Seiko - LM Special - No reserve price - 5216-8020 - Men - 1976

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This exceptional timepiece represents the pinnacle of Seiko's mid-tier luxury offerings from the 1970s. The Lord Matic "Special" series was a step above the standard LM, featuring higher-grade movements and more sophisticated finishing that rivaled the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines of the era. With its sharp "Grammar of Design" case architecture and high-grade Daini movement, this watch is a coveted piece for collectors who appreciate the golden age of Japanese watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: LM Special Reference Number: 5216-8020 Serial Number: 605179 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Silver vertically brushed Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: October 1976 Condition: Stunning vintage condition, showing sharp factory lines and a pristine dial, timegrapher readings show +47 to +49 seconds per day which indicates a healthy running movement. Dial and Hands The watch features a sophisticated silver dial with a subtle vertically brushed texture that plays beautifully with the light. It is adorned with applied multifaceted baton hour markers featuring black inlays for contrast. The hands are sharp, polished batons that match the indices perfectly. A framed day and date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The dial is signed with the applied "SEIKO" and gold "LM" logos, along with "Special" and the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt symbol, indicating its high-quality origins. The text remains crisp and legible, contributing to the watch's premium appearance. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is a prime example of Seiko's distinct 1970s design language, featuring sharp, faceted lugs and a blend of brushed and polished surfaces. The edges remain well-defined, suggesting the watch has been cared for meticulously. The crown is recessed slightly into the case side for a streamlined profile. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference number, serial number, and water-resistant markings, all of which are deep and legible. The crystal is clear and free from distracting marks, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5216A automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement is historically significant as part of the "52 stream" from the Daini factory, which was later resurrected as the basis for the high-end 4S movements in the 1990s. The movement features a signed rotor and presents cleanly, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black leather strap featuring contrasting white cross-stitching near the lugs. This strap choice adds a sporty yet elegant touch that complements the monochromatic silver tones of the watch head, making it suitable for both casual and formal wear. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved with no visible staining or damage. The case retains its original geometry with sharp bevels and minimal signs of handling. The movement is functioning, with timegrapher results indicating a rate of approximately +47 to +49 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36 mm excluding the crown, the watch offers classic vintage proportions that sit comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug design allows it to wear slightly larger, providing a substantial presence without being overbearing. Remarks The Seiko LM Special 5216-8020 is a remarkable example of why vintage Seikos are so highly valued today. It bridges the gap between the everyday workhorse and the high-luxury pieces, offering a movement quality that is exceptional for its class. The 5216 caliber allows for hand-winding and hacking, features that were considered premium at the time. History Introduced in the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was essential in solidifying Seiko's dominance in the automatic watch market. The "Special" designation was reserved for models with upgraded movements running at higher beat rates or featuring superior adjustment capabilities. This specific model hails from the Daini Seikosha division, a rivalry within Seiko that drove innovation and quality control to new heights during this period. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0048