Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-6010 (1973)

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This is a striking example of the Seiko Lord Matic "Special," a high-grade variant from the golden era of Seiko design. Featuring a mesmerizing faceted crystal and a rich tobacco brown gradient dial, this Reference 5216-6010 captures the essence of 1970s funk and precision. The "Special" designation on the dial indicates the use of the superior 5200-series movement, making this not just a style icon but a horologically significant piece for the discerning collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6010 Serial Number: 3N1642 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Gradient brown with faceted crystal Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel with Gold-Tone Bezel Production Year: November 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honestly with visible wear to the bezel plating, while the dial remains in beautiful condition. Timegrapher readings indicate a rate of -32s to -40s/day which indicates reliable movement function. Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a stunning sunburst gradient that transitions from a golden center to a deep tobacco brown periphery. It is adorned with faceted gold-tone applied hour markers that catch the light beautifully. The hands are slender and sharp, complementing the sophisticated layout. The original faceted crystal adds a unique depth and play of light to the watch face, a signature design element of the era. A day and date window is positioned at three o'clock. Case and Crystal The case is crafted from stainless steel with a distinctive gold-tone bezel ring that frames the crystal. The case retains its original lines and geometry. The gold-tone bezel shows visible signs of age and wear, with some plating loss and tarnish that adds to its vintage character. The faceted crystal is intact, showing some light marks consistent with age but allowing for clear visibility of the dial. Movement Powering this watch is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5216A automatic movement. This 25-jewel mechanism is known for its robustness and quality engineering, often cited as the predecessor to the modern 4S movements. It features automatic winding and offers reliable vintage performance. The movement is clean and running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch comes fitted on its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, signed with the Seiko LM logo on the clasp. The bracelet is comfortable and completes the period-correct look of the watch. It fits a wrist circumference of approximately 19 cm. Condition This piece is in good vintage condition. The most notable sign of age is the wear and patina on the gold-tone bezel, which gives the watch an honest and lived-in appearance. The dial remains well-preserved and attractive. The case shows normal surface marks from use over the decades. The movement is functioning, with timegrapher results showing a deviation of -32s to -40s/day. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage proportion that sits elegantly on the wrist. Remarks The Lord Matic Special is a step up from the standard LM series, offering higher specifications and often more adventurous designs. This specific reference, with its faceted crystal and two-tone aesthetic, is a fantastic representation of 1970s Japanese watchmaking. It is a wearable conversation piece that balances distinct style with horological history. History The Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was introduced in 1968 and positioned between the mass-market models and the high-end Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. The "Special" variants, introduced later, utilized the 5200 series movements, which were high-beat, high-quality calibers designed at the Daini Seikosha factory. These movements are historically significant as they formed the basis for the resurrected 4S mechanical calibers in the 1990s, cementing the Lord Matic Special's place in Seiko's illustrious mechanical timeline. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0018