Seiko - Lord Matic Special "Gradient Golden Sunburst" 根影 (Konei) – Root Shadow - 5216-6020 - Men - 1973

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a truly exceptional example of 1970s Japanese watchmaking flair, combining the high-grade engineering of the "Special" line with a stunning visual presentation. The Seiko Lord Matic Special was the top-tier iteration of the Lord Matic series, bridging the gap to King Seiko, and this example features the highly desirable faceted crystal and a mesmerizing golden gradient dial. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6020 Serial Number: 393937 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Golden Brown Gradient Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Stunning vintage condition. The watch appears exceptionally preserved with crisp case lines, a flawless dial, and a clean movement. Timegrapher readings between +10 and +19 seconds per day indicate a healthy movement running well within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The dial is the absolute highlight of this timepiece, featuring a vertically brushed sunburst finish that graduates from a bright champagne gold in the center to a deep tobacco brown at the edges. It is adorned with multi-faceted applied gold hour markers and sharp dauphine hands that catch the light beautifully. The dial is protected by its original-style faceted crystal, which acts like a prism and creates unique light distortions that are characteristic of the most collectible 1970s Seikos. The dial text is crisp, featuring the applied "LM" logo and the "Special" designation along with the Suwa Seikosha lightning bolt logo. A framed day-date window sits at the three o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 37mm and sits perfectly on the wrist with a commanding presence due to the unique geometry. The case lines remain incredibly sharp, suggesting the watch has seen very little use or polishing over the decades. The complex case shape features a mix of brushed upper surfaces and polished sides which frame the faceted crystal perfectly. The crystal itself is in excellent condition, allowing the faceted cuts to display the dial without obstruction. The crown is original and sits flush against the case. Movement Powering this watch is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5216A automatic movement. This is a 23-jewel movement that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (Hi-Beat), offering a smoother sweep than standard movements of the era. The movement is clean and features hacking capabilities (the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled) and hand-winding support. It is running strong and reliable, currently showing healthy amplitude and timing numbers. Strap The watch comes fitted on its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, which is a rarity to find in such good condition. The clasp features the embossed "Seiko LM" branding. The bracelet is comfortable and articulate, fitting a wrist size of approximately 17.5cm. Condition This example is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is pristine with no visible staining or patina degradation. The faceted crystal is clear. The stainless steel case retains its original definition with only microscopic handling marks consistent with a watch that has been treasured rather than worn daily. The caseback engraving is crisp and fully legible. Dimensions The case width is 37mm excluding the crown. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks Finding a Lord Matic Special with a faceted crystal in this condition is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the "Special" hi-beat movement and the disco-era faceted glass makes this a definitive piece for any serious Seiko collector. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was Seiko's mid-range offering, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko. The "Special" series, introduced later, represented the pinnacle of the LM range, often utilizing higher beat movements like the 5200 series, which were actually the architectural basis for the revived King Seiko 4S movements in the 1990s. This specific model from September 1973 captures the essence of Seiko's "Golden Age" of design and mechanical prowess. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0016