Seiko - Lord Matic Special 静耀 – Seiyō – Silent Radiance - No reserve price - 5216-6050 - Men - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of Seiko's engineering prowess from the mid-1970s, representing the higher tier of the Lord Matic line. The "Special" designation on the dial is not merely cosmetic; it signifies the presence of the high-grade 5216 movement, a caliber renowned for its robust architecture and 28,800 beats per hour frequency. With its vertical brushed dial, Kanji day wheel, and sharp case lines, this timepiece offers a sophisticated blend of dress watch elegance and mechanical excellence that collectors of Japanese vintage horology highly prize. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6050 Serial Number: 440745 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Silver vertical brushed Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear to the case consistent with age, while the dial remains in exceptional condition. Timegrapher readings show approximately -35 to -39 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, presenting a sophisticated silver tone with a fine vertical brushed texture that catches the light beautifully. It features raised, polished baton indices with black central inlays that match the handset, ensuring high legibility. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos are crisp and well-preserved. Notably, the dial bears the "Special" script and the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo above the six o'clock position. The day-date window at three o'clock is framed in steel, and the dial surface appears free from significant aging or oxidation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the distinct geometry of the 1970s Seiko design language, with sharp lugs and flat surfaces. The case is in honest vintage condition, showing visible scratches and dings throughout, particularly on the bezel and the sides of the case, which is expected for a watch of this era that has been enjoyed. The screw-down caseback is clearly legible, displaying the Daini logo and reference numbers. The crystal is flat with a beveled edge, sitting slightly proud of the bezel, and appears clear with only minor signs of use. Movement Powering this watch is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5216A. This is a 23-jewel automatic movement operating at 28,800 bph (4Hz), a significant upgrade over the standard Lord Matic movements. It features hacking seconds and hand-winding capabilities. The movement also supports a quickset day and date function. The rotor is signed "SEIKO 5216A 23 JEWELS JAPAN," and the mechanism appears clean and free of corrosion. Strap The watch comes fitted with its original stainless steel Seiko LM signed bracelet. The clasp features the embossed "LM" logo. The bracelet exhibits normal stretch and surface wear consistent with the case condition. It is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This piece is rated in Good vintage condition. While the case and bracelet show evident wear in the form of surface scratches and marks, the structural integrity of the watch is excellent. The dial and hands are preserved in stunning condition, contrasting nicely with the character of the case. The movement is functioning correctly. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The lug-to-lug length provides a comfortable presence on the wrist, typical of classic vintage dress watches. Remarks The Lord Matic Special is often considered a "Baby King Seiko" due to the high quality of the 5200-series movement inside. In fact, this movement architecture was so robust that Seiko resurrected it in the 1990s as the 4S15 caliber for their higher-end mechanical lines. This specific example features a desirable English and Kanji day wheel, allowing the wearer to display the day of the week in Japanese characters. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines, offering high-quality automatic watches to the aspiring middle class. By the mid-1970s, the "Special" sub-series was introduced with upgraded high-beat movements manufactured by the Daini Seikosha factory. Produced in April 1974, this specific watch represents the peak of the Lord Matic evolution before the quartz revolution fully took hold. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0031