Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-7040 (1974)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This highly attractive 1974 Seiko Lord Matic Special stands out immediately with its vibrant green textured dial and distinctive factory faceted crystal. Powered by the high-grade Daini Seikosha 5216A automatic movement, the watch features a remarkably sharp, unpolished-appearing case that retains its crisp factory brushing and chamfers. The LM Special designation marks it as a sought-after variant among collectors, delivering a striking aesthetic and sophisticated mechanical performance. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-7040 Serial Number: 482735 Movement: Automatic caliber 5216A, 23 jewels Dial: Vibrant green with vertical gradient texture and applied indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +37+40s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The striking green dial is the defining feature of this timepiece, exhibiting a vertical gradient or brushed texture that plays beautifully with the light. Applied faceted indices and the Seiko logo remain clean and bright, adding depth to the vibrant and highly attractive colored dial. All printed text is crisp and fully intact, accompanied by the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo proudly positioned above 6 o'clock. The clean and highly legible baton hands feature white central stripes, with metal surfaces free of significant oxidation. A straight, clean sweep second hand completes the display. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case displays distinctive angular geometry with sharp, well-defined edges. The original brushed finish on the upper surfaces contrasts cleanly with the polished flanks, showcasing a sharp and well-preserved vintage geometry. The case exhibits light superficial scratches consistent with careful wear, with no major dings or dents. A polished smooth bezel ring frames the dial, showing light hairline scratches consistent with the rest of the case. The unsigned knurled crown sits neatly flush with the case side. Above the dial, the distinctive multi-faceted crystal presents a dynamic profile, showing some light surface scratches and minor edge wear visible under close inspection, typical for this style of vintage crystal. Movement Inside beats the automatic caliber 5216A, a 23-jewel movement produced by Daini Seikosha. The movement appears very clean with no visible corrosion or significant oxidation. The rotor and bridges show a bright finish, highlighted by crisp, red-filled engravings on the rotor reading "JAPAN", "SEIKO", "5216A", and "23 JEWELS". The timegrapher records +37+40s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a textured pattern and white contrast stitching. It shows minimal signs of wear and serves nicely as a complementary modern strap for the striking dial. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The case retains its sharp lines and factory finishes, showing only light superficial scratches from careful use. The vibrant green dial is beautifully preserved with clean applied elements and crisp printing. The faceted crystal exhibits minor edge wear and light surface scratches consistent with its age. The movement is running strong and steady, supported by the timegrapher reading of +37+40s/day. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Lord Matic Special offers a wonderful combination of 1970s Seiko design elements. The vibrant green textured dial paired with the faceted crystal creates a highly dynamic visual presence on the wrist. Preserved with a sharp case and powered by a highly regarded Daini Seikosha caliber, this is a compelling opportunity to acquire a genuinely sought-after configuration. History The Seiko Lord Matic line was introduced in the late 1960s as a premium offering positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko ranges. The Special designation elevated the line further, utilizing higher-beat movements produced by the Daini Seikosha factory, specifically the 52-series calibers. These movements were celebrated for their refined architecture and thin profiles, eventually serving as the foundation for Seiko's modern 4S caliber family. During the 1970s, Seiko experimented boldly with colored dials, textured surfaces, and faceted crystals. This Lord Matic Special beautifully reflects that adventurous and sophisticated design language. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LSX-0002