Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-6050 (1973)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Lord Matic Special represents a fascinating era of Japanese horology, where ambitious mechanical engineering met bold, expressive design. Positioned as a premium offering in the 1970s, the Lord Matic Special line utilized high-grade movements from the Daini Seikosha factory, paired with some of the most striking dial and crystal combinations of the decade. This particular example perfectly encapsulates that vibrant vintage character, offering a compelling blend of mechanical pedigree and undeniable visual flair. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6050 Serial Number: 305411 Movement: Seiko Caliber 5216A Automatic, 23 Jewels Dial: Blue dial with a vertical two-tone effect, applied faceted indices, showing light aging on the hardware Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Date: October 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition with sharp case lines and an exceptionally striking dial presence Dial and Hands The watch features a captivating blue dial characterized by a distinct vertical two-tone effect, shifting dynamically under different lighting conditions to create a striking visual split. It is adorned with applied, heavily faceted indices that incorporate gold-tone accents at the primary quarters, adding a touch of refined contrast against the cool blue backdrop. The applied, serif-style Seiko logo and the golden Lord Matic Special emblem are crisp and prominent. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at the 3 o'clock position. The dial surface itself remains remarkably clean and vibrant, though close loupe inspection reveals some honest aging and light tarnishing on the metallic index surfaces, consistent with the watch's vintage nature. The faceted baton hands, featuring black central stripes, are well-preserved, free of major oxidation, and complement the dial's sharp geometric aesthetic perfectly. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case retains strong, well-defined lines and sharp lug profiles, indicative of careful wear over the decades. The transition between the polished bezel and the brushed upper lug surfaces remains visible, showcasing the original factory geometry. The case flanks and bezel show expected light handling marks and superficial scratches typical of a vintage timepiece, but no major dings or structural damage are present. The watch is fitted with a striking faceted crystal that dramatically enhances the dial's visual depth and plays with the light. The crystal exhibits some minor surface wear and faint scratches upon close inspection, but it remains highly legible and structurally sound. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers, remaining crisp and easily readable. Movement Inside beats the Seiko Caliber 5216A automatic movement, a highly regarded 23-jewel mechanism known for its reliability and high-beat performance in the Lord Matic Special line. The movement displays expected signs of age, including noticeable spotting and surface patina across the winding rotor and the main bridges, though the red engraved lettering remains clear. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a performance of 42 to 50 s/d. Strap The watch is presented on a period-correct black textured leather strap, detailed with prominent white contrast stitching that highlights the case's sharp lines. The strap is in excellent, lightly worn condition, offering a supple feel, and secures comfortably to the wrist with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case remains sharp with honest, age-appropriate wear, while the dial is beautifully preserved with only minor aging visible on the applied hardware. The faceted crystal and distinctive two-tone dial combination make for a highly compelling vintage presence on the wrist. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Seiko Lord Matic Special occupies a beloved space in vintage Seiko collecting, offering the robust architecture of Daini Seikosha's 52xx series movements wrapped in adventurous 1970s styling. The faceted crystal and optical two-tone blue dial on this specific reference capture the era's bold design language flawlessly, making it a standout piece for any enthusiast of classic Japanese watchmaking. 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 quality and innovative designs to the discerning public. The "Special" designation was reserved for models powered by the advanced 52xx series calibers, which featured a higher beat rate and tighter factory tolerances. These watches cemented the Lord Matic's status as a premium offering in Seiko's historical catalog, bridging the gap between everyday reliability and high-end horological performance. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLX-0061