Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5216-7080 - Men - 1975

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a fascinating chapter in Japanese horology, bridging the gap between standard reliable daily wearers and high-end King Seiko production. Powered by the highly regarded 5216 movement—a caliber so robust it became the foundation for Seiko's later high-grade 4S series—this timepiece offers exceptional mechanical pedigree. With its classic gold-plated case and pristine silver dial, this LM Special dating to January 1975 is a sophisticated example of mid-70s dress watch design, offering a distinct "Special" dial designation that collectors actively seek. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-7080 Serial Number: 510281 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216 Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) with Stainless Steel back Production Year: 1975 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest vintage aesthetic with visible wear to the gold plating consistent with its age, while the dial remains in exceptional condition. Timegrapher results show the movement is running between +20s and +27s per day, which indicates reliable movement health for a vintage piece. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the highlight of this timepiece, preserved in stunning condition. It features the applied gold-tone "LM" logo and the specific "Special" text above the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt emblem. The applied baton indices are gold-toned with black central inlays, matching the handset perfectly for high contrast and legibility. The framed day-date window at 3 o'clock adds a functional elegance to the layout. Case and Crystal The case is finished in Seiko Gold Plating (SGP) with a stainless steel caseback. As is typical for gold-plated watches from this era, the case shows signs of wear and patina, particularly on the lugs and bezel edges where the base metal is slightly visible. This wear gives the watch a true vintage character. The caseback is clearly legible, displaying the reference and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and presents well. Movement Inside beats the Caliber 5216A, a 23-jewel automatic movement that is historically significant for its high quality. This movement features both hacking (seconds stop when crown is pulled) and hand-winding capabilities. The movement is clean and the rotor spins freely. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of +20s to +27s/day, which is a solid result for an vintage watch of this age. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting yellow stitching, which complements the gold tones of the case and dial. The strap is in good condition and ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is graded in good vintage condition. While the case shows honest wear and fading to the gold plating, the structural integrity is excellent. The dial is nearly flawless, which significantly elevates the overall appeal. Dimensions With a case diameter of 34 mm, this watch sits classically on the wrist, embodying the traditional dress watch proportions of the 1970s. Remarks The "Special" on the dial is not just marketing; it denoted a higher grade of adjustment and quality control from the Daini factory. This specific reference pairs that mechanical excellence with a timeless dress aesthetic. History Introduced in the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was Seiko's mid-range offering, sitting just below King Seiko. The LM Special series, however, blurred these lines by utilizing the advanced 5200-series movements. These movements were designed to be thinner and more durable than their predecessors and were so well-engineered that Seiko resurrected the design architecture in the 1990s for their premium mechanical revival. This 1975 example captures the final golden era of vintage Seiko mechanical watchmaking before the quartz revolution took full hold. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAS-0004