Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5216-6050 - Men - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This refined example of the Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a high point in 1970s Japanese watchmaking, combining a sophisticated aesthetic with a high-grade automatic movement. Known for its faceted lug design and textured dial, the Lord Matic Special sits just below King Seiko in the brand's vintage hierarchy, offering exceptional build quality and style. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6050 Serial Number: 413447 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Silver linen texture with day-date complication Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) with Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition. While the case shows evident signs of wear and gold loss consistent with its age, the dial remains in exceptional condition, creating a presentable and attractive vintage piece. Dial and Hands The highlight of this timepiece is the stunning silver dial, which features a subtle vertical linen texture that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied gold-tone baton indices featuring black central inserts, matching the gold-tone handset perfectly for excellent legibility. The dial is signed with the applied "SEIKO" logo at the 12 o'clock position and the "LM Special" insignia with the Suwa Seikosha logo at 6 o'clock. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, featuring both English and Kanji character options. The dial surface is remarkably clean and well-preserved. Case and Crystal The 35mm case is finished in Seiko's gold plating (SGP) and features the sharp, faceted lug design characteristic of the "Grammar of Design" era. As expected with a vintage gold-plated watch of this age, there is noticeable wear to the plating, particularly on the high edges of the lugs and bezel where the base metal is visible. There are surface scratches and handling marks present throughout the case. The stainless steel caseback is screw-down type and all engravings, including the reference and serial numbers, remain crisp and legible. The crystal is clear and presents well. Movement Powering this watch is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5216A, a 23-jewel automatic movement known for its reliability and higher beat rate compared to standard models. The movement features a decorated rotor and is visibly clean. Current timegrapher testing shows a deviation of approximately -56 to -59 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering functional vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic black leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern. The strap is in good condition, soft and pliable, and complements the gold tones of the case and the formal nature of the linen dial. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The grading is a balance between the stunningly preserved dial, which is near-mint, and the case, which shows honest signs of history through plating wear on the lugs and edges. It presents as an authentic, well-loved vintage piece that retains its structural integrity and charm. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, making it a classic dress watch size. The faceted lugs provide a comfortable fit and a distinct profile on the wrist. Remarks The "Special" designation on the dial is not merely cosmetic; it signifies the use of the 5200-series movement, which was a step up from the standard 5600-series found in regular Lord Matics. These movements are celebrated by collectors for their durability and engineering quality, often serving as the base for high-end movements in later decades. This specific reference pairs that mechanical pedigree with a highly attractive linen dial, making it a desirable find for Seiko enthusiasts. History Introduced in the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was Seiko's mid-tier luxury offering, positioned effectively between the everyday durability of the Seiko 5 and the high-end precision of King Seiko and Grand Seiko. The LM Special series, introduced slightly later, incorporated upgraded movements and often more elaborate case and dial designs, cementing its place as a favorite among vintage Japanese watch collectors today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEIDMD0GX0000