Now available at auction from Second Vintage Produced during the golden age of Japanese watchmaking, the Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a fascinating chapter in the brand's history. Crafted by the legendary Daini Seikosha factory, the "Special" designation was reserved for timepieces that featured higher-beat movements and superior finishing, bridging the gap between the standard Lord Matic line and the prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko tiers. This particular example perfectly encapsulates the refined design language of the early 1970s, offering collectors a beautifully preserved dial and a sophisticated mechanical pedigree that remains highly respected today. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5206-6060 Serial Number: 190853 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5206A, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied black indices; exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic Special is a masterclass in understated mid-century design, featuring a striking vertical brushed finish that plays beautifully with the light. The surface is exceptionally clean, showing no visible moisture marks, spotting, or discoloration, presenting a crisp and highly legible face. It is adorned with applied black baton indices that provide stark, elegant contrast against the silver background. The typography is sharp and fully intact, including the applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos, as well as the printed "Special 23 JEWELS" and the distinctive Daini Seikosha lightning bolt emblem above the six o'clock position. The day-date aperture at three o'clock is neatly framed in metal, displaying a dual-language Kanji and English calendar. The matching black baton hands are perfectly preserved, sweeping across the dial with excellent visual clarity. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case exhibits the classic, sweeping lines characteristic of Seiko's 1970s design ethos. The transition between the polished bezel, case flanks, and the lug profile remains distinct, showcasing the watch's original factory geometry. The case shows honest signs of wear, with light surface scratches and minor handling marks consistent with careful vintage use, but no deep gouges or signs of heavy over-polishing. A recessed crown is positioned at three o'clock, maintaining the sleek silhouette of the case. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers, alongside the Daini Seikosha logo. The watch features a flat Hardlex crystal, consistent with the period, which remains clear and well-preserved, offering an unobstructed view of the stunning dial beneath without any distracting deep scratches or chips. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5206A, a sophisticated 23-jewel automatic movement developed by Daini Seikosha. The movement is visibly signed with the Seiko name and jewel count in distinctive red lettering on the rotor. The internal components, bridges, and rotor display the characteristic machining and finishing of the era, presenting a tidy and authentic appearance. This caliber is historically significant for its refined engineering, which laid the groundwork for many of Seiko's high-end modern movements. Strap The watch is fitted with a rich burgundy textured leather strap. The deep red tones and contrasting stitching beautifully complement the silver dial and black accents, providing a sophisticated and comfortable wearing experience suitable for both formal and casual settings. Condition This Lord Matic Special is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable highlight, remaining remarkably crisp and free of the degradation often found in watches of this age. The stainless steel case displays normal, honest vintage wear while retaining strong lines and its original structural integrity. The caseback engravings remain deep and fully legible. Dimensions The timepiece measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. These classic proportions ensure a versatile and elegant fit, making it an incredibly wearable vintage piece for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks Finding a Lord Matic Special with a dial in this state of preservation is a treat for any vintage enthusiast. The combination of the Daini Seikosha heritage, the striking vertically brushed dial, and the sharp black accents makes this a highly versatile and historically rich timepiece. It is a superb addition to any serious Japanese watch collection. History Introduced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Lord Matic line was a cornerstone of Seiko's catalog, aimed at the discerning middle-to-upper market. The "Special" variants were specifically tasked to Daini Seikosha, Seiko's secondary factory, which was in constant, fierce competition with the Suwa factory to produce the most accurate and elegantly designed watches. By utilizing the advanced 52-series calibers, the Lord Matic Special offered near-Grand Seiko performance in a slightly more accessible package. Today, these models are celebrated by collectors for their exceptional build quality, historical importance, and timeless aesthetic appeal. 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: SEI6ISIHV0000