Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5206-5030 - Men - 1971

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Seiko Lord Matic Special captures the adventurous and avant-garde design language of 1970s Japanese watchmaking. Produced by the renowned Daini Seikosha factory, the LM Special line was positioned as a premium offering, boasting upgraded mechanical calibers and striking architectural cases. This specific reference pairs a distinctive TV-shaped silhouette with a mesmerizing faceted crystal and a deeply saturated blue dial, resulting in a timepiece that offers dynamic light play and undeniable wrist presence. It stands as a testament to an era when Seiko was fearlessly experimenting with geometry, texture, and color. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-5030 Serial Number: 104672 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5206, 25 Jewels Dial: Vibrant gradient blue dial with applied silver-tone indices, well-preserved with minimal aging Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Good vintage condition with a well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial is a striking gradient blue that deepens toward the outer edges, presenting a well-preserved surface with only very minor signs of age under close inspection. The typography is intricate and precise, featuring an applied serif "SEIKO" logo over printed sans-serif "AUTOMATIC" text, alongside the applied stylized "LM" emblem. Below, the elegant cursive "Special" and sans-serif "25 JEWELS" are sharply printed just above the iconic Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo. The applied silver-tone baton indices feature polished facets that catch the light beautifully, matching the crisp, unoxidized silver-tone baton hands and slender central sweeping seconds hand. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position, displaying a vibrant red Sunday indicator. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel case utilizes a distinctive TV-shaped profile with softly rounded corners and a recessed crown positioned at three o'clock. The case and prominent polished bezel display honest signs of vintage wear, including scattered handling marks, superficial surface scratches, and slight edge wear consistent with its age. Close inspection reveals some accumulated wear and dust along the inner edge of the bezel where it meets the crystal. The watch is fitted with a dramatic horizontally faceted crystal, a hallmark of high-end 1970s Seiko design, which remains in good condition and creates captivating optical distortions across the blue dial without any major structural flaws. The solid caseback is clearly engraved with the Seiko name, Daini emblem, reference 5206-5030, and serial number 104672. Movement Inside the case beats the Seiko Caliber 5206, a sophisticated 25-jewel automatic movement developed by the Daini Seikosha division. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher testing indicates a performance of -45 to -50 seconds per day. Strap The watch is mounted on a period-appropriate black textured leather strap featuring a faux-exotic scale pattern. The strap is detailed with prominent white contrast stitching and is secured by a standard polished stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The primary value driver, the gradient blue dial, is well-preserved and remains free of major distraction, with only minor aging visible under close examination. The stainless steel case and bezel remain unpolished, exhibiting authentic, age-consistent surface wear, light scratching, and minor grime buildup at the crystal boundary. The faceted crystal retains its sharp architectural lines. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in width, excluding the recessed crown. Remarks With its bold faceted crystal and striking deep blue dial, this Lord Matic Special is a highly collectible representation of Daini Seikosha's creative peak. It offers an engaging wearing experience for the vintage enthusiast who appreciates daring 1970s aesthetics. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) series was an integral part of Seiko's catalog, positioned just beneath the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. The LM Special variants were introduced slightly later, predominantly manufactured by the Daini Seikosha factory to foster internal competition with the Suwa division. These "Special" models were characterized by their higher-specification movements and highly experimental case and crystal designs, perfectly encapsulating the groovy, forward-thinking spirit of 1970s horology. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAJ-0024