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

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a fascinating chapter in Japanese horological history, bridging the gap between standard production models and the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. Equipped with the advanced 5200 series movement from the Daini Seikosha factory, the LM Special was designed for the discerning enthusiast who demanded high-beat precision and sophisticated aesthetics. This particular example, featuring a captivating deep blue dial and a sharply faceted case, perfectly encapsulates the daring and innovative design language that defined Seiko in the early 1970s. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6050 Serial Number: 136176 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5206A, 23 Jewels Dial: Deep blue dial with applied indices, exhibiting light even age and minor surface dust Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: March 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear Dial and Hands The striking deep blue dial features applied faceted baton indices, an applied Seiko logo, and the distinct applied LM emblem. The typography is crisp, with "Special 23 JEWELS" and the Suwa factory logo printed clearly in white. A framed day-date aperture sits at the three o'clock position, displaying the day in Kanji. Upon close inspection, the dial shows minor surface dust and faint signs of aging consistent with its era. The faceted baton hands exhibit some light oxidation and patina, adding to the authentic vintage character of the timepiece while maintaining excellent legibility. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case boasts a distinctive, angular geometry typical of 1970s Seiko design, featuring broad, flat lug surfaces that transition sharply to polished case flanks. The case displays honest signs of wear, including superficial scratches and minor handling marks throughout, indicative of regular use over the decades. The crown is neatly recessed at the three o'clock position, maintaining the sleek profile of the case. The crystal remains clear, providing an unobstructed view of the dial beneath. The screw-down caseback is well-preserved, with all factory engravings, including the reference and serial numbers, remaining clearly legible. Movement Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5206A automatic movement, a 23-jewel mechanism known for its robust architecture and high-beat precision, which later evolved into the modern 4S family of calibers. The movement presents cleanly in the provided images, with the rotor and bridges showing their factory finishing and distinct red engraved text. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of +30 to +35 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile pattern and a standard steel pin buckle. The strap complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch perfectly and shows minimal signs of wear, ensuring comfortable wearability straight away. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch presents a highly attractive overall appearance with honest, age-appropriate wear to the case and mild, attractive patina on the hands and dial surface. The structural integrity of the case lines remains strong, making this a highly collectible and wearable vintage piece. Dimensions 36 mm case width (excluding the crown). Remarks The Lord Matic Special series represents a sweet spot in vintage Seiko collecting, offering high-grade movements and sophisticated case designs that rivaled the brand's top-tier offerings. This particular example, with its deep blue dial, Kanji day wheel, and sharp case lines, is a superb representation of early 1970s Japanese watchmaking at its finest. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below King Seiko and Grand Seiko, offering exceptional quality and modern styling. The "Special" designation was reserved for models utilizing the advanced 5200 series calibers, developed by the Daini Seikosha factory to compete with Suwa's offerings. These movements featured a higher beat rate and refined engineering, making the Lord Matic Special a technologically impressive and historically significant piece within Seiko's rich heritage of mechanical innovation. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1RX4CBI000