Seiko Lord Matic Special 5206-6110 (1972)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a compelling chapter in Japanese horological history, bridging the gap between standard reliable automatics and the higher-tier King Seiko line. Featuring the highly regarded 5200-series movement and a striking crystal, this timepiece captures the distinct design language of the early 1970s. The deep blue dial combined with the sharp case geometry makes this a sophisticated choice for collectors valuing both aesthetics and mechanical pedigree. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6110 Serial Number: 263855 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5206 Dial: Blue Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest vintage appearance with visible wear to the case and crystal, while the dial remains in exceptional condition. Timegrapher results are provided below. Dial and Hands The highlight of this timepiece is the deep blue sunburst dial which remains in remarkable condition, showing vibrant color and no significant aging or staining. The applied silver baton indices are crisp and match the slender handset perfectly. At the three o'clock position, a framed day-date window displays the calendar in English and Kanji, a characteristic feature of domestic Japanese models. The dial is signed with the "LM Special" logo and the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt symbol, denoting its origin and high-grade specification. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the sharp, angular lines typical of Seiko's "Grammar of Design" era, measuring 35mm in diameter. The case is in unpolished condition, retaining its original geometry, though it shows surface scratches and signs of wear consistent with its age. The watch is fitted with a mineral crystal, complementing the dial and case design. The crystal shows visible scratches and wear marks, which is common for crystals of this vintage, yet it still allows the vibrant blue dial to shine through. Movement Powering the watch is the Seiko Caliber 5206A, a 25-jewel automatic movement that is historically significant as the ancestor of the modern 4S series. This high-grade movement features hacking capabilities and hand-winding. Based on the provided data, the movement is currently running with a deviation of approximately -55 to -62 seconds per day, indicating that the mechanism is operational. Strap The watch is paired with a brown leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile grain pattern. The strap is in good condition, offering a classic contrast to the blue dial and complementing the stainless steel case effectively. Condition This piece is in good vintage condition. While the case and crystal show honest signs of wear and handling marks appropriate for a watch from 1972, the dial has been preserved beautifully. The movement is functioning, with performance metrics as noted in the movement section. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug design integrates smoothly with the strap, maintaining a sleek profile on the wrist. Remarks The "Special" designation on the dial is not merely decorative; it indicates the use of the 5200-series movement, which was a higher beat and higher quality caliber than the standard 5600-series found in regular Lord Matics. The combination of the beautifully crystal and the rich blue dial creates a visual depth that changes dynamically under different lighting conditions. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned as a mid-tier luxury offering, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko models. The LM Special was an evolution of this line, introduced to offer higher specifications and more adventurous designs. The 5206 movement inside this watch is particularly notable among collectors because it was designed by Daini Seikosha and later resurrected in the 1990s as the 4S movement, a testament to its enduring engineering quality. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAL-0001