Seiko Lord Matic Special 5206-6100 (1973)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of Seiko's design prowess from the 1970s, featuring the highly desirable "Special" iteration of the Lord Matic line. With its stunning gradient green dial and original faceted crystal, this timepiece captures the essence of Japanese disco-era aesthetics while housing a high-grade movement that served as the foundation for future chronometer-grade calibers. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6100 Serial Number: 354700 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5206A Dial: Green Gradient Sunburst Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition Dial and Hands The dial is the absolute highlight of this timepiece, presenting a mesmerizing green starburst finish that graduates from a lighter center to a deeper emerald at the edges. It features distinct, blocky gold-tone applied hour markers at the cardinal points which provide a beautiful contrast against the green surface. The handset is sharp and legible, complemented by a framed day-date window at the three o'clock position which displays the day in both Kanji and English. The dial is protected by the original faceted "Cut Glass" crystal, a signature element of high-end Seikos from this era, which plays with the light dramatically. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 34mm but wears with significant presence due to the sharp, angular lug design that draws inspiration from Seiko's "Grammar of Design" philosophy. The case lines remain crisp and well-defined, showing only light surface wear consistent with careful usage. The faceted crystal is in very good condition, allowing for a clear view of the dial while adding unique optical depth to the watch face. The screw-down caseback clearly displays the reference and serial numbers along with the Seiko branding. Movement Powering this watch is the sophisticated Seiko Caliber 5206A, a 23-jewel automatic movement. This caliber is historically significant as part of the 52 stream, which was later resurrected as the 4S series in the 1990s for high-end models. The movement is running within vintage tolerances. The rotor shows visible cosmetic oxidation and plating loss consistent with age, as seen in the photographs, but the movement remains functional and runs. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, featuring the correct "LM" signed folding clasp. The bracelet design perfectly integrates with the case geometry. It is currently sized to fit a wrist of approximately 18cm. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is pristine and vibrant, free from staining or damage. The case retains its original sharp geometry with only minor handling marks. While the movement rotor displays visible cosmetic aging, the watch presents beautifully on the wrist. Dimensions The case diameter is 34mm excluding the crown. The bracelet accommodates a wrist size of up to 18cm. Remarks The Lord Matic Special (LM Special) was a step up from the standard Lord Matic, positioned just below the King Seiko in the corporate hierarchy. This specific reference, with its combination of a green gradient dial, gold accents, and faceted crystal, is becoming increasingly difficult to find in such well-preserved cosmetic condition. It represents a fantastic entry point into collecting high-grade vintage Japanese horology. History Produced in May 1973 at the Suwa Seikosha factory, this Lord Matic Special represents the golden age of Seiko's mechanical watchmaking. The 5200 series movements were designed to be thinner and more robust than their predecessors, featuring a high-beat rate and advanced date-change mechanisms. These watches were marketed to the upwardly mobile Japanese professional of the 1970s, offering a blend of avant-garde style and chronometer-level engineering potential. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0037