Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5206-6110 - Men - 1972

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a fascinating chapter in the brand's storied history, emerging during the peak of the internal rivalry between the Suwa and Daini Seikosha factories. Introduced to offer premium finishing and mechanical sophistication to the broader market, the LM Special line was Daini's answer to Suwa's dominance. Powered by the exceptional 52xx series architecture, a movement so well-engineered that Seiko would later resurrect it as the premium 4S caliber family in the 1990s, this timepiece is a testament to enduring Japanese horological design. With its dramatic faceted crystal and sharp case lines, this 1970s survivor offers collectors a highly expressive and mechanically significant piece of Seiko's golden era. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6110 Serial Number: 261987 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5206A Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing minor edge wear and visible oxidation on the hands Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive original character Dial and Hands The silver dial features a striking sunburst finish that radiates dynamically from the center pinion, catching the light beautifully from multiple angles. It is adorned with highly polished, applied faceted hour markers that feature central black painted stripes, perfectly matching the design of the handset. The dial furniture includes a crisp applied SEIKO logo at the top and an applied LM logo above the printed Special, 25 JEWELS, and the iconic Daini Seikosha lightning bolt emblem. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. Close visual inspection reveals that while the central sunburst surface is well-preserved, there is visible dirt and debris accumulation along the extreme outer perimeter where the dial meets the crystal tension ring. The baton hands exhibit noticeable surface oxidation, spotting, and aging under macro photography, presenting an authentic, untouched vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 35 millimeter stainless steel case exemplifies classic 1970s Seiko design language, featuring integrated, hooded-style lugs and a bold, geometric presence on the wrist. The case retains strong factory lines, showcasing a distinct transition between the vertically brushed upper surfaces and the brightly polished case flanks. Honest signs of vintage wear, including light surface scratches and minor handling marks, are present throughout the case and bezel, consistent with its age and regular use. The watch is fitted with a dramatic, vertically faceted crystal that creates a captivating visual distortion and light play over the dial. This crystal shows some light edge wear, minor surface marks, and localized dust accumulation along the rim, but it remains structurally sound and visually striking. The screw-down caseback is clearly stamped with the correct reference and serial numbers. Movement Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5206A, a 25 jewel automatic movement produced by the Daini Seikosha factory. The movement plates and rotor present cleanly in the provided photographs, displaying the correct factory engravings and red filled text on the rotor. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece with timegrapher results of +15s to +20s/day. Strap The watch is paired with a period correct black leather strap featuring an embossed alligator grain pattern and contrasting brown lining. It is secured with a stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable and classic dress watch presentation. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case remains sharp with honest, age-appropriate wear, while the dial retains a brilliant sunburst finish despite some perimeter dust. The oxidation on the hands and minor edge wear on the faceted crystal clearly authenticate its vintage status without detracting from its overall commanding wrist presence. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks The 5206 powered Lord Matic Special is a highly sought-after reference for Seiko enthusiasts who appreciate the technical superiority of Daini Seikosha's final high-beat mechanical architectures before the quartz crisis fully took hold. The combination of the faceted crystal and the sharp case lines makes this a standout addition to any serious Japanese vintage collection. History Launched in 1968, the Lord Matic line was created to bridge the gap between Seiko's standard automatic offerings and the prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko tiers. The Special designation was later introduced by the Daini Seikosha division, outfitting the watches with the advanced 52xx series movements. These calibers featured improved micro-regulation and a thinner profile, representing some of the most refined mechanical engineering of the era. The bold designs, including faceted crystals and vibrant dials, perfectly captured the adventurous aesthetic spirit of 1970s horology. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LXX-0009