Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special is a brilliant representation of Daini Seikosha’s bold 1970s design language and mechanical prowess. Featuring a spectacular faceted crystal and a vibrant gradient dial, this reference 5206-6100 perfectly captures the era's adventurous aesthetic while housing a truly exceptional high-grade automatic caliber. The 52-series movements are legendary among collectors for their sophistication and precision, ultimately serving as the architectural foundation for Seiko’s modern high-end 4S calibers. This particular example stands out with its mesmerizing emerald green presentation and strong vintage character. Brand: Seiko Model: LM Special Reference Number: 5206-6100 Serial Number: 320244 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5206A, 23 Jewels Dial: Emerald green gradient sunburst with faceted applied indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial is a visual triumph, showcasing an emerald green gradient that transitions from a bright, sunburst center to deep, almost black edges. This fumé effect provides an incredibly dynamic backdrop for the applied dial furniture. The hour markers are highly elevated, faceted blocks that catch the light beautifully, with the 12, 6, and 9 o'clock positions featuring distinct gold-toned accents for added contrast. The applied gold-tone "LM" logo sits proudly above the crisp white cursive "Special" text and the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt emblem. A framed day-date aperture at three o'clock displays sharp typography, featuring a highly desirable Kanji and English day wheel. The dial remains in exceptionally clean condition, free from moisture marks, spotting, or UV degradation. The faceted baton hands are well-preserved, featuring a central black stripe that enhances legibility against the vibrant green canvas, accompanied by a slender sweep seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a classic 1970s tonneau silhouette with integrated, hooded lugs that provide a seamless flow into the strap. The case exhibits brushed upper surfaces that transition into polished flanks, retaining its original geometry and sharp factory lines. The case shows honest, age-consistent signs of wear, including light surface scratches and minor handling marks, but remains free of deep gouges or signs of heavy over-polishing. The screw-down caseback is crisply engraved with the Seiko and Daini logos, along with the reference and serial numbers. The watch is fitted with a striking faceted crystal, a hallmark of premium 1970s Seiko models. The cut-glass facets create a spectacular interplay of light and shadow across the green dial. The crystal exhibits some light edge wear and minor surface marks consistent with its vintage nature, but it remains highly transparent and visually arresting. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5206A, a 23-jewel automatic movement produced by the Daini Seikosha factory. Operating at a high beat rate, this movement is celebrated for its refined architecture, compact design, and excellent reliability. Visual inspection of the movement reveals clean plates, a bright rotor marked with the caliber designation, and well-preserved components. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher records a deviation of -20 to -25 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a burgundy leather racing-style strap featuring perforated detailing and striking contrast stitching in yellow and white. The warm tones of the leather perfectly complement the green dial and the gold accents of the indices, completing a highly charismatic vintage presentation. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable star, remaining incredibly clean and vibrant with no visible flaws or deterioration. The faceted crystal adds immense character, showing only minor, age-appropriate edge wear. The stainless steel case retains its distinct shape and finishes, displaying normal, honest wear that speaks to its history without detracting from its appeal. The movement is clean and fully operational. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks Combining a high-grade Daini movement with one of the most expressive dial and crystal configurations of the 1970s, this LM Special is a collector’s delight. The faceted crystal and emerald green gradient dial offer a wearing experience that is simply impossible to replicate in modern watchmaking. It is a charismatic, historically significant timepiece that commands attention on the wrist. History Introduced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko tiers, offering exceptional quality and sophisticated movements to the discerning public. The "Special" designation was reserved for models utilizing the higher-beat, higher-grade calibers, specifically the 52-series developed by Daini Seikosha. Daini created the 52 series to compete directly with Suwa’s 56 series, resulting in a remarkably thin, efficient, and precise movement. The architecture of the 52 series was so robust and forward-thinking that Seiko resurrected the design decades later in the 1990s as the premium 4S caliber family. Today, the Daini-produced LM Specials are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate their mechanical pedigree and the daring, vibrant designs characteristic of Seiko's golden era. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0055