Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-6010 (1973)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage The 1970s represented a golden era of daring design and mechanical refinement for Japanese watchmaking, perfectly encapsulated by this striking Seiko timepiece. Emerging from the esteemed Daini Seikosha factory, this piece combines a highly sophisticated automatic caliber with a visually arresting aesthetic defined by a faceted crystal and a vibrant gradient dial. It stands as a testament to an era when bold architectural cases and colorful, dynamic dials were matched with serious horological engineering, offering collectors a charismatic and mechanically significant vintage experience. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6010 Serial Number: 3N1603 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A, 25 Jewels Dial: Gradient green sunburst with faceted applied indices, showing visible atmospheric spotting and oxidation on the hands Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel with a gold-toned bezel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and distinct dial patina Dial and Hands The dial is a captivating gradient green that shifts from a vibrant emerald center to deep, near-black tones at the outer edge, finished with a subtle sunburst texture. It features highly dimensional, faceted applied silver-tone indices with white center inserts, complemented by a crisp applied silver "SEIKO" logo and a gold-toned applied "LM" badge. A framed day-date aperture rests at the three o'clock position, offering a dual-language Kanji and English day wheel. Under close visual inspection, the dial exhibits distinct signs of age, characterized by visible atmospheric spotting and freckling scattered across the surface. The original faceted baton hands show significant oxidation, pitting, and loss of their original polished finish, reflecting an honest, aged vintage character. The printed Daini factory lightning bolt logo and "SPECIAL 25 JEWELS" text remain fully legible. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a classic 1970s silhouette with smoothly integrated lugs and polished flanks. The visual warmth of the watch is elevated by a fixed gold-toned bezel that frames the dial. The case displays honest signs of regular use, with surface scratches, soft hairlines, and minor handling marks consistent with its age, though it retains its fundamental geometry without heavy polishing. The watch is fitted with a dramatic faceted crystal, a hallmark of high-end 1970s Seiko design, which creates unique light play and visual distortion over the dial. The crystal shows light surface wear and minor edge marks expected from vintage use, but remains highly transparent. The stainless steel screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference, serial number, and Daini factory hallmark. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5216A, a highly regarded 25-jewel automatic movement developed by the Daini Seikosha division. The 52-series is celebrated for its refinement and served as the architectural foundation for many modern high-end Seiko calibers. Visual inspection of the movement reveals an industrial finish with visible atmospheric spotting and age-related patina across the rotor and upper bridges. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a performance of +60 to +67 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a thick, dark brown textured leather strap. The strap features prominent contrasting tan heavy stitching along the edges, complementing the gold-toned accents of the bezel and dial furniture, and is secured with a standard polished steel buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case and bezel show normal, honest wear with softening to the polished surfaces and typical handling marks. The dial and hands present clear visual evidence of their age, with noticeable spotting across the green gradient surface and heavy oxidation on the handset. The faceted crystal retains its dramatic visual effect despite minor vintage wear. The movement functions and displays an aged cosmetic appearance consistent with the rest of the watch. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the knurled crown, providing a classic and comfortable vintage wearing profile that slides effortlessly under a cuff while maintaining strong visual presence due to the faceted crystal. Remarks This Lord Matic Special is a highly evocative example of 1970s Daini Seikosha design. The combination of the deep green gradient dial, the warmth of the gold-tone bezel, and the architectural faceted crystal makes it a standout piece for enthusiasts of Japanese vintage horology. Its honest, patinated condition tells the story of its decades of use, offering a timepiece with undeniable character and a historically significant movement. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below the prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko ranges, offering exceptional quality and advanced movements to the discerning public. The "Special" designation was reserved for models equipped with higher-grade calibers, specifically the 52-series movements produced by Daini Seikosha. These movements were a point of pride for Daini, featuring high beat rates and remarkable thinness, ultimately becoming the mechanical ancestors to the revered 4S movement family revived by Seiko in the 1990s. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LSJ-0003