Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-6050 (1973)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic line represents a fascinating chapter in the brand's history, bridging the gap between everyday reliability and high-end horology. This particular Lord Matic Special from the Daini Seikosha factory elevates the standard LM with an upgraded, higher-beat movement and a more refined aesthetic. Featuring a striking blue sunburst dial and a faceted crystal that plays brilliantly with the light, this timepiece captures the adventurous and sophisticated design language of 1970s Seiko. The presence of the Daini lightning bolt logo on the dial is a proud hallmark of its specialized engineering, making it a compelling piece for collectors of vintage Japanese watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6050 Serial Number: 390683 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5216A, 23 Jewels Dial: Blue sunburst dial with applied indices, showing visible surface spotting and light aging marks Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and visible dial aging Dial and Hands The watch features a captivating blue sunburst dial that shifts dynamically depending on the lighting, anchored by applied silver-tone indices with black central inserts. The applied "SEIKO" and "LM" logos add excellent depth, while the "SPECIAL 23 JEWELS" text and the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt are crisply printed in white. A framed day-date aperture sits at the three o'clock position, offering both English and Kanji day wheels. Upon close visual inspection, the dial exhibits visible micro-spotting, surface dust beneath the crystal, and localized light marks near the center pinion and the "AUTOMATIC" text. The faceted baton hands mirror the design of the indices with black stripes and show minor surface oxidation consistent with the watch's age, retaining their original vintage character. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case exemplifies classic 1970s Seiko design, featuring sharp, angular lugs and a well-proportioned profile. The case retains a clear distinction between the brushed upper surfaces and the polished flanks, demonstrating honest signs of wear, including light scratches and handling marks indicative of regular use over the decades. The watch is fitted with a crystal featuring faceted edges that create unique optical distortions and reflections over the dial, adding significant vintage charm. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is well-preserved, with the Seiko logo, Daini symbol, reference number, and serial number all remaining deeply engraved and highly legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Daini Seikosha Caliber 5216A, a highly regarded automatic movement featuring 23 jewels. The movement is visually distinguished by its heavily textured rotor, a factory finish specific to this caliber series, adorned with vibrant red engraved lettering. The surrounding bridges and plates remain clean and well-preserved. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher result indicates a performance of -60 to -68 s/d. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome dark blue leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile pattern. The strap is detailed with contrasting bright blue stitching that perfectly complements the rich tones of the dial, secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Lord Matic Special is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case remains structurally sharp with normal surface wear, light scratches, and minor scuffs accumulated over its lifetime. The dial remains vibrant but displays clear, honest aging, including visible micro-spotting and surface marks that are fully documented in the macro photography. The movement is operational and visually well-preserved, making this a highly wearable and authentic vintage piece. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic Special with the 52-series caliber is widely respected among collectors for its technical refinement and bold aesthetic choices. The combination of the deep blue sunburst dial, the faceted crystal, and the high-quality Daini movement makes this reference a standout example of Seiko's mid-century innovation. It offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire a mechanically significant and visually striking vintage timepiece. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) series was positioned just below the prestigious King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, serving as a premium option for the ambitious professional. The "Special" designation was introduced to denote models equipped with upgraded, higher-beat movements, primarily produced by the Daini Seikosha factory. These models were designed to offer near-chronometer performance and featured some of the most avant-garde case and dial designs of the era. Today, the LM Special is celebrated as a testament to the internal rivalry between Seiko's Suwa and Daini factories, a competition that pushed both facilities to produce some of the finest mechanical watches of the 20th century. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LXX-0030