Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-6000 (1973)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of 1970s Japanese horological design, this Seiko Lord Matic Special showcases the daring aesthetic experimentation of the era. Characterized by its brilliant gradient blue dial and striking faceted crystal, this timepiece represents the higher-end tier of Seiko's automatic offerings from the Daini Seikosha factory. The dynamic interplay of light across the geometric crystal and the highly elevated dial furniture makes this a truly standout piece for any serious vintage collector seeking authentic retro character combined with robust mechanical pedigree. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6000 Serial Number: 399770 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A, 23 Jewels Dial: Gradient blue sunburst with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with honest signs of wear Dial and Hands The dial is an absolute visual delight, featuring a deep gradient blue sunburst finish that shifts beautifully depending on the light angle. It is remarkably clean, showing no visible spotting, moisture marks, surface damage, or discoloration. The dial furniture includes highly elevated, faceted applied hour markers that perfectly echo the complex geometry of the crystal above them. The applied Seiko and gold-toned LM logos are crisp, accompanied by pristine white typography indicating its Special designation and the Daini Seikosha factory mark. The polished baton hands feature white central inserts and remain sharp, paired with a slender sweeping seconds hand. A framed day and date aperture sits at the three o'clock position, displaying both English and Kanji variations with excellent print clarity. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel cushion case retains strong architectural lines, featuring a broad brushed upper surface that transitions into polished flanks. The case exhibits honest, age-consistent wear, with superficial scratches and handling marks visible across the polished sides and bezel, yet it avoids any severe impacts or deep gouges. The screw-down caseback is well-preserved, with all factory inscriptions, including the Seiko branding, water resistance notation, and the reference and serial numbers, remaining clearly legible. The watch is fitted with a dramatic faceted crystal that elevates the entire aesthetic, presenting multiple flat geometric planes cut into the surface. The crystal shows some light surface scratches consistent with vintage use but remains highly transparent, allowing an unobstructed view of the vibrant dial beneath. Movement Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5216A automatic movement, proudly displaying 23 jewels. The movement is visibly clean, with the rotor and bridges showing clear factory stamping and the distinctive red lettering characteristic of this high-grade caliber. This high-beat movement from the Daini factory was known for its robust architecture and precision. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results reflect a highly capable +16 to +20 seconds per day, confirming its strong mechanical health. Strap The watch is presented on a period-correct stainless steel bracelet with flat, folded links. The endlinks are clearly stamped with the Seiko factory code XGA880, ensuring a tight and proper fit against the cushion case. The bracelet displays normal signs of wear, including light scuffs along the brushed links, and operates with a standard folding clasp. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The timepiece has been carefully preserved, showcasing a near-flawless dial and a case that retains its factory-intended geometry. The wear present on the case, bracelet, and crystal is entirely consistent with careful enjoyment over the decades, presenting a highly honest and attractive vintage aesthetic without any distracting flaws. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 17.5 cm Remarks The combination of the faceted crystal and the gradient blue dial makes this Lord Matic Special a quintessential 1970s statement piece. It offers an incredible blend of striking visual presence and high-quality mechanical engineering from one of Seiko's most innovative eras. History Introduced in the late 1960s and continuing through the 1970s, the Seiko Lord Matic line was positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko tiers, offering exceptional quality and advanced movements to the discerning public. The Special designation, combined with the impressive 52-series movement from Daini Seikosha, marked these specific watches as premium offerings. The daring use of vibrantly colored dials and complex faceted crystals during this period reflected a global shift towards expressive, space-age design, making these exact configurations highly sought after by modern collectors who appreciate the bold and unapologetic styling of the 1970s. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0004