Seiko - Lord Matic Special - 5216-6020 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special exemplifies the sophisticated design language and technical prowess of Seiko's golden era. The Lord Matic line, positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko tiers, offered remarkable value and high-beat precision. This specific example stands out with its striking faceted Hardlex crystal and a deeply mesmerizing sunburst dial, capturing the essence of 1970s watchmaking aesthetics. The "Special" designation signifies a higher-grade movement, making this a highly desirable piece for collectors seeking both style and substance in a vintage Seiko. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6020 Serial Number: 371800 Movement: Caliber 5216A, 25 Jewels, Automatic Dial: Brown to grey sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, clean and beautifully preserved Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: July 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, well-preserved with sharp case lines and a stunning dial Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in vintage Seiko design, featuring a captivating gradient that shifts from a deep, warm brown at the center to a dark, smoky grey at the outer edges. The sunburst texture catches the light brilliantly, creating a dynamic visual experience. Applied, highly faceted golden indices provide striking contrast and depth, complemented by the applied "Seiko" and "LM" logos. The day-date window at three o'clock is framed in gold, adding to the cohesive design. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing no visible spots, stains, or damage, presenting a remarkably fresh appearance. The hands are sharp, polished, and feature a central black stripe, perfectly matching the indices and remaining in excellent condition. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36 mm and showcases Seiko's distinctive grammar of design. The case lines remain sharp and well-defined, with a beautiful contrast between the brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished flanks. The lugs integrate seamlessly into the case body, maintaining a strong, architectural profile. Honest, light signs of wear are present, consistent with careful vintage use, but the case retains its original geometry beautifully. The standout feature is the faceted Hardlex crystal, cut with angular planes that create intriguing optical distortions and reflections, elevating the watch's visual presence. The crystal appears clear and free of major scratches, perfectly showcasing the stunning dial beneath. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference 5216-6020 and serial number 371800. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5216A, a high-beat automatic movement operating at 28,800 bph. This 25-jewel caliber is a hallmark of the "Special" designation, known for its refined engineering and reliability. The movement is visible in the provided photos, displaying clean bridges, a signed rotor, and clear caliber markings. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -18-22s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, featuring a distinctive brick-link design that complements the 1970s aesthetic perfectly. The clasp is signed with the "Seiko LM" logo, confirming its authenticity. The endlinks are stamped "XJB 090". The bracelet shows normal signs of vintage wear but remains structurally sound and visually appealing, offering a comfortable fit up to an 18cm wrist size. Condition This Seiko Lord Matic Special is in excellent vintage condition. The case retains its sharp lines and factory finishes, with only light, age-appropriate handling marks. The dial is the undisputed highlight, remaining exceptionally clean and vibrant. The faceted Hardlex crystal adds immense character, and the original signed bracelet completes this highly collectible package. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 18 cm Remarks This piece offers a rare combination of a flawless gradient dial, a sharp case, and a high-grade 52-series movement. The faceted Hardlex crystal and original bracelet elevate it further, making it a standout example of vintage Seiko design. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was designed to offer premium features and sophisticated styling to a broader audience. The "Special" models, equipped with the advanced 52-series movements, pushed the boundaries of accuracy and refinement within the line. These movements were so highly regarded that they later formed the foundation for the modern 4S caliber family. This particular model, produced in July 1973, perfectly encapsulates an era when Seiko was aggressively innovating both mechanically and aesthetically. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0040