Seiko Lord Matic Special 5206-6100 (1972)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Seiko Lord Matic Special, a model that elevated the standard Lord Matic line with superior finishing and a higher-grade movement. Featuring a stunning green gradient dial viewed through an original faceted crystal, this timepiece captures the essence of 1970s Japanese design philosophy. The "Special" designation on the dial is not merely cosmetic; it signifies the presence of the 5200-series movement, a caliber highly regarded by collectors for its durability and precision, eventually becoming the basis for the revived 4S Hi-Beat movements in the 1990s. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6100 Serial Number: 299041 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5206A Dial: Green Gradient Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher testing indicates -30s to -36s/day, which indicates a functioning movement offering reliable vintage performance. Dial and Hands The dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, presenting a vibrant green gradient that darkens towards the edges. It features applied silver baton indices with white accents and a matching handset. The dial is protected by a distinct faceted crystal, often referred to as "cut glass" by collectors, which plays with the light and adds a unique geometric depth to the watch face. The "LM Special" and Suwa factory logos are crisp and clearly applied in gold tone above the 6 o'clock position, contrasting beautifully against the green sunburst finish. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 35mm and preserves the sharp, angular lines characteristic of Seiko's "Grammar of Design" era. The case edges remain well-defined, showing only light handling marks consistent with a well-preserved vintage piece. The faceted crystal is in remarkable condition, maintaining its sharp geometric planes which are often lost or rounded off on lesser examples. The caseback is a screw-down type, clearly featuring the reference number, serial number, and the Seiko wave logo, all deep and legible. Movement Powering this watch is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5206A automatic movement with 23 jewels. This movement is technically superior to the standard 5606 found in regular Lord Matics, notably avoiding the common plastic date-quickset gear failure of its predecessor. It features a high-beat rate of 28,800 bph, offering a smoother sweep and greater potential for accuracy. The movement presents as clean and corrosion-free in the photographs. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, complete with the signed "LM" folding clasp. The bracelet design perfectly complements the case geometry. The clasp functions securely, and the links show normal vintage wear with some flexibility but generally tight construction. It fits a wrist size of approximately 17.5cm. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is flawless with no visible staining or degradation. The faceted crystal is clear and sharp. The case retains its original factory lines with minimal polishing, showing honest vintage character. The movement is running and functioning correctly. Dimensions The case diameter is 35mm excluding the crown. The bracelet is sized to fit a wrist circumference of approximately 17.5cm. Remarks The Seiko LM Special 5206-6100 is a collector's favorite due to the combination of the high-beat 5200 series movement and the eccentric faceted crystal design. Finding one with a vibrant green dial in this condition is becoming increasingly difficult. This specific reference bridges the gap between the mass-market Seiko automatics and the higher-end King Seiko models, offering exceptional value and build quality. History Introduced in the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s, the Lord Matic line was Seiko's mid-range offering, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko. The "Special" series was introduced later in the production run to offer higher specifications, including the upgraded 5206 movement which allowed for instant date changes and ran at a higher frequency. These watches represent a golden era of Seiko mechanical watchmaking before the quartz revolution fully took hold. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0046