Seiko - Lord Matic Special 月白 (Gep-paku) – Moon White - No reserve price - 5216-6050 - Men - 1973

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special is a remarkable example of Japanese horological engineering from the 1970s, representing a distinct tier above the standard Lord Matic line. The "Special" designation signifies the use of the higher-grade 5200 series movement, produced by the Daini Seikosha factory, which is highly regarded by collectors for its quality and historical significance as the predecessor to modern high-end Seiko calibers. With its sharp Grammar of Design case lines and pristine silver dial, this timepiece offers a sophisticated aesthetic that rivals King Seiko models of the same era. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6050 Serial Number: 3D1729 Movement: Seiko Caliber 5216 Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a very well-preserved dial and case showing sharp original lines. Timegrapher readings indicate an accuracy of +12 to +20 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The watch features a stunning silver sunburst dial that remains in exceptional condition. It is adorned with raised, faceted silver indices featuring black inlays for contrast. The applied gold-tone "LM" logo and the printed "SPECIAL" text below the center add a touch of exclusivity. The dial is signed with the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo above the six o'clock position. A framed day and date window is positioned at three o'clock, featuring a bilingual day wheel. The slender sword-style hands are sharp and free of corrosion, complementing the overall clean presentation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 34mm and showcases the distinctive sharp geometry associated with Seiko's design language of the 1970s. The case retains its original definition with crisp edges on the lugs and bezel, showing only light surface wear consistent with careful usage. The caseback is clearly engraved with the reference details and serial number. The crystal is clean and clear, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly respected Seiko Caliber 5216 automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement is a high-beat mechanism beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, known for its stability and precision. It offers reliable vintage performance and features both hand-winding and hacking capabilities, which were premium features for the era. The movement is clean and the rotor is signed properly. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet featuring a signed "LM" clasp. The bracelet design perfectly integrates with the case lugs, completing the vintage aesthetic. It is currently sized to fit a wrist of approximately 18cm comfortably. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is flawless to the naked eye, and the case has not been over-polished, retaining its architectural integrity. The movement is running strong, and the overall appearance is fresh and attractive, making it a collector-grade example. Dimensions The case diameter is 34 mm excluding the crown, with a lug-to-lug length that allows it to sit elegantly on the wrist. The height is moderate, ensuring it slides easily under a dress cuff. Remarks The Lord Matic Special is often considered a "sleeper" in the vintage Seiko market, offering build quality and movement architecture very close to King Seiko and Grand Seiko standards at a more accessible point. The 5216 movement inside is historically significant as the basis for the later 4S15 movement used in high-end Seikos in the 1990s. Finding one in this condition with the original bracelet is becoming increasingly difficult. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was Seiko's mid-tier offering, sitting just below the King Seiko. However, the introduction of the "Special" variants in the early 1970s blurred these lines, utilizing higher-grade movements from the Daini factory to compete with higher-end Swiss automatics. This specific example from December 1973 captures the peak of this era, where functionality met high-end finishing. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0014