Seiko - Lord Matic Special 王霞 (Ō Kasumi) – Royal Haze - No reserve price - 5216-7080 - Men - 1974

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a superb example of the Seiko Lord Matic Special, a high-grade variant within the famous Lord Matic line that represents the pinnacle of Seiko's mid-tier luxury offerings from the 1970s. Powered by the sophisticated 5216 movement and presented in a striking gold-plated case with its original signed bracelet, this timepiece combines technical excellence with distinct vintage elegance. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-7080 Serial Number: 494790 Movement: Seiko Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents a nearly flawless dial and a sharp case with honest wear, offering a very attractive overall appearance. Please note, the crown works as intented, it is just pushed out on the pictures. Dial and Hands The dial features a beautiful silver sunburst finish that has been preserved in outstanding condition, free from spotting or patina. It is adorned with applied gold-tone baton indices and matching hands, creating a cohesive and legible layout. The day and date window at the three o'clock position is framed in gold tone, adding a touch of refinement. The applied "Seiko" and "LM" logos are crisp, and the "Special" text remains sharp, indicating the high-beat movement within. Case and Crystal The case is finished in gold plating and retains the sharp, faceted geometry typical of Seiko's 1970s design language. While there are surface scratches and handling marks visible throughout the case and bezel consistent with its age, the gold plating remains largely intact and vibrant. The case back is clean with sharp engravings detailing the reference and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and presents well, offering an unobstructed view of the pristine dial. Movement Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5216A automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement was an upgrade over the standard 56-series movements, known for its reliability and "Special" high-beat designation. The movement appears clean and offers reliable vintage performance. Timegrapher testing shows the watch is running between -26 and -30 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch comes fitted on its original gold-plated multi-link bracelet, a rare and desirable feature for collectors. The clasp is signed with the embossed "LM" logo. The bracelet shows surface wear and some flexibility matching the condition of the case but remains structurally sound and comfortable. It is currently sized to fit a wrist of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This piece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the highlight, appearing virtually untouched. The case and bracelet show honest signs of wear with scratches expected from a watch of this era, but no significant dents or plating loss that detracts from the overall beauty. The movement is functioning correctly. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that sits elegantly on the wrist, suitable for both formal occasions and daily wear. Remarks The Lord Matic Special is a significant model in Seiko's history, as the 5200-series movement inside served as the architectural basis for the revived 4S high-end movements in the 1990s. Finding a "Special" variant with such a clean dial and its original bracelet is becoming increasingly difficult. This watch offers a perfect blend of horological history and 1970s style. History Seiko introduced the Lord Matic (LM) line in 1968, positioning it as a sophisticated offering just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. It became one of the brand's most successful series, bringing high-quality automatic movements and superior case finishing to a wider audience. The "Special" designation was reserved for the top-tier models in the range, featuring upgraded movements and enhanced build quality, cementing Seiko's reputation as a world-class manufacture during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0026