Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-6020 (1973)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Here is an exceptional example of 1970s Japanese design flair, blending a stunning fumé dial with a rare faceted crystal. This Seiko Lord Matic Special represents the higher tier of the Lord Matic line, featuring the highly regarded 5216 movement which later became the foundation for Seiko's premium 4S calibers. The combination of the chocolate-bronze sunburst dial, the gold-tone indices, and the light-catching cut glass crystal creates a visual spectacle that is distinctively vintage yet timelessly elegant. It is a piece that speaks to the "Grammar of Design" era while offering a unique character that modern watches rarely replicate. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6020 Serial Number: 3N6417 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Brown Sunburst Fumé Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The case retains sharp lines with honest wear, while the dial remains in pristine condition. The faceted crystal is well-preserved, making this a collector-grade example. Dial and Hands The dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, presenting a deep brown-to-bronze sunburst fumé finish that darkens towards the edges. It is adorned with multi-faceted gold-tone applied hour markers that complement the gold-tone baton hands. The dial is clean and free of staining or heavy patina. The watch features a day-date complication at the 3 o'clock position, equipped with a bilingual English and Kanji day wheel, a desirable feature for collectors. The distinct faceted (cut glass) crystal distorts the light beautifully across the dial face, adding depth and character. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinct 1970s geometry with a brushed top surface and polished sides. The case lines remain well-defined, preserving the original silhouette. There are visible surface scratches and handling marks consistent with age, particularly on the polished bezel and caseback, but no deep dings that detract from the overall aesthetic. The faceted crystal appears clear and sharp, a rare find as these unique crystals are often prone to heavy wear. Movement Powering the watch is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5216A automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels. This "Special" grade movement is historically significant for its high quality and durability. It features hacking seconds and hand-winding capabilities. Timegrapher testing shows -23 to -40 seconds per day, indicating an active movement offering vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a textured brown leather strap featuring contrast stitching. The strap is in very good condition and complements the warm tones of the bronze dial perfectly, giving the watch a sophisticated, ready-to-wear appeal. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is flawless, preserving the "Special" and "LM" branding crisply. The case shows normal signs of use with light scratches but retains its architectural integrity. The faceted crystal is in very good condition, allowing for excellent legibility and light play. Dimensions Case width: 36 mm Lugs: Standard vintage width, accommodating the fitted leather strap comfortably. Remarks The Lord Matic Special "52" series is becoming increasingly sought after by collectors who recognize it as a technical superior to the standard 56-series Lord Matics. Finding one with a clean brown dial and a faceted crystal in this condition is becoming difficult. This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a piece of Seiko history that looks as good on the wrist today as it did in 1973. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line sat just below the King Seiko in the brand's hierarchy, offering high-quality automatic movements and sophisticated designs. The "Special" designation on this model indicates the use of the 5200-series movement, a high-beat capable caliber designed by Daini Seikosha. This movement architecture was so robust that Seiko resurrected it in the 1990s as the 4S premium caliber, cementing the 5216's legacy as one of the finest mass-produced movements of the vintage era. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLN-0008