Seiko - Lord Matic Special "Gradient Amber Sunburst" 皇霊 (Kōrei) – Imperial Spirit - 5216-7040 - Men - 1975

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of Seiko's design prowess during the 1970s, specifically the highly collectible Lord Matic Special. Distinguished by its high-grade movement and "Grammar of Design" case architecture, this timepiece features a mesmerizing amber gradient dial often referred to as a "Tiger Eye" finish. The watch is further elevated by its original faceted crystal, which catches the light in a prismatic display, creating a dynamic visual experience on the wrist. Powered by the high-beat 5216 caliber, this "Special" variant represents a tier of quality just below King Seiko, offering exceptional value and historical significance to the astute collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-7040 Serial Number: 512891 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Amber Gradient Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1975 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with sharp case lines and a pristine dial, showing only minimal signs of wear consistent with careful handling over the decades. Dial and Hands The dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, presenting a deep amber-to-brown gradient sunburst finish that radiates from the center. It is in immaculate condition with no visible staining or aging. The applied silver hour markers are faceted and polished, perfectly complementing the baton-style hands which retain their original luminous material. The dial is protected by a stunning faceted mineral glass crystal, a signature of this era, which splits the light and adds depth to the dial's appearance. The "LM Special" and "23 JEWELS" text along with the Daini lightning bolt logo are crisp and legible. A framed day-date window is positioned at the 3 o'clock mark. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case follows Seiko's distinct 1970s design language with sharp angular lugs and a combination of brushed and polished surfaces. The edges remain well-defined, suggesting the watch has seen very little polishing if any. The faceted crystal is in very good condition, preserving the unique geometric aesthetic that makes this reference so desirable. The caseback is a screw-down type, clearly engraved with the reference number, serial number, and "Water Resistant-G" markings. Movement Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5216A automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement is a "Special" grade, operating at a high beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, known for its stability and precision. It features hand-winding and hacking capabilities. The movement is clean and is running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a vintage stainless bracelet that complements the case design perfectly. The bracelet is comfortable and flexible, fitting a wrist size of approximately 18cm. It features a folding clasp that functions securely. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is flawless. The case shows only light surface scratches and handling marks typical of a watch from 1975, but no significant dents or deep impact marks. The faceted crystal is clear and attractive. The movement is healthy and the quickset day/date functions are operational. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic mid-size profile that sits elegantly on the wrist. The lug-to-lug distance ensures a balanced presence, suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Lord Matic Special 5216-7040 is a testament to the golden age of Seiko mechanical watches. The combination of the high-beat movement, which later served as the base for the prestigious 4S caliber series, and the avant-garde faceted crystal design makes this a true collector's gem. Finding an example with such a clean, vibrant dial and sharp case geometry is becoming increasingly difficult. History Introduced in the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned as a high-mid-range offering, sitting just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. The "Special" designation indicated an upgraded movement, often with higher beat rates and better adjustment from the factory compared to the standard LM models. The 5200 series movements used in these watches are historically significant as they were designed by Daini Seikosha and are considered some of the finest automatic movements produced by Seiko during the mechanical era before the quartz revolution fully took over. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1D09K9N000