Seiko - Lord Matic Special - No reserve price - 5216-7080 - Men - 1974

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of Seiko's golden era of watchmaking, the Lord Matic Special represents a mechanical marvel from the legendary Daini factory. Produced during a period of intense internal competition within Seiko, the 5216 caliber is celebrated for its sophistication and enduring architecture. This particular piece showcases a striking gold-tone aesthetic paired with a pristine dial, offering collectors a chance to own a historically significant and visually arresting vintage Japanese timepiece. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-7080 Serial Number: 4N0064 Movement: Automatic caliber 5216A, 23 jewels Dial: Silvery-white dial with applied gold-tone indices, presenting in stunningly clean condition with crisp typography Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated (SGP) with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1974 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest plating wear and an exceptionally well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Lord Matic Special is a masterclass in 1970s Seiko design, presenting in exceptionally clean and well-preserved condition. The silvery-white surface features a subtle finish that catches the light beautifully, providing a perfect backdrop for the applied gold-tone baton indices. Each index is detailed with a stark black central stripe, a motif that is perfectly echoed by the matching gold-tone handset. The applied Seiko and LM logos stand proud on the dial, while the printed Daini Seikosha lightning bolt and Special 23 Jewels text remain factory crisp with no visible print loss, staining, or degradation. The framed day-date aperture at three o'clock displays English and Kanji text, adding to the authentic Japanese domestic market appeal. Case and Crystal The 34mm gold-plated case features a classic tonneau silhouette characteristic of the era. The case lines remain defined, though the watch displays honest signs of vintage wear, including visible plating loss and brassing along the sharpest edges of the lugs and the lower case flanks. This wear is consistent with its age and speaks to its history of use while maintaining a strong presence on the wrist. The crown is neatly tucked into the case profile, and the stainless steel screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference and serial numbers. The crystal protects the dial clearly, showing minimal surface wear and allowing an unobstructed view of the pristine dial below. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Daini-produced Seiko caliber 5216A automatic movement, clearly marked on the rotor alongside its 23-jewel count. This high-grade caliber was a significant technological achievement for Seiko, later serving as the foundation for modern high-end movements. The movement presents cleanly in the provided images, with the rotor and bridges showing appropriate vintage character and light surface age. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher records a performance of -45 to -51 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome dark brown leather strap, featuring striking yellow contrast stitching that perfectly complements the gold-tone case and dial accents. The strap is supple and secured with a matching gold-tone pin buckle, providing a comfortable and stylish fit ready for daily wear. Condition This Seiko is presented in good vintage condition. The case exhibits noticeable, honest plating wear and surface marks indicative of regular enjoyment over the decades, particularly on the lug tips and case edges. Conversely, the dial remains in near-mint condition, free from notable spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration, serving as the absolute visual highlight of the watch. The hands and applied furniture are equally excellent, retaining their original luster and sharp detailing. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and refined vintage proportion suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Lord Matic Special series represents a sweet spot in vintage Seiko collecting, offering high-grade Daini movements wrapped in timeless designs. This example, with its beautifully preserved dial and character-rich case, is a testament to the enduring appeal of 1970s Japanese horology and makes a compelling addition to any focused collection. History Introduced in the late 1960s and peaking in the 1970s, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko tiers, offering exceptional quality to the discerning public. The Special designation denotes the use of the higher-beat 5200 series calibers developed by the Daini Seikosha factory. These movements were so fundamentally well-engineered that Seiko resurrected the architecture decades later to form the basis of the modern 4S caliber family, cementing the legacy of watches exactly like this one. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAL-0033