Seiko - LM Special - Ingen mindstepris - 5216-6040 - Mænd - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic line represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, bridging the gap between the standard automatic offerings and the prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko ranges. The "Special" designation elevates this piece further, denoting the use of the high-beat 52-series movement, a caliber family so well-regarded that its architecture was later revived by Seiko in the 1990s for their premium 4S line. This particular example captures the quintessential 1970s aesthetic, combining an angular case design with a striking faceted crystal and a pristine sunburst dial. It is a superb representation of vintage Seiko's technical prowess and bold design language. Brand: Seiko Model: LM Special Reference Number: 5216-6040 Serial Number: 445578 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and outstanding dial preservation Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in subtle texture and sharp detailing, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that radiates dynamically under light. It remains in exceptionally clean condition, showing no visible spots, staining, or moisture damage, presenting a crisp and fresh appearance. The applied faceted indices are topped with black inserts, providing excellent contrast and legibility, harmonizing perfectly with the slender black baton hands. The dial furniture includes a crisply applied Seiko logo at twelve o'clock and the distinctive gold-toned LM emblem above six o'clock, followed by the printed "SPECIAL 23 JEWELS" and the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo. A framed day-date aperture sits neatly at three o'clock, completing the highly balanced and visually arresting display. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case exemplifies the bold, angular geometry favored by Japanese designers in the 1970s. The case retains sharp lug profiles and distinct transitions between the brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks. Honest, superficial handling marks are present, consistent with normal vintage wear, but the case remains well-defined without signs of heavy polishing. The watch is fitted with a dramatic, multi-faceted crystal that creates captivating optical distortions and reflections across the dial, a signature element of high-end 1970s Seiko design. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference 5216-6040 and the serial number 445578, remaining legible and well-preserved. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Seiko Caliber 5216A, a 23-jewel automatic movement known for its high-beat frequency and robust architecture. The movement presents beautifully, with the rotor and bridges showing clean surfaces and distinct factory engravings highlighted in red. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of +14 to +19 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct stainless steel bracelet featuring flat, articulated links that complement the angular nature of the case. The bracelet shows moderate signs of vintage wear, including light surface scratches, but remains structurally sound and comfortable on the wrist. It accommodates a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm and secures via a standard folding clasp stamped with "STAINLESS STEEL" on the inner blade. Condition This Seiko LM Special is graded in excellent vintage condition. The dial and hands are remarkably well-preserved, standing out as the highlight of the piece. The case exhibits normal, honest signs of use while retaining its intended factory geometry and crisp edges. The faceted crystal shows minor surface wear but continues to provide a stunning visual effect over the dial. The movement is clean and fully operational, making this a highly wearable and collectible vintage piece. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The included period-correct stainless steel bracelet is sized to fit a wrist of up to 17.5 cm. Remarks Finding a Seiko LM Special with a clean dial, a sharp case, and an intact faceted crystal is becoming increasingly difficult for collectors. The combination of the high-grade 5216 caliber and the unapologetically 1970s aesthetic makes this watch a standout addition to any vintage Japanese watch collection. It offers a perfect balance of horological significance and striking daily wearability. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) series was positioned just below the King Seiko line, offering high-quality automatic movements and refined styling to the discerning Japanese domestic market. The "Special" variant was introduced later, upgrading the line with the advanced 52-series calibers produced by the Daini Seikosha factory. These movements were celebrated for their slim profile, high-beat precision, and immediate day-date change mechanism. The 52-series was so successful that it formed the foundation for Seiko's mechanical renaissance decades later, cementing the LM Special's legacy as a pivotal and historically important model in Seiko's rich watchmaking history. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0010