Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5216-6040 - Men - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a fascinating chapter in Japanese horological history, born from the legendary internal rivalry between the Suwa and Daini Seikosha factories. Positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, the Lord Matic Special was Daini’s answer to providing a high-grade, beautifully finished timepiece for the discerning professional. Powered by the sophisticated 52-series caliber, this specific example captures the essence of 1970s Seiko design language, offering a striking blend of sharp geometry, refined dial finishing, and robust mechanical pedigree. It is a superb acquisition for collectors seeking a well-preserved piece of Seiko's golden era. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6040 Serial Number: 410751 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5216A, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a masterclass in light play, radiating outward from the center pinion and catching the light beautifully at every angle. The dial furniture is intricate and highly dimensional, featuring applied faceted baton indices with central black inserts that provide excellent legibility. The applied silver-tone Seiko logo sits proudly at twelve o'clock, balanced by the applied gold-tone LM logo, printed Special designation, and the distinct Daini Seikosha lightning bolt emblem at six o'clock. A framed day-date aperture is positioned at three o'clock, displaying the Sunday text in a vibrant red. The matching baton hands feature identical black striping, maintaining visual harmony across the dial. A close inspection reveals the dial remains in near-mint condition, entirely free of spotting, staining, moisture marks, or edge wear, presenting an exceptionally clean and fresh appearance. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a classic 1970s tonneau silhouette, defined by its sharp, angular lug profiles and flat top surfaces. The transition between the brushed upper casing and the highly polished case flanks remains crisp and well-defined, indicating careful preservation over the decades. Honest signs of wear, including superficial hairline scratches, are visible under close inspection, but the case retains its original factory geometry without heavy softening. The knurled crown sits neatly against the case side. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Daini logo, reference numbers, and serial number. The watch is fitted with a flat Hardlex mineral crystal, which remains clean and clear, offering an unobstructed view of the pristine dial beneath, with no significant scratches or chips visible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5216A, a highly regarded automatic movement produced by the Daini Seikosha division. The movement is visibly clean, with the rotor clearly stamped with red lettering denoting "JAPAN SEIKO 5216A 23 JEWELS." The 52-series is celebrated by collectors for its advanced architecture and formed the foundation for modern high-end Seiko calibers. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era, recording -50 to -58 seconds per day on the timegrapher. Strap The watch is fitted with a thick black leather strap featuring prominent double-row contrast stitching in white and brown. The strap complements the vintage aesthetic of the watch and secures with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Lord Matic Special survives in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable highlight, remaining flawlessly preserved with no visible aging or marks. The case exhibits normal, age-appropriate handling wear while retaining its sharp, factory-intended architectural lines. The movement is visually clean and operational, making this a highly attractive example of a Daini classic. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, offering a refined and classic vintage profile on the wrist. Remarks Finding a Lord Matic Special with a dial in this state of preservation is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the brilliant silver sunburst finish, the sharp faceted markers with black accents, and the crisp case geometry makes this an outstanding vintage piece. It perfectly bridges the gap between everyday wearability and serious horological collectibility. History Introduced in the late 1960s and refined into the 1970s, the Lord Matic line was a cornerstone of Seiko's catalog, aimed at the rising middle class. The "Special" designation elevated the line significantly, incorporating the advanced 52-series movements developed by Daini Seikosha. These movements were so well-engineered that Seiko would later revive their architecture to create the renowned 4S family of calibers in the 1990s. The Lord Matic Special stands as a testament to Seiko's commitment to mechanical excellence and design innovation during a period of intense internal competition and global expansion. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0030