Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5206-6090 - Men - 1972

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a fascinating chapter in the brand's storied history, bridging the gap between standard automatic offerings and the prestigious King Seiko lines. Produced by the legendary Daini Seikosha factory, the LM Special series utilized high-grade, higher-beat movements housed in some of the most adventurous and distinctly 1970s case designs of the era. This particular example perfectly encapsulates that design ethos, combining a structurally fascinating case profile with an intricate dial texture and a uniquely faceted crystal, making it a compelling acquisition for collectors of sophisticated vintage Japanese horology. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6090 Serial Number: 241062 Movement: Automatic caliber 5206A, 23 jewels Dial: Silver vertical linen texture, excellent clean condition with applied indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition with an exceptionally preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic Special is a visual standout, featuring a beautifully executed silver-tone surface with a pronounced vertical brushed or linen-like texture that catches the light dynamically. The condition of the dial is exceptionally clean, remaining free from major stains, moisture damage, or heavy spotting, presenting only the faintest signs of age-consistent patina under close magnification. It is adorned with highly polished, applied silver-tone baton indices featuring black center stripes for enhanced legibility. The prominent 12 o'clock marker is uniquely distinguished by a golden, fluted insert, adding a subtle touch of warmth to the monochromatic layout. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp, accompanied by the finely printed "Special 23 Jewels" text and the iconic Daini Seikosha lightning bolt emblem. The framed day-date aperture at three o'clock provides practical functionality. The original silver-tone baton hands, also featuring black center inserts, remain in very good condition, showing mild, natural oxidation consistent with the watch's age. Case and Crystal The 36 mm stainless steel case features a distinctive tonneau or cushion-style silhouette with integrated, hooded lugs, a hallmark of 1970s Seiko design. The upper surface of the case displays a heavy, factory-style horizontal brushed finish that contrasts sharply with the polished case flanks. The case remains in good, honest vintage condition, exhibiting clear signs of normal wear, including surface scratches, scuffs, and minor dings along the polished sides and bezel edges. These marks are consistent with regular use over the decades and indicate an unpolished state that retains the original case geometry. The watch is fitted with a remarkable, vertically faceted crystal featuring distinct angular planes that create a captivating prismatic effect over the dial. The crystal is well-preserved, showing only minor surface wear that does not detract from the visual appeal of the dial beneath. The original, slightly recessed knurled crown is positioned at three o'clock. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Seiko insignia, reference numbers, and serial numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko automatic caliber 5206A, a high-quality movement developed by Daini Seikosha. Visual inspection of the movement reveals a clean and well-maintained mechanism, highlighted by the distinctive red enamel lettering on the winding rotor, indicating the brand, caliber, origin, and 23-jewel count. The movement components show light, age-appropriate surface wear without any visible signs of heavy corrosion or mishandling. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher records a rate of -55 to -60 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome brown leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap complements the silver dial and golden 12 o'clock accent perfectly, exhibiting light handling marks and providing a comfortable, secure fit for the wearer. Condition This Seiko is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved and stands out as the highlight of the piece, remaining clean and visually striking. The stainless steel case shows honest, unpolished wear with visible scratches and small nicks typical of a 1970s daily wearer, while still maintaining its strong factory brushing on the upper surfaces. The faceted crystal remains highly attractive, and the movement is running and operational. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Lord Matic Special 5206-6090 is a testament to Seiko's ability to blend mechanical prowess with avant-garde styling. The combination of the Daini-produced 52-series movement, the textured dial, and the vertically faceted crystal makes this reference highly sought after by vintage Seiko enthusiasts looking for unique character and historical significance. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko ranges, offering premium features like automatic winding, hacking seconds, and sophisticated day-date mechanisms to a broader audience. The "Special" designation was later introduced to signify the inclusion of higher-beat movements, primarily the 52-series calibers developed by Daini Seikosha. These calibers were so well-regarded for their architecture and reliability that they later served as the foundational blueprint for Seiko's modern 4S family of mechanical movements. / Second Vintage SKU: SEIWPH3UU0000