Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-7070 (1975)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This exceptional timepiece represents the pinnacle of Seiko's mid-tier luxury offerings from the 1970s, combining the vibrant aesthetics of the era with high-performance horology. The Lord Matic "Special" series was a distinct step up from the standard Lord Matic, featuring higher-beat movements and superior finishing that rivaled the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines of the time. This specific example features a rare and highly collectible deep cherry red sunburst dial that plays magnificently with the light, making it a standout addition to any serious vintage collection. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-7070 Serial Number: 590355 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A Dial: Deep Cherry Red Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1975 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch is remarkably preserved with a stunning dial and sharp case geometry, and the movement is running smoothly with timegrapher results showing -8 to -12s/day which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The centerpiece of this watch is the mesmerizing deep red sunburst dial, which remains in pristine condition with no visible staining or damage. It features applied silver baton indices with white inlays that match the slender handset. The dial is adorned with the applied silver "SEIKO" logo, the applied gold "LM" logo distinctive to this series, and the printed "SPECIAL 23 JEWELS" text above the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt emblem. A framed day-date window sits at the three o'clock position, featuring a bilingual calendar wheel. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features the sharp, angular "Grammar of Design" geometry that defined Seiko's best work in the 1970s. The brushed surfaces on the top of the lugs contrast beautifully with the polished sides, and the case edges remain crisp and well-defined, suggesting the watch has seen very careful ownership. There are minor handling marks and light surface scratches consistent with age, but nothing that detracts from the watch's impressive presence. The crystal is clear and free from major distractions, allowing the dial to shine through clearly. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5216A automatic movement. This 23-jewel movement is a "Special" grade mechanism, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (Hi-Beat) for increased accuracy and a smoother sweep of the second hand. It features both hacking (seconds stop when setting time) and hand-winding capabilities, features that were reserved for Seiko's higher-end models during this period. The movement appears clean and presents reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality leather strap with contrasting stitching. The strap is in excellent, appearing new condition and complements the red tones of the dial perfectly, giving the watch a warm and sophisticated look suitable for both casual and dress wear. Condition This example is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is flawless to the naked eye, retaining its original vibrancy. The case preserves its original architectural lines without signs of heavy over-polishing. The movement is functioning well within vintage tolerances as indicated by the timegrapher reading. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, which was the classic standard for men's dress watches of the era. The lug-to-lug length and the faceted case design allow it to wear slightly larger, providing a comfortable and substantial presence on the wrist. Remarks The Lord Matic Special 5216-7070 is a collector's favorite due to the caliber 5200 series movement, which is the direct ancestor of the modern 4S high-end movements used by Credor and Seiko today. Finding one with a flawless red dial is becoming increasingly difficult. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a mechanically superior and visually stunning piece of Japanese horological history. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic (LM) line was positioned just below the King Seiko, offering high-quality automatic watches to the aspiring middle class. The "Special" line, introduced later, bridged the gap even further, utilizing high-beat movements that were essentially detuned King Seiko calibers. The 5216 movement found in this watch is historically significant as one of the last great mechanical calibers designed by Daini Seikosha before the quartz revolution fully took hold, making it a "last hurrah" of Seiko's golden age of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0027