Seiko - LM Special - Sans prix de réserve - 5216-7040 - Homme - 1974

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This remarkable 1974 Seiko LM Special exemplifies the daring and sophisticated design language of Daini Seikosha during the golden era of Japanese watchmaking. Boasting a mesmerizing textured gradient dial and an intricate faceted crystal, this timepiece captures the essence of vintage Seiko charm. The 5216 movement represents a pinnacle of Seiko's automatic caliber development before the quartz crisis fully took hold, making this an exceptional find for the discerning collector seeking both mechanical pedigree and striking aesthetics. Brand: Seiko Model: LM Special Reference Number: 5216-7040 Serial Number: 403100 Movement: Automatic caliber 5216A, 23 jewels Dial: Amber gradient with vertical brushing, pristine condition with applied faceted indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Stunning vintage condition with exceptionally preserved case lines and a flawless dial Dial and Hands The dial is an absolute visual masterpiece, featuring a rich amber to deep brown gradient fumé effect that darkens elegantly toward the outer edges. This captivating color is further enhanced by a fine vertical brushed texture that catches the light dynamically from every angle. The dial furniture includes applied silver-toned faceted baton indices with crisp white center channels, perfectly matched by the applied Seiko and LM logos. The printed typography, including the AUTOMATIC and SPECIAL 23 JEWELS text alongside the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo, remains impeccably sharp. A gold-toned inner tension ring frames the dial beautifully. The faceted baton hands feature matching white center stripes and are accompanied by a slender sweeping seconds hand. A cleanly framed day-date aperture at the three o'clock position displays both English and Kanji days. The dial is in outstanding condition, remaining exceptionally clean and entirely free from spotting, moisture marks, discoloration, or surface degradation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a bold, angular tonneau profile characteristic of 1970s Seiko design. The lug profile retains remarkable sharpness, showcasing distinct factory chamfers and a beautifully defined transition between the horizontally brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks. The hooded lug design integrates seamlessly with the bracelet. Protecting the dial is a striking faceted crystal, which features distinct vertical flat planes that create incredible visual depth and distortion effects unique to this era. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the Seiko branding, water resistance markings, reference number 5216-7040, and serial number 403100. The case shows only light, honest handling marks consistent with careful vintage wear, maintaining brilliant structural integrity overall. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Daini Seikosha automatic caliber 5216A, featuring 23 jewels. Visually, the movement is exceptionally clean, displaying bright rhodium-plated surfaces, a well-preserved rotor, and crisp factory engravings filled with red text. This sophisticated caliber features a quickset day and date mechanism alongside hand-winding capabilities. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher readings indicate a deviation of -23 to -31 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, which perfectly complements the angular geometry of the case. The folding clasp is proudly stamped with the raised Seiko LM branding, confirming its originality. The bracelet shows normal, age-consistent wear with light surface scuffs but remains structurally secure, highly comfortable, and ready for daily wear. It accommodates a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in stunning vintage condition. The dial is preserved immaculately, showing no signs of deterioration or unwanted patina. The case retains its factory-intended sharpness, with crisp brushing and defined edges that have not been lost to heavy polishing. The faceted crystal is well-preserved, and the original bracelet completes this highly collectible package. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown. The integrated bracelet is sized to accommodate a wrist of up to 17.5 cm. Remarks Finding a Seiko LM Special with a flawless gradient dial and an intact faceted crystal is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the amber textured dial, the intricate light play of the crystal, and the presence of the original signed bracelet makes this an incredibly compelling acquisition. It is a watch that commands attention on the wrist while offering serious horological substance inside. History The Lord Matic line was introduced by Seiko in 1968, positioned as a premium offering just below the elite King Seiko and Grand Seiko collections. The LM Special variants were specifically produced by the Daini Seikosha factory and were equipped with the advanced 52-series automatic calibers. These movements were celebrated for their high-beat precision, micro-regulation capabilities, and robust architecture. The 52-series was so highly regarded by Seiko engineers that its foundational design was later resurrected in the 1990s to create the modern 4S family of mechanical calibers, cementing the LM Special's legacy in Seiko's rich watchmaking history. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0038