Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5216-6030 - Men - 1974

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This captivating Seiko Lord Matic Special from the mid-1970s embodies the daring and sophisticated design language of its era. Featuring a highly textured dial, an angular case profile, and a reliable high-grade automatic caliber, this timepiece offers collectors a striking example of vintage Japanese horology with genuine character and historical appeal. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6030 Serial Number: 415074 Movement: Seiko Caliber 5216A Automatic, 23 Jewels Dial: Blue textured dial with applied faceted indices, showing prominent patina and oxidation around the outer perimeter Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Fair vintage condition with honest wear and distinct dial edge aging Dial and Hands The striking blue dial features a complex, deeply textured crosshatch pattern that interacts beautifully with the light. It is adorned with prominent applied faceted indices, featuring distinct gold-toned block accents at the 12, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, complemented by the applied Seiko and Lord Matic Special logos. A cleanly framed day-date aperture sits at the 3 o'clock position. Close visual inspection reveals prominent, heavy patina, discoloration, and oxidation along the very outer perimeter of the dial and the rehaut, indicating past moisture exposure and adding a heavily aged vintage character. The baton hands feature central white inserts and exhibit visible surface oxidation, spotting, and aging consistent with the watch's history. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel case showcases Seiko's classic 1970s angular design language, featuring a sharply faceted lug profile and a dynamic mix of brushed upper surfaces and polished flanks. The case retains much of its original factory geometry but displays honest, clear signs of wear, including surface scratches, scuffs, and minor nicks throughout the bezel and lugs. The watch is fitted with a faceted crystal that enhances the dial's three-dimensional texture, presenting clearly but showing light surface wear and edge marks upon close inspection. The solid screw-down caseback is sharply engraved with the Seiko logo, the Suwa factory symbol, and the serial number, exhibiting typical scratches from wear and previous opening attempts. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 5216A automatic movement, featuring 23 jewels. Visible in the provided reference photographs, the movement displays a clean rotor, classic Seiko industrial finishing, and clear caliber engravings. Operational condition. Timegrapher results reflect current performance; the movement is running and operational, recording -76 to -81 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a black leather strap featuring contrasting stitching and a standard steel pin buckle, complementing the vibrant blue dial while providing a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. Condition This Seiko is presented in fair vintage condition. The case remains structurally sound with well-defined lines but shows expected daily wear and surface scratches. The dial's central texture remains vibrant, though the heavy patina and oxidation around the outer edge and on the hands are clearly visible and must be noted. The faceted crystal presents well overall, and the watch retains a strong presence on the wrist. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic Special series represents a high point in Seiko's 1970s mid-tier offerings, frequently featuring superior movements and highly experimental dial designs. This 5216-powered example, with its incredible textured blue dial, faceted crystal, and striking applied indices, is a wonderful testament to the era's bold aesthetic choices and mechanical ambition. History Introduced in the late 1960s and flourishing through the 1970s, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko ranges, offering exceptional build quality and advanced calibers to the discerning public. The "Special" designation marked a premium tier within the LM family, utilizing the robust and highly capable 52-series movements. Produced by the legendary Suwa Seikosha factory, these watches are celebrated today for their reliability, sophisticated case architecture, and adventurous dial executions. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-LXX-0020