Seiko - Lord Matic Special 昏影 (Konei) – Twilight Shadow - No reserve price - 5206-5040 - Men - 1971

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a fascinating intersection of 1970s design flair and horological engineering. Sitting above the standard Lord Matic in the Seiko hierarchy, the "Special" line was equipped with higher-grade movements that are highly coveted by collectors today. This specific reference features a striking contrast between its stainless steel case, the deep black dial, and a distinctive gold-tone bezel ring, creating a vintage aesthetic that is both sporty and elegant. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-5040 Serial Number: 192796 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5206 Dial: Black Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear consistent with its age, particularly on the crystal and case, but retains a strong and attractive presence on the wrist. Dial and Hands The watch features a matte black dial that remains in very clean condition. It is adorned with applied silver baton indices and the applied Seiko and LM logos. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring a bilingual English and Kanji date wheel which adds to its collector appeal. The handset is original and polished, contrasting well against the dark background for excellent legibility. The dial is signed with the Suwa Seikosha lightning bolt logo and the "Special 23 Jewels" designation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive cushion shape typical of the early 1970s, often referred to as a helmet-style profile. The upper lugs are brushed while the sides are polished, showing normal scratches and dings from decades of use. A defining feature of this reference is the gold-tone bezel ring surrounding the crystal, which shows some fading and patina that adds character to the piece. The crystal exhibits visible surface scratches and wear throughout, which is common for a piece of this vintage. Movement Powering this timepiece is the impressive Caliber 5206 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement beats at 28,800 bph (Hi-Beat) and allows for hand-winding and hacking, making it technically superior to the standard 56-series movements of the era. Timegrapher testing indicates the watch is running between -21 and -30 seconds per day, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring decorative white stitching. The strap is in good condition, soft and pliable, and complements the sporty black dial perfectly. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case and crystal show clear evidence of use and age, the dial remains well-preserved. The case edges retain their definition, and the unique design elements specific to this reference remain intact. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, making it a classic mid-sized vintage piece that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Lord Matic Special is often considered a "sleeper" in the vintage Seiko world. The 5200 series movements were so well-engineered that Seiko resurrected the design architecture in the 1990s for their high-end 4S series. This example, with its specific black dial and gold-accented case configuration, is a stylish representation of the era. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was Seiko's mid-range offering, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko. The "Special" designation was added to models featuring upgraded movements and higher finishing standards. Produced in September of 1971, this watch hails from the golden era of Seiko mechanical watchmaking, just before the quartz revolution fully took hold. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0034