Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-6030 (1974)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a highly collectible Seiko Lord Matic Special from the golden era of Japanese watchmaking. Distinguished by its mesmerizing electric blue sunburst dial, this timepiece exemplifies the adventurous design language of the 1970s while housing a high-grade movement that remains legendary among collectors. The combination of the "Special" grade movement and the pristine condition of the dial makes this a standout piece for any serious enthusiast looking for a watch that offers both visual impact and horological significance. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6030 Serial Number: 431856 Movement: Automatic Cal. 5216A Dial: Electric blue sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Stunning vintage condition. The watch appears exceptionally preserved with a flawless dial and crisp case lines, while timegrapher results indicate a healthy movement. Now available at auction from Second Vintage This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a highly collectible Seiko Lord Matic Special from the golden era of Japanese watchmaking. Distinguished by its mesmerizing electric blue sunburst dial, this timepiece exemplifies the adventurous design language of the 1970s while housing a high-grade movement that remains legendary among collectors. The combination of the "Special" grade movement and the pristine condition of the dial makes this a standout piece for any serious enthusiast looking for a watch that offers both visual impact and horological significance. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6030 Serial Number: 431856 Movement: Automatic Cal. 5216A Dial: Electric blue sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Stunning vintage condition. The watch appears exceptionally preserved with a flawless dial and crisp case lines, while timegrapher results indicate a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The dial is the undeniable centerpiece of this watch, featuring a deep electric blue sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light. It is fitted with applied hour markers that complement the sharp baton hands, both of which are in excellent condition with no visible corrosion. The crystal remains clear, allowing the vivid color of the dial to shine through without obstruction. The framed day and date window at the three o'clock position adds a practical touch to the elegant layout, while the gold "LM Special" and logo remain crisp and vibrant. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is in remarkable condition, retaining its original sharp geometry and distinct brushed and polished surfaces. The cushion-style shape sits comfortably on the wrist and showcases the high quality of Seiko's case finishing from this period. The mineral crystal is in great condition, allowing for a perfectly clear view of the dial. The crown is original and operates smoothly, tucked neatly into the case profile. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5216A, an automatic movement with 25 jewels. This "Special" grade movement is historically significant as the precursor to the high-end 4S series used in later Credor and mechanical Seiko models, operating at a higher beat rate for improved precision. Timegrapher readings show approximately +39 to +45 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel Seiko LM bracelet, featuring a signed folding clasp. The bracelet is in excellent condition with minimal stretch and preserves the cohesive vintage aesthetic of the watch. It is currently sized to fit a wrist of approximately 18cm comfortably. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is flawless, free from the spotting or discoloration often seen on colored vintage dials. The case shows only very minor handling marks consistent with careful storage rather than daily wear, retaining its sharp factory lines. The movement is clean and the rotor swings freely, indicating excellent preservation. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage proportion that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case shape. Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic Special reference 5216-6030 is a rare find in this condition, particularly with the desirable blue dial configuration. This model represents the bridge between the standard Lord Matic and the Grand Seiko lines, offering high-beat performance and superior finishing. It is a stunning example of 1970s design that remains perfectly wearable today. History Introduced in the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was Seiko's mid-tier offering, sitting just below King Seiko and Grand Seiko. The "Special" designation was reserved for models containing the upgraded 5200-series movements, which were designed by the Daini Seikosha factory. These movements are celebrated today for their durability and engineering excellence, later serving as the foundation for Seiko's resurgence in high-end mechanical watchmaking in the 1990s. This specific example dates to March 1974. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI10421K9000