Presented for auction by Second Vintage
This Seiko Lord Matic Special exemplifies the sophisticated design language and technical ambition of Seiko during the early 1970s. Positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines, the Lord Matic series offered exceptional quality and refined aesthetics to the discerning consumer. This particular example features a captivating gradient brown dial, a signature styling cue of the era, paired with the highly regarded 5206 automatic movement. It represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a well-preserved piece of Seiko's golden age of mechanical watchmaking, combining everyday wearability with undeniable vintage charm.
Brand: Seiko
Model: Lord Matic Special
Reference Number: 5206-6090
Serial Number: 310717
Movement: Caliber 5206A, 23 Jewels, Automatic
Dial: Gradient brown dial with applied indices, showing light edge wear and spotting.
Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1973
Condition: Good vintage condition with an attractive, aged dial.
Dial and Hands
The dial presents a striking gradient brown finish, transitioning from a deep, almost black center to a lighter, metallic brown at the periphery. This sunburst effect catches the light beautifully, highlighting the applied, multifaceted silver-tone indices that feature distinct grooved detailing. The applied Seiko logo and printed "LM Special 23 Jewels" text remain crisp, along with the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt symbol. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, displaying a blue Saturday kanji. The silver-tone baton hands feature white center stripes. Close inspection reveals some age-related characteristics: there is visible spotting scattered across the dial surface, and noticeable edge wear, particularly around the one o'clock and two o'clock positions where the finish shows signs of deterioration. Despite these flaws, the dial retains a strong vintage presence.
Case and Crystal
The 36mm stainless steel case exhibits classic 1970s Seiko proportions, featuring a cushion-like profile with integrated lugs and a polished bezel. The case lines remain relatively well-defined, though they show honest signs of wear consistent with age, including various superficial scratches and minor scuffs on the polished flanks and bezel. The transition from the case body to the lugs maintains its original character. The watch is fitted with a faceted, multi-plane crystal form that adds a dynamic visual element, reflecting light across its angled surfaces. The crystal appears to be in good condition, allowing a clear view of the dial beneath. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Seiko logo, reference numbers, and serial number.
Movement
Powering this Lord Matic Special is the Seiko caliber 5206A, a highly respected 23-jewel automatic movement produced by Daini Seikosha. The movement features a day-date complication and operates at 28,800 beats per hour. The visible movement components, including the rotor marked with red text, appear clean and well-maintained. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a deviation of -1 to -4 seconds per day with strong amplitude.
Strap
The watch is currently mounted on a dark brown, textured leather strap with contrasting thick white stitching. The strap features a polished stainless steel pin buckle and complements the warm tones of the dial, enhancing the watch's vintage appeal.
Condition
This Seiko is presented in good vintage condition. The case shows expected signs of wear for its age, while the dial, though exhibiting some spotting and edge wear, remains highly attractive. The faceted crystal is well-preserved, and the movement is running exceptionally well based on the provided timegrapher data.
Dimensions
Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown)
Remarks
The combination of the gradient dial, faceted crystal, and the high-beat 5206 movement makes this Lord Matic Special a compelling choice for collectors seeking a characterful and mechanically robust vintage Seiko.
History
Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was designed to be Seiko's premium mid-tier offering, sitting just below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko ranges. The "Special" designation, introduced later, often indicated the use of higher-beat movements, such as the 52-series calibers developed by Daini Seikosha. These movements were highly regarded for their accuracy and slim profile, eventually forming the basis for the modern 4S family of calibers. The Lord Matic series is celebrated today for its diverse range of case designs, striking dials, and excellent build quality, perfectly capturing the spirit of Japanese watchmaking in the 1970s.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: SEI-LXX-0026

















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Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5206-6090 - Men - 1973
Seiko • 1973
Sold for
€131
Sold on May 31, 2026
29 bids80 watching
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