Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5206-6100 - Men - 1972

Description: Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a compelling chapter in the brand's history, bridging the gap between standard production and the prestigious Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. Introduced during the golden age of Japanese mechanical watchmaking, the Lord Matic (LM) series was designed to offer sophisticated aesthetics and high-grade movements to the discerning professional. This particular example, featuring the remarkable 5206 caliber, stands out with its striking green gradient dial and faceted crystal, epitomizing the daring and expressive design language of 1970s Seiko. The "Special" designation denotes a higher beat rate and refined finishing, making it a highly sought-after variant among vintage Seiko enthusiasts. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6100 Serial Number: 240748 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5206A, 23 Jewels Dial: Green gradient dial with applied faceted indices and day-date window Case Size: 34.5 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: April 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a vibrant, well-preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic Special is a captivating display of 1970s design, featuring a rich green gradient that transitions from a vibrant center to deep, almost black edges. The surface is remarkably clean, showing no significant signs of spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration. Applied, highly faceted silver-tone indices with gold-tone accents at 12, 6, and 9 o'clock catch the light beautifully, adding depth and sophistication. The applied Seiko and LM Special logos remain crisp and perfectly intact. The day-date aperture at 3 o'clock is cleanly framed. The original faceted baton hands are in excellent condition, exhibiting a bright finish that complements the indices. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 34.5 mm and features a distinctive barrel-like tonneau shape with sharp, angular lugs. The transition between the brushed upper surfaces and polished flanks remains well-defined, indicating light and careful wear over the decades. Honest, superficial handling marks are present, consistent with its vintage nature, but there are no deep scratches or signs of heavy polishing. The original faceted crystal is a standout feature, adding a dynamic, geometric visual element to the watch. It is in very good condition, with only minor surface wear that does not detract from the striking dial beneath. The original crown is present and properly proportioned. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5206A, a 23-jewel automatic movement operating at a high beat rate. The movement, visible in the provided images, presents cleanly with bright plates and clearly legible red factory engravings on the rotor. The 52-series calibers are historically significant, known for their slim profile and robust architecture, eventually serving as the foundation for modern Grand Seiko mechanical movements. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher result shows a deviation of -14s-20s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a classic alligator grain pattern. The strap is in excellent, lightly used condition, offering a comfortable and elegant contrast to the vibrant dial and sharp stainless steel case. It is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Seiko Lord Matic Special is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, retaining its original vibrant color and sharp applied details without noticeable flaws. The case retains its factory geometry and sharp lines, showing only normal, honest wear expected from a watch of this era. The faceted crystal is in very good shape, and the movement presents cleanly. Dimensions Case Size: 34.5 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Seiko Lord Matic Special is a wonderful representation of the brand's innovative design and mechanical prowess during the 1970s. The combination of the high-beat 5206 caliber, the striking faceted crystal, and the vivid green gradient dial makes it a highly collectible piece. It offers a unique aesthetic that is both unmistakably vintage and timelessly appealing, perfect for the collector seeking a distinctive and historically significant Japanese timepiece. History The Seiko Lord Matic line was introduced in 1968, positioned just below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections. It was designed to provide high-quality automatic movements and refined styling for the domestic Japanese market. The "Special" designation, introduced later, elevated the line further by incorporating higher-beat movements, such as the 5206 and 5216 calibers, which operated at 28,800 bph. These movements were so well-regarded that their architecture was later revived by Seiko in the 1990s as the 4S family, which powered a new generation of high-end mechanical watches, including modern Grand Seikos. The Lord Matic Special thus represents a crucial evolutionary step in Seiko's rich history of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1VSACM4000