Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5216-6000 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional timepiece perfectly encapsulates the daring design language and mechanical ambition of Seiko during the early 1970s. Hailing from the esteemed Daini Seikosha factory, this Lord Matic Special pairs a highly capable movement with an absolutely mesmerizing aesthetic. The combination of a deeply textured, vibrant green dial and a dramatic faceted crystal creates a dynamic visual experience that changes with every angle of light. It stands as a testament to an era when Seiko was fearlessly experimenting with color, texture, and geometry, making it a highly compelling acquisition for the discerning vintage collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6000 Serial Number: 3D7246 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 5216A, 23 Jewels Dial: Striking textured green gradient dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved with no visible flaws Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic Special is a true masterpiece of vintage Seiko manufacturing. It features a spectacular green gradient, or fumé, effect that darkens toward the outer edges, providing immense depth. The surface is executed with a heavy, swirling radial brushed texture that catches the light brilliantly. The dial furniture is equally impressive, boasting highly elevated, applied faceted indices that mirror the geometry of the crystal above them. The applied silver-toned "SEIKO" and "LM" logos sit proudly on the textured surface, accompanied by crisp white printed text and the iconic Daini Seikosha lightning bolt emblem. A silver-framed day-date aperture is cleanly positioned at the three o'clock marker. Upon careful inspection, the dial is in near-mint condition, appearing exceptionally clean and vibrant, entirely free of spots, moisture marks, print loss, or discoloration. The baton hands feature a distinctive black central stripe, complementing the indices perfectly, and remain in excellent, untouched condition. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion-shaped case exemplifies the robust and architectural case designs of the period. The upper surfaces feature a pronounced vertical brushing that transitions sharply into highly polished beveled flanks, maintaining the crisp factory lines and geometric integrity of the original design. The case exhibits honest, light surface hairlines and minor signs of wear consistent with careful vintage use, but remains free of deep scratches or heavy impacts, retaining a strong and unpolished presence. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers, alongside the Daini factory logo. The watch is fitted with a striking faceted crystal, a hallmark of high-end 1970s Seiko design, which amplifies the dial's texture and color. The crystal remains in very good condition with only faint, superficial handling marks that do not detract from the spectacular viewing experience. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5216A, an automatic movement renowned for its technical refinement and high performance, proudly bearing the "Special" designation. Visual inspection of the movement reveals clean plates, a bright rotor marked with the caliber number, and nicely preserved components. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher result shows -2 to 5 s/d. The day and date mechanisms operate smoothly, reflecting the enduring quality of Daini Seikosha's engineering. Strap The watch is currently mounted on a handsome black leather strap featuring an alligator grain texture. The strap is detailed with heavy white contrast stitching, which adds a sporty yet refined character to the piece, pairing wonderfully with the sharp lines of the steel case and the vibrant green dial. Condition This Seiko is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear standout, remaining flawlessly preserved and vibrant. The case retains its sharp factory finishing and architectural presence, showing only standard, age-appropriate light wear. The faceted crystal is beautifully preserved, and the movement is running with impressive precision. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Vintage Seiko collectors continually seek out pieces that capture the quintessential 1970s aesthetic, and this Lord Matic Special delivers on every front. The rare combination of the heavily textured green gradient dial and the original faceted crystal makes this a standout example. The added pedigree of the 52-series movement from the Daini factory elevates it beyond standard vintage fare, offering both visual intrigue and serious mechanical merit. History Introduced in 1968, the Lord Matic line was positioned strategically within the Seiko catalog, sitting just below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko families. It was designed to offer premium automatic movements and sophisticated styling to the upwardly mobile professional. The "Special" designation was reserved for models featuring upgraded, higher-beat, or more refined calibers, often produced by the Daini Seikosha factory to compete directly with the Suwa factory's output. The 52-series movements found in these models are historically significant, as their architecture laid the groundwork for the modern high-end 4S calibers reintroduced by Seiko in the 1990s. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0039