As the 1960’s drew to a close, both Seiko’s Suwa and Daini divisions were delivering on greatness through the Grand and King Seiko lines by upstaging everyone, including the Swiss, at their own game in terms of accurate and high quality watch movements. It’s important to remember however, that the KS was only possible due to the advancements made possible through the evolution of its predecessors the Marvel and Lord Marvel lines. Peaking with the 5740C, Seiko’s first true high beat, the hand wound Lord Marvel was ready to lend it’s name to a fresh series of automatics by way of the new cal. 56 movements, and Lord Matic was born. Though they never received the attention or accolades given to the GS and KS lines, the LM models are equally as impressive, and a worthy addition to any collection.... Especially this one. Like its KS cousin, it carries the “Special” designation, and rightly so. From September of 1975, this LM Special is a hi-beat masterpiece, master class in design, and at half the price of it’s KS counterpart, a true bargain. The dial is a silver linen with subtle graining and a glossy lacquer finish set with polished applied baguettes with black striping. The hour and minute hands are slender polished batons striped to match, and a slim, reaching sweep glides along the minute track. The LM badge is contrasting in a gold finish and well balanced against the black printing. The case is showcases Tanaka’s “Grammar of Design” architecture through crisp edges, flat surfaces, and an almost faceted appearance. The hands are driven by the 23 jewel 5216 hi-beat. A silky smooth automatic that offers hand winding and quickset of both the day and date. Post service, it’s keeping time to within chronometer standards, and has a healthy reserve. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement mineral crystal, and we’ve paired it with a smooth black leather that adds a clean, modern finish. Don’t wait on this one.

Kvarnsjo Leather Smooth Black Leather with White Stitch (cheapestnatostraps.com)

Serviced 8/3/19

Diameter- 36mm

Lugs- 19mm