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher result indicates a deviation of -30 to -36 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct, high-quality black leather strap with contrasting cream and tan stitch detailing at the lugs. The strap complements the black dial perfectly and is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. It shows minimal signs of wear and remains supple and ready for immediate use. Condition This Seiko is presented in good vintage condition. The dial shows honest, age-consistent spotting that collectors often appreciate for its authenticity. The case retains strong geometry despite showing standard surface scratches and minor wear marks. The faceted crystal exhibits light wear but maintains its striking structural integrity. The movement is operational and functioning as expected for a vintage timepiece of this era. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Seiko LM Special reference 5206-6050 is a wonderful representation of early 1970s Japanese horology, combining a sophisticated aesthetic with a technically impressive high-beat movement. The faceted crystal and deep black dial create a captivating visual dynamic on the wrist. It stands as a highly collectible and wearable piece of Seiko's innovative history. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko tiers, offering exceptional quality and advanced movements to the discerning consumer. The "Special" designation, introduced slightly later, elevated the line further by incorporating the high-beat 52-series calibers developed by the Daini Seikosha factory. These movements were highly regarded for their precision and slim profile, eventually forming the foundation for the modern 4S movement family. The LM Special represents a fascinating chapter in the friendly rivalry between Seiko's Suwa and Daini factories, resulting in some of the most technically capable and beautifully designed watches of the era. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LSJ-0002