Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional timepiece represents the pinnacle of Seiko’s 1970s design philosophy, combining bold aesthetic choices with the highly respected mechanical prowess of the Daini Seikosha factory. The Lord Matic Special line was introduced as a premium offering, bridging the gap between the standard Lord Matic and the prestigious King Seiko collections. This specific example immediately commands attention with its captivating gradient green dial and dramatic faceted crystal, a signature of the era's most daring and expressive watchmaking. The two-tone case execution and advanced 52-series movement make this a deeply compelling acquisition for collectors of significant Japanese horology. Brand: Seiko Model: Lord Matic Special Reference Number: 5216-6010 Serial Number: 3D2656 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5216A, 25 Jewels Dial: Gradient emerald green dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel with gold-tone bezel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, beautifully preserved with a striking dial presence Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in 1970s color execution, featuring a stunning gradient fumé effect that shifts from a brilliant, vibrant green at the center to a deep, dark forest green at the outer edges. The dial condition is exceptional, presenting a clean, even surface free from moisture spots, stains, or degradation. It is adorned with highly polished, applied faceted baton indices that catch the light brilliantly, complemented by the applied silver-tone "SEIKO" and gold-tone "LM" logos. The Daini Seikosha lightning bolt emblem is proudly printed above the six o'clock position, alongside the "SPECIAL 25 JEWELS" designation. A framed day-date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. The faceted dauphine-style hands feature contrasting white central stripes, remaining crisp and highly legible against the dynamic green backdrop. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features classic Seiko architecture, with gently curved upper lugs showcasing brushed finishing that transitions sharply into polished case flanks. A smooth gold-tone bezel rests atop the case, providing a refined two-tone contrast that frames the dial perfectly. The watch is fitted with a striking faceted crystal, characterized by multiple flat planes cut into the surface. This architectural crystal design interacts dynamically with the light, creating fascinating distortions and reflections over the green dial beneath. The case remains in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting honest, light surface wear consistent with careful handling over the decades. The screw-down stainless steel caseback displays clear, legible factory engravings, including the Daini Seikosha logo, reference, and serial numbers, along with expected superficial scratches from previous wear. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5216A, a highly regarded 25-jewel automatic movement produced by the Daini Seikosha division. The movement presents beautifully in the provided images, with the rotor clearly stamped with the caliber designation and jewel count in distinct red lettering. The 52-series movements are celebrated by collectors for their sophisticated engineering and high-beat precision, serving as the foundational architecture for many of Seiko's premium mechanical offerings. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of -50 to -58 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct styled black leather strap, featuring distinctive, heavy-gauge contrast stitching in alternating white and vibrant orange-yellow tones. This bold strap choice perfectly complements the vibrant dial and is secured by a polished gold-tone pin buckle that ties nicely into the watch's bezel. Condition This Lord Matic Special survives in excellent vintage condition. The dial is a standout feature, remaining immaculately preserved with no visible flaws, completely retaining its vibrant gradient coloration. The faceted crystal provides incredible visual depth and remains highly presentable. The case and bezel show normal, acceptable signs of vintage wear, retaining strong lines and original finishing characteristics without any heavy impacts or distracting damage. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The proportions are classically restrained, allowing the dramatic dial and crystal to command presence on the wrist without wearing overly large. Remarks Finding a Lord Matic Special with a flawless gradient dial and an intact faceted crystal is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the Daini 5216 caliber, the striking emerald green coloration, and the two-tone case makes this a highly charismatic and collectible vintage Seiko. History The Seiko Lord Matic (LM) line was introduced in 1968, but the "Special" designation elevated the collection to new heights in the early 1970s. Manufactured by Daini Seikosha, the LM Special utilized the advanced 52-series movements, which operated at higher beat rates and featured refined day-date mechanisms compared to the standard 56-series LM models. These watches were designed to offer near-King Seiko levels of mechanical sophistication while embracing the bold, colorful, and highly faceted design language that defined the 1970s. Today, the 52-series movement is so highly regarded that Seiko revived its core architecture decades later for their modern 4S movement family, cementing the LM Special's legacy in the brand's mechanical history. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SAL-0045