Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-6010 (1973)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special is a standout example of 1970s Japanese watchmaking, featuring the highly desirable caliber 5216 movement and an iconic faceted crystal. With its sophisticated two-tone bezel and pristine sunburst dial, this timepiece bridges the gap between mid-century elegance and the bold geometry of the 1970s. The "Special" designation on the dial signifies the high-beat movement within, a caliber capable of exceptional performance and a direct ancestor to Seiko's modern high-end movements. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6010 Serial Number: 301479 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel with Gold Plated Bezel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Near-mint vintage condition, showing exceptional preservation with a flawless dial and minimal signs of wear, running within vintage tolerances with timegrapher readings between -11 and -19s/day. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in spectacular condition, free of staining or patina, reflecting light beautifully through the original faceted crystal. The applied indices are sharp and multi-faceted, complemented by the gold "LM" logo and the "Special" lightning bolt insignia. The day and date window at 3 o'clock is framed in steel, contributing to the clean and legible layout. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinct gold-plated bezel ring that adds a touch of luxury to the sporty design. The defining feature of this model is the faceted glass crystal, which is in remarkable condition, creating a prismatic effect that plays with the light at every angle. The case lines remain sharp and well-defined, indicating very careful handling over the decades. Movement Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5216A, a 25-jewel automatic movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour. This "Special" grade movement features hacking and hand-winding capabilities and is running reliably within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results indicating -11 to -19 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet featuring complex links that match the geometric aesthetic of the case. The clasp bears the embossed "LM" logo. The bracelet is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in near-mint condition, presenting as a very fresh example for its age. The dial is flawless, and the faceted crystal is clean. The case shows only the faintest hairline storage marks upon very close inspection, while the caseback engravings remain deep and crisp. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage proportion that sits comfortably on the wrist. Remarks The Lord Matic Special series represents a high point in vintage Seiko collecting, offering movements that were sophisticated enough to arguably rival King Seiko models of the era, housed in designs that are distinctly characteristic of the 1970s. History Introduced in the late 1960s and running through the 1970s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was Seiko's upper-mid-range offering, positioned directly below King Seiko and Grand Seiko. The "Special" models, like this one, were equipped with upgraded 5200-series movements, which were thinner and more advanced than the standard 5600-series found in regular LMs. These movements are historically significant as they later formed the basis for the remarkable 4S15 caliber used in Seiko's renaissance of mechanical watchmaking in the 1990s. /Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0015