Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5216-7060 - Men - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special is a quintessential representation of 1970s Japanese watchmaking, boasting an incredibly bold aesthetic and exceptional mechanical pedigree. The Lord Matic Special line was positioned as a premium offering, utilizing the highly regarded 52-series movements that would later evolve into some of Seiko's finest calibers. What truly sets this particular reference apart is its breathtaking visual presence. The combination of a highly structured, angular case, a dramatic multi-faceted crystal form, and a mesmerizing two-tone vertical gradient dial makes this an outstanding collector's piece. It captures the adventurous design language of the era while maintaining the robust, high-quality engineering that defines vintage Seiko. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-7060 Serial Number: 480254 Movement: Caliber 5216A, 23 Jewels, Automatic Dial: Striking vertical two-tone green and silver gradient dial with applied faceted indices, presenting in exceptionally clean and well-preserved condition. Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an outstandingly preserved dial and sharp case lines. Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic Special is nothing short of spectacular, featuring a striking vertical gradient that transitions from a deep, vibrant green at the outer edges to a brilliant silver-champagne stripe down the center. This bold design is elevated by applied, faceted hour markers that feature black center stripes, perfectly matching the original baton hands. The dial furniture includes an applied golden "LM" logo at six o'clock and an applied "SEIKO" logo at twelve o'clock, both exhibiting a warm, attractive luster. A framed day-date aperture at three o'clock displays a classic Kanji and English day wheel, with a vibrant red Sunday indicator. Close inspection reveals the dial is remarkably well-preserved, remaining entirely clean and free from visible moisture marks, spotting, or surface degradation. The printing, including the "SPECIAL 23 JEWELS" text and the Suwa factory symbol, remains crisp and fully intact. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a distinct tonneau-style architecture characteristic of the 1970s, with a hooded lug design that integrates seamlessly with the bracelet. The case retains excellent definition, showcasing sharp transitions between the brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks. Honest, light handling marks are present, but the case appears largely unpolished, retaining its factory geometry. The watch is fitted with a dramatic, multi-faceted crystal that creates a dynamic play of light over the gradient dial, emphasizing its unique geometric crystal form. The crystal is clear and offers a wonderful viewing experience, though it does exhibit some light edge wear and microscopic flea bites along the facet lines, which is entirely consistent with its vintage age and adds to its authentic character. The screw-down caseback is deeply engraved and fully legible. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5216A, an automatic movement featuring 23 jewels. The 52-series calibers are highly respected among collectors for their sophisticated design and reliable performance, often considered the precursors to modern high-end Seiko movements. Visually, the movement components and bridges are clean, though the winding rotor exhibits some surface spotting and tarnishing typical of natural aging over the decades. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates an excellent deviation of +8 to +11 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is presented on its original stainless steel bracelet, featuring a highly articulated, block-link design that perfectly complements the angular nature of the case. The fold-over clasp is proudly stamped with the "SEIKO LM" branding. The bracelet shows light, age-appropriate surface wear but remains structurally sound and incredibly comfortable on the wrist, completing the cohesive factory aesthetic. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear standout, remaining virtually flawless and incredibly vibrant. The case retains its sharp, original lines with only minor superficial wear. The faceted crystal shows light edge wear consistent with careful use over the past fifty years. The original LM-signed bracelet is well-preserved, and the movement is running with impressive precision. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The integrated lug design and solid link bracelet provide a substantial and highly wearable presence on the wrist. Remarks Finding a vintage Seiko Lord Matic Special with such an exotic dial configuration and its original matching bracelet is becoming increasingly difficult. The vertical green and silver gradient, viewed through the original faceted crystal, offers an unparalleled visual experience that commands attention. This is a superb opportunity to acquire a mechanically sophisticated and aesthetically daring piece of Seiko history. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was designed to sit just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko tiers, offering exceptional quality to the discerning professional. The "Special" designation was later added to denote models equipped with the superior 52-series movements, which featured a higher beat rate and refined micro-regulation. These calibers were developed by the Daini Seikosha factory and proved so robust and capable that their fundamental architecture was revived decades later to form the basis of Seiko's modern 4S family of premium mechanical movements. This lineage makes the LM Special not just a design icon of the 1970s, but a historically significant mechanical milestone for the brand. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLX-0058