Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5206-6120 - Men - 1972

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic line represents one of the most significant and technologically competitive eras in Seiko’s storied history, standing proudly alongside the King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections of the 1970s. This particular Lord Matic Special elevates the standard offering by utilizing the highly regarded 52-series movement produced by the legendary Daini Seikosha factory. Characterized by its striking vertically brushed dark dial and sharp, angular case architecture, this timepiece perfectly encapsulates the bold yet refined design language of 1970s Japanese horology. It is a sophisticated, collector-grade vintage watch that balances daily wearability with serious mechanical pedigree. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6120 Serial Number: 2D1819 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5206A, 23 Jewels Dial: Dark grey vertically brushed dial with applied faceted indices, clean and well-preserved Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a highly attractive clean dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic Special is a masterclass in subtle texture, featuring a deep grey base with a pronounced vertical brushing that catches the light beautifully. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing no visible moisture marks, heavy spotting, or discoloration, retaining its sharp factory appearance. It is adorned with highly polished, applied faceted hour indices featuring white central accents that match the handset. The applied Seiko and LM Special logos provide excellent depth, while the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo sits proudly above the six o'clock marker. The framed day-date aperture at three o'clock is crisp and legible. The original pencil-style hands exhibit even, creamy aging on their luminous strips, adding a touch of authentic vintage character without detracting from the overall sharp presentation. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a classic 1970s cushion-inspired silhouette with integrated, hooded lugs. The case retains clear transitions between its brushed upper surfaces and polished flanks, demonstrating the strong architectural lines typical of Seiko’s Daini division. The watch is in good vintage condition, displaying honest signs of wear, including hairline scratches and minor handling marks consistent with its age, but free from major gouges or over-polishing. The screw-down caseback clearly displays the factory engravings, reference numbers, and serial numbers. The watch is fitted with a flat-profile crystal that complements the angular case design; it shows some surface scratches and minor edge wear visible under close inspection, serving as an honest protective layer over the pristine dial below. Movement Photographs of the open caseback reveal the impressive Seiko Caliber 5206A automatic movement, a high-beat engine renowned for its sophisticated engineering and slim profile. The movement presents beautifully, featuring a rotor engraved with distinctive red lettering proudly stating "SEIKO 23 JEWELS JAPAN 5206A". The internal components appear clean and visually well-maintained. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +40 to +46 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with an original period-correct Seiko stainless steel bracelet. The links feature an intricate, horizontally grooved texture that perfectly complements the brushed finishing of the case and dial. The folding clasp is prominently stamped with the Seiko logo and shows typical surface scuffs from desk diving and regular wear. The bracelet provides a cohesive, factory-correct aesthetic and remains comfortable for daily use. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case and bracelet show normal, honest vintage wear with superficial scratches, while the crystal bears some age-appropriate marks. The true highlight is the dial, which remains stunningly preserved, clean, and free of any notable degradation. The movement is intact, operational, and visually clean, making this a highly attractive and honest example of a sought-after reference. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 17.5 cm Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic Special remains a favorite among astute collectors who recognize the historical importance and mechanical superiority of the Daini 5200 series. Finding an example with such an immaculate, textured dial and its matching textured bracelet offers a rare opportunity to acquire a cohesive and striking piece of 1970s design. It is a versatile and historically rich timepiece that commands respect on the wrist. History Introduced in the late 1960s and peaking in the 1970s, the Lord Matic (LM) series was positioned just beneath the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, offering premium features to the discerning public. The "Special" designation was reserved for models housing the advanced 52-series calibers developed by Daini Seikosha. These movements were so well-engineered that Seiko later resurrected the foundational architecture of the 52-series to create the modern 4S movement family in the 1990s. The Lord Matic Special represents the fierce internal rivalry between the Suwa and Daini factories, a competition that drove Seiko to the absolute pinnacle of global watchmaking during this golden era. / Second Vintage SKU: SEIW5N51Z0000