Seiko - Lord Matic Special 蒼環 (Sōkan) – Blue Halo - No reserve price - 5206-5040 - Men - 1971

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a fascinating era of Japanese watchmaking from the early 1970s, combining bold design with high-grade engineering. Known for its distinct faceted crystal and "Special" grade movement, this reference 5206-5040 offers collectors a chance to own a piece of Daini Seikosha history. With its deep blue dial and sharp case lines, it serves as a stunning example of the creative freedom Seiko exercised during the golden age of mechanical watch production. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-5040 Serial Number: 1D2436 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5206 Dial: Deep Blue Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear to the case and crystal consistent with age, while the dial remains in excellent preservation. Dial and Hands The dial features a captivating deep blue sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light, anchoring the watch's visual appeal. It is adorned with applied rectangular silver indices and a framed day-date window at the three o'clock position. The hands are sharp silver batons with slender inserts, maintaining excellent legibility. The dial is signed with the "LM Special" logo and the Daini lightning bolt insignia, indicating its origin. The surface of the dial appears clean and well-preserved, free from significant spotting or degradation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the distinctive cushion styling typical of the 1970s, with a blend of brushed and polished surfaces. The case architecture remains defined, though it displays surface scratches and contact marks commensurate with its vintage nature. A defining feature of this model is the original faceted crystal, which adds a unique geometric depth to the dial. The crystal shows visible scratches and wear along the faceted edges, which is common for these specific crystals but does not obscure the legibility of the dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5206 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement is significant in Seiko's history, often considered a high-grade mechanism that later formed the basis for the modern 4S caliber series. It offers hacking functionality and a quickset day-date feature. The movement is running, and timegrapher testing indicates a daily variance of approximately +29 to +35 seconds, which indicates a healthy movement. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching near the lugs. The strap is in clean condition and complements the sport-dress aesthetic of the blue dial, securing with a stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is rated in Good vintage condition. While the external components such as the case and faceted crystal show clear signs of use and daily wear, the internal integrity and the dial presentation remain strong. The movement is functional and operating within the provided timegrapher results. It presents as an honest, unmolested example of a 1970s classic. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, making it a versatile size that offers significant wrist presence due to the cushion shape. The lug width and case thickness are proportioned to sit comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Lord Matic Special is a step up from the standard Lord Matic, bridging the gap towards the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. The "Special" designation on the dial was not merely marketing; it denoted a higher quality movement from the Daini factory. The combination of the deep blue dial and the cut-glass faceted crystal makes this specific example highly photogenic and collectible. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was Seiko's mid-range offering, designed for the upwardly mobile professional. The Lord Matic Special, introduced slightly later, utilized the 5200-series movements which were thinner and more refined than the standard 5600-series found in regular LMs. These watches are celebrated today for their durability and the unique 1970s design language that defined Seiko's "Grammar of Design" era. Produced in December of 1971, this specific watch captures the essence of that innovative period. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0044