1973 Seiko LM Special 5216-6040

THE WATCH

Here we have a beautiful 1973 Seiko Lord Matic Special 5216-6040, a model made exclusively for the Japanese Domestic Market.  The Lord Matic Specials are becoming increasingly difficult to find in good condition, and they've grown highly desirable especially among Seiko collectors thanks to their distinctive crystals, unique dial colors, and high-beat movements. The original bracelets are also well regarded for their unusual link design and integrated styling that capture the era perfectly. The "Special" designation on the dial refers to the higher grade 28,800 bph movement inside, a true high beat caliber that set this model line apart.  The JDM 5216 movements are more sought after versus the 5206 calibers due to the slightly higher quality, and the ability to hack and quick set an English and Kanji day-date. The watch is housed in a sharp, and well preserved angular stainless steel case, true to the 1970's design language, and topped with a flat mineral crystal. The highlight here is the stunning green dial with vertical striping which really pop in the light and stand out on the wrist. The dial is in fantastic original condition with little to no signs of aging. The applied indices and hands remain sharp, with the golden markers at twelve and six adding a subtle but eye catching contrast against the steel markers.  The LM and Special lettering on the dial also standout in a beautiful gold tone.  The the way the facets and markers play with the light on the piece, you would think it is approaching Grand Seiko like execution. The original push/pull crown is intact, and the period correct and hard to find bracelet is so cool with it's distinctly 1970's design.  The bracelet also presents in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of wear and will fit wrists up to 6.5 inches.  Lastly, another standout feature is the prized high-beat caliber 5216 movement, running at a smooth 28,800 bph. Overall, this piece is in excellent condition and stands as one of the best-preserved LM Specials I've come across thus far. 

SPECS

Brand: Seiko

Reference: Lord Matic "Special" JDM 5216-6040

Movement: Seiko caliber 5216 automatic high-beat movement, 23 jewel, 28,800bph

Year: 1973

Condition: Pre-owned

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Dial: Green with vertical striping

Case Diameter: 36mm

Lug to Lug: 41mm

Case Thickness: 10mm

Lug Width: 11.5mm to 20mm at widest point

Crystal: Mineral

Water Resistance: N/A

Strap: Original Seiko LM Bracelet (Fits wrists up to 6.5 inch)

Box & Papers: No

THOUGHTS

The Seiko LM Special is such a cool watch, and honestly, still underrated in the vintage world in my opinion.  These Japanese Domestic Market pieces are getting harder and harder to come by and especially in wonderfully preserved condition.  What you get for the money is incredible with these vintage pieces.  You get a high beat Seiko workhorse movement, bold 70's angular case and bracelet styling, and a striking green patterned dial, all for under $600. A watch like this produced today would easily fetch over $1,000. As more collectors catch on to the value these watches offer, finding them in great condition is only going to continue to be a challenge. The unique dial patterns paired with these solid reliable high-beat calibers make it a strong candidate for future collectability. Whether you're looking for your first vintage watch or you're a Seikoholic collector like myself, the value, and yes the true "Specialness" of this model is hard to beat!