Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-7040 (1975)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special is a vibrant testament to the bold design language of the 1970s, combining horological quality with striking aesthetics. Distinguished by its deep burgundy sunburst dial and faceted crystal, this timepiece captures the light beautifully and stands out on the wrist. The "Special" designation indicates the presence of a higher-grade movement from the 52 series, which is highly regarded by collectors for its robust engineering and historical significance as a predecessor to modern high-end Seiko calibers. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-7040 Serial Number: 513210 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5206A Dial: Burgundy Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1975 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear consistent with its age, while the dial remains in excellent preservation. Timegrapher results indicate the movement is functioning. Dial and Hands The dial is the centerpiece of this watch, featuring a rich burgundy tone with a sunburst finish that shifts in color depending on the lighting. It is adorned with applied silver baton indices and a framed day-date window at the three o'clock position. The hands are slender and polished, complementing the clean layout. The text "LM Special" and the Daini factory lightning bolt logo are crisp and clearly legible above the six o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the sharp, angular geometry typical of Seiko's "Grammar of Design" era, offering a distinct profile on the wrist. A defining feature of this model is the original faceted crystal, which has multiple planes cut into the glass to reflect light in a prismatic effect. The case shows surface scratches and marks throughout, consistent with honest vintage usage. Movement Powering the watch is a Seiko automatic movement, visible in the photos with the rotor signed "5206A". This series of movements is celebrated for its quality and durability. The movement appears clean, and timegrapher testing provided indicates a rate of approximately +48 to +56 seconds per day, which indicates the watch is running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a stainless steel multi-link bracelet that suits the retro aesthetic perfectly. The clasp functions correctly, and the bracelet currently fits a wrist size of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case and bracelet display visible surface scratches and signs of wear expected from a watch produced in the mid-1970s. The dial is very well preserved, retaining its vibrant color without noticeable staining or damage. The faceted crystal is intact, though it may show minor wear on the edges upon close inspection. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, making it a classic mid-sized dress watch. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Lord Matic Special is a step up from the standard Lord Matic line, offering a higher beat rate movement and often more adventurous designs. This specific example, with its faceted crystal and red dial, represents the fun and expressive side of 1970s Japanese watchmaking. History Produced in January of 1975, this watch hails from the golden era of Seiko mechanical watchmaking, just as the quartz revolution was taking hold. The Lord Matic series sat just below King Seiko in the hierarchy, offering exceptional value and finishing. The 52 series movement inside this "Special" variant is historically significant as it later served as the architectural basis for the renewed 4S mechanical movements used in premium Seiko models in the 1990s. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLX-0028