Seiko - Lord Matic Special "Gradient Blue Sunburst" 絢映 – Ken’ei – Vivid Reflection - No reserve price - 5216-6050 - Men - 1973

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This vibrant 1973 Seiko Lord Matic Special is a definitive example of Seiko's adventurous 1970s design language, combining a high-grade automatic movement with striking aesthetics. Featuring a deep blue sunburst dial and a faceted crystal that plays with light from every angle, this reference 5216-6050 represents the "Special" tier of the LM line, which utilized higher-spec movements often compared to King Seiko calibers of the era. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6050 Serial Number: 306899 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Blue Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear consistent with its age, particularly on the faceted crystal, but retains a strong case profile and a pristine dial. Timegrapher results indicate -16 to -22 seconds per day, which indicates reliable vintage performance. Dial and Hands The dial is the standout feature of this timepiece, presenting a rich, vivid blue sunburst finish that remains in excellent condition. It features distinctive applied block indices with gold-tone accents at the cardinal points, adding a subtle touch of luxury. The hands are clean and sharp. The "LM Special" branding and the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo are crisp and legible. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the sharp "Grammar of Design" lines characteristic of high-end Seikos from this period. The edges remain distinct. The watch is fitted with its original faceted crystal, a signature of the "Special" and Vanac lines. The crystal shows visible scratches and wear on the facets, which is common for this specific crystal geometry, yet it continues to refract light uniquely across the dial. Movement Powering the watch is the high-grade Caliber 5216A automatic movement, a 23-jewel engine running at 28,800 bph. This movement is historically significant for its durability and capability, offering both hacking and hand-winding features. The movement presents cleanly in the photos and the rotor spins freely. Strap The watch comes on its original stainless steel bracelet, complete with the signed "LM" folding clasp. The bracelet exhibits normal stretch and surface wear consistent with decades of use but matches the case aesthetic perfectly. It is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the faceted crystal displays evident scratches and signs of daily wear, the dial underneath is preserved in stunning condition. The case shows surface marks appropriate for a watch from 1973 but lacks heavy impact damage. The movement is functioning, with timegrapher readings showing a rate of -16 to -22 seconds per day. Dimensions Case diameter is 35 mm excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage fit. The lug-to-lug length ensures it sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks A true collector's piece, this Lord Matic Special bridges the gap between the standard commercial Seiko lines and the premium King Seiko models. The combination of the 5216 Hi-Beat base movement and the eccentric faceted crystal design makes this a highly desirable reference for enthusiasts of Japanese horology. History Introduced in the late 1960s and produced through the 1970s, the Seiko Lord Matic (LM) series was positioned just below the King Seiko in the brand's hierarchy. The "Special" designation was reserved for models equipped with upgraded movements, specifically the 5200 series, which were designed by Daini Seikosha. These movements are renowned among collectors today for their engineering quality and were the predecessors to the movements used in the resurrected King Seiko lines of the 1990s. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0042