Seiko - Lord Matic Special "Gradient Deep Blue" 虚光 – Kyokō – Ethereal Light - 5216-6020 - Men - 1974

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Lord Matic Special is a quintessential example of 1970s Japanese design daring, combining high-grade mechanical engineering with bold aesthetics. Featuring a mesmerizing faceted crystal that plays with light over a deep blue gradient dial, this reference 5216-6020 is a collector's favorite. The "Special" designation indicates a higher grade movement from the Daini Seikosha factory, making this not just a style statement but a horological gem. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6020 Serial Number: 430164 Movement: Automatic Cal. 5216A Dial: Blue gradient Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear and a well-preserved dial. Timegrapher readings indicate the movement is running within vintage tolerances at +16 to +22 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement. Please notice, that on the pictures the crown is pulled out, so everything is perfectly normal. Dial and Hands The dial is a stunning deep blue that features a subtle gradient effect, darkening towards the outer edges to create depth. It is adorned with tall, multifaceted applied hour markers that catch the light beautifully. The gold-tone "LM" and "Special" text at the 6 o'clock position provides an elegant contrast against the blue sunburst finish. The original hands are sharp and clean, maintaining excellent legibility. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case follows Seiko's "Grammar of Design" philosophy with sharp, angular lines and a mix of brushed and polished surfaces that remain crisp. The most striking feature of this model is the original faceted cut-glass crystal, which features multiple geometric planes that refract light and distort the dial elements in a unique, artistic manner. The case edges are well-defined, showing only light handling marks consistent with careful usage. Movement Powering this watch is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5216A automatic movement with 25 jewels. This movement is from the "Special" range, known for its higher quality construction compared to the standard LM models, and it features both hacking and hand-winding capabilities. It offers reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch comes fitted with its original Seiko LM signed stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet features a classic multi-link design that is comfortable on the wrist and retains its original clasp with the LM logo embossed. It accommodates a wrist size of approximately 17.5 cm. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is flawless with no visible staining or aging. The distinctive faceted crystal is clear and attractive. The case retains its original factory geometry with sharp lines, showing only minor hairline scratches typical of a watch from this era. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage proportion that wears comfortably on the wrist. Remarks The 5216 "Special" series is highly regarded among collectors because the movement inside is a direct ancestor to the high-end 4S movements Seiko revived in the 1990s. The combination of this technical pedigree with the eccentric faceted crystal makes this specific reference a highly desirable piece of 1970s horology. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Lord Matic line was positioned just below Grand Seiko and King Seiko, offering high-quality automatic watches to the upwardly mobile public. The "Special" line was introduced later in the production run to offer upgraded movements with higher beat rates and better adjustment, representing the pinnacle of the Lord Matic range before the quartz revolution transformed the industry. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SLS-0032