Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5206-6060 - Men - 1971

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Seiko Lord Matic Special, a timepiece that represents the pinnacle of the Lord Matic line from the early 1970s. Distinguished by its "Special" designation and the high-grade 5206 movement, this reference 5206-6060 offers a significant step up from the standard LM models of the era. With its pristine black dial, sharp case geometry, and original multi-link bracelet, this watch captures the essence of Japanese watchmaking excellence. It stands as a sophisticated choice for collectors who appreciate the historical significance of the Daini Seikosha factory and the lineage of Seiko's high-performance automatics. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6060 Serial Number: 152161 Movement: Automatic Cal. 5206 Dial: Black Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch is remarkably well-preserved with a clean dial and sharp case lines, showing only light signs of wear consistent with careful usage over five decades. Dial and Hands The matte black sunburst dial is in exceptional condition, free from noticeable aging, spotting, or oxidation. It features applied silver baton indices with white inlay detailing, providing excellent contrast and legibility. The applied "Seiko" and "LM" logos are crisp and polished. Notably, the dial bears the "Special" script and the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo at the 6 o'clock position, signifying its origin. The day and date window is framed in steel, featuring a bilingual day wheel with English and Kanji characters. The original hands are sharp, corrosion-free, and retain their original aesthetic. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case remains in very good condition, retaining its original sharp geometry and distinct profile. The surfaces display a mix of brushed and polished finishes which appear to be original, with only minor handling marks and light scratches expected from a vintage piece. There are no significant dings or deep impact marks. The crystal is clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. The caseback features clearly defined engravings, including the reference number, serial number, and the Seiko logo. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5206A, a 25-jewel automatic movement. This movement is historically significant as the high-grade predecessor to the renowned 4S series of movements used in later high-end Seiko models. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, offering a smoother sweep than standard 21,600 bph movements of the time. The movement is clean, visibly well-maintained in the photos, and is running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with its original and highly desirable stainless steel multi-link bracelet. This intricate bracelet design is specific to the high-end LM models and offers a comfortable, flexible fit. It features the signed "LM" folding clasp, which functions securely. The bracelet exhibits moderate stretch consistent with its age but remains structurally sound and attractive. It is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is graded as excellent vintage condition. The dial is the standout feature, presenting a near-flawless appearance that is rare for watches of this vintage. The case preserves its architectural integrity with well-defined edges. The movement and quick-set functions are operational. Overall, this is a collector-grade example that has been treated with care throughout its life. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that offers a refined presence on the wrist. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes, while the slim profile allows it to slide easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks The Lord Matic "Special" 5206-6060 is a rare iteration that sits above the standard LM range, effectively bridging the gap between the Lord Matic and the King Seiko lines. The inclusion of the 5206 movement, which features instant day/date change capabilities and a higher beat rate, makes this a technically superior watch. The combination of the "Special" dial text, the 25-jewel count, and the Daini factory provenance makes this specific reference highly sought after by enthusiasts of Japanese horology. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic line was the mid-tier luxury offering that brought high-quality automatic movements and superior case finishing to a wider audience. By the early 1970s, the "Special" series was introduced to offer an elevated experience, utilizing the 5200-series movements developed by Daini Seikosha. These movements were marvels of engineering, so robust and accurate that they were later resurrected in the 1990s as the 4S caliber for Seiko's premium mechanical renaissance. Owning an LM Special is owning a piece of the foundation of modern high-end Seiko watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLX-0037