Seiko - LM Special - No reserve price - 5216-6040 - Men - 1973

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This sought-after 1973 Seiko LM Special commands attention with its striking brown vertically striped dial and distinctive faceted crystal configuration. Powered by the highly regarded high-beat 5216 automatic movement and featuring a desirable dual-language English and Kanji day wheel, this specific watch offers a visually dynamic and mechanically sophisticated experience for the discerning collector. Brand: Seiko Model: LM Special Reference Number: 5216-6040 Serial Number: 386804 Movement: Seiko caliber 5216A automatic, 23 jewels Dial: Brown vertically striped texture with applied indices and English/Kanji day-date Case Size: 36mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +10+15s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The exceptionally clean and visually dynamic dial features a striking brown vertically striped texture that plays beautifully with the light. Applied Seiko and LM logos remain remarkably crisp, complementing the clean applied indices fitted with white inserts. The dial surface is completely free of visible spotting, staining, or significant degradation. Well-preserved baton hands feature matching white inserts that pair perfectly with the dial furniture, showing only minimal signs of oxidation. A desirable English and Kanji dual-language day-date aperture rests cleanly at the three o'clock position. Case and Crystal Presented in honest vintage condition, the stainless steel case retains its original geometry, featuring brushed top surfaces that transition into polished flanks. A polished integrated bezel ring surrounds the dial, showing moderate surface scratches consistent with the rest of the case. The edges and faceted lugs remain reasonably sharp and well-defined, exhibiting minor handling wear expected with age. An unsigned, partially recessed crown sits at three o'clock, with its fluting fully intact. Above the dial rests a distinctive vertically faceted crystal that adds immense depth and character to the watch, showing some minor surface scratches and dust under direct light while remaining overall clear. Movement Inside beats the Seiko caliber 5216A automatic movement, marked with 23 jewels. The movement appears generally clean, displaying some minor spotting and surface wear visible on the rotor. The raw timegrapher result is +10+15s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct stainless steel folded link bracelet that suits the aesthetic perfectly. The bracelet shows normal wear and surface scratches consistent with the rest of the watch, accommodating a maximum wrist size of 18.5cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial and hands are exceptionally well-preserved, remaining free of significant aging or degradation. The stainless steel case and integrated bezel ring show moderate surface scratches and handling marks, while the faceted lugs retain good definition. The distinctive faceted crystal displays minor surface scratches but remains clear. The period correct bracelet exhibits normal age-related wear. The movement displays minor surface wear on the rotor, and with a timegrapher reading of +10+15s/day, the watch is performing remarkably well. Dimensions The case measures 36mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This LM Special stands out through its highly attractive brown striped dial and original faceted crystal, creating a superb visual presence on the wrist. The inclusion of a high-beat automatic movement and a Kanji day wheel makes this an extremely compelling configuration for collectors of 1970s Japanese horology. History Introduced in the late 1960s and peaking in the 1970s, the Seiko Lord Matic line was positioned just below the Grand Seiko and King Seiko families, offering exceptional finishing and advanced mechanical capabilities. The LM Special designation indicated a step up in performance, utilizing the high-beat 5200 series calibers developed by Daini Seikosha. The caliber 5216 in particular is highly respected by collectors for its technical refinement, operating at 28,800 beats per hour and featuring a day-date mechanism. Watches from this era featuring vibrant textured dials and faceted crystals represent a highly creative and beloved period of Seiko design. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1QGSABH000