Seiko - Lord Matic Special - Sans prix de réserve - 5206-6060 - Homme - 1971

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a fascinating chapter in the brand's storied history, positioned as a premium offering that bridged the gap between standard automatics and the elite Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. Produced by the legendary Daini Seikosha factory, these timepieces are celebrated by collectors for their refined aesthetics, high-quality mechanical calibers, and exceptional attention to detail. This particular example features a striking deep black dial that perfectly captures the sophisticated design language of 1970s Japanese watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6060 Serial Number: 148823 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Deep black dial with applied baton indices, presenting in exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: April 1971 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic Special is a masterclass in mid-century Japanese design, featuring a deep, even black surface that contrasts brilliantly with the bright dial furniture. The applied silver-tone baton indices are faceted and feature crisp white center channels that enhance legibility. At twelve o'clock, the Seiko and Automatic signatures are sharply applied, while the lower half bears the printed Lord Matic Special 23 Jewels designation alongside the iconic Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at three o'clock. The faceted dauphine hands mirror the indices with matching white center striping. A close visual inspection reveals the dial is remarkably well-preserved, showing no visible spotting, moisture marks, or print loss, maintaining a pristine and highly attractive vintage appearance. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a classic profile with gracefully curving lugs and a smooth polished bezel. The transition between the case flanks and the upper lug surfaces remains well-defined. The case exhibits honest signs of vintage wear, including light, superficial scratches and minor handling marks consistent with careful use over the decades, but shows no signs of heavy polishing or structural damage. The crown is neatly integrated at the three o'clock position. Turning the watch over, the solid stainless steel caseback displays crisp, legible engravings, including the reference 5206-6060, the serial number 148823, and the Daini factory logo. The watch is fitted with a flat Hardlex crystal, which remains clear and provides an unobstructed view of the flawless dial beneath, showing only very faint signs of use. Movement Photographs of the movement reveal a clean and well-maintained automatic caliber. The winding rotor is clearly signed Seiko, noting 25 jewels and the Caliber 5216A designation. The plates and bridges display a bright, industrial finish typical of Daini Seikosha's robust mechanical production from this era. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +12 to +18 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring contrasting white edge stitching. The strap pairs perfectly with the monochromatic aesthetic of the dial and is secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable and stylish fit on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is undoubtedly the highlight, remaining exceptionally clean and free of the aging or moisture damage often seen in watches of this vintage. The case and bezel display normal, honest wear with superficial scratches that do not detract from the watch's strong wrist presence. The caseback engravings are sharp and fully intact. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a Seiko Lord Matic Special with a black dial in such well-preserved condition is a treat for any vintage enthusiast. The combination of the Daini factory provenance, the sharp dial furniture, and the reliable automatic caliber makes this a highly wearable and collectible timepiece that seamlessly transitions from casual to formal settings. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) series was a cornerstone of Seiko's catalog, designed to offer high-grade automatic movements and sophisticated styling to the upwardly mobile professional. The "Special" designation was reserved for models with elevated movement specifications and superior finishing, often produced by the Daini Seikosha division to compete internally with the Suwa factory. These watches are a testament to Seiko's golden era of mechanical innovation, delivering precision and elegance that continue to captivate collectors today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0056