Seiko Wristwatch LordMatic Special 5216-8020 Vintage 1976

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Seiko Lordmatic Special 5216-8020
Movement: 5216 23 jewel 28,800bph
Age: January 1976
Case Size: 37mm
Case Thickness: 10mm
Lug to Lug: 42mm
Lugs: 18mm
Condition: Seiko watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In fantastic pre-owned condition, with light wear
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Fully serviced Hi-beat movement 
• English and Kanji day wheel
• Linen dial has a tiny mark by 6 indices
• Pair with its original stainless steel bracelet XLB 161 with spring loaded extender that fits up to a 7.5 inch wrist

THE WATCH

Discover the legendary Seiko Lord Matic. Seiko introduced the Lord Matic line with the intention of continuing the Lord Marvel legacy, setting the bar high for this new series of watches. Thanks to Seiko's design expertise, they achieved their goal and more!

This Lord Matic Special features a beautifully executed mix of polished and brushed surfaces, and its case design has earned it the affectionate nickname “the baby Grand Seiko” — at a glance, it’s remarkably close to the iconic 5646-70** series. The linen-textured dial adds real charm, while inside sits the refined Calibre 5216, produced at the Daini Seikosha factory in the mid-70s.

Unlike many modern watches at this price point, it offers hacking and hand-winding, along with quickset day-date. Running at 28,800 bph — considered high-beat for its era — it’s a wonderfully advanced movement for a vintage piece and a joy to wear.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Both Suwa Seikosha factory (the makers of Grand Seiko) and Daini Seikosha factory (the makers of King Seiko) produced Lord Matic watches. The Suwa Seikosha factory created those with the 5600-series movements while Daini Seikosha factory made the 5100-series and the 5200-series.

Seiko's Lordmatic advertisements back then exemplified how Seiko positioned the Lord Matic watches as for “men on the way to the top.”. Today men and women wearing one have already reached the 'if you know you know phase'.

To those who wish to start their journey in vintage watches, the Lord Matic line is underrated and a lot more reasonably priced. If you want the functionality and the pedigree but without paying for the premium of the King Seiko and Grand Seiko, I highly recommend seeking out a Lord Matic.

OUR THOUGHTS

The 'Baby GS' Lord Matic, this particular piece is one of the higher-grade variants and is very late for a LM made in 1976, running a crisp 28,800 bph hi-beat movement that delivers a smooth, refined sweep, along with an English/Kanji day display. Freshly serviced and beautifully preserved, it offers the look, feel, and design language often associated with Grand Seiko 5646-70XX—but at a fraction of the price—making it exceptional value for any vintage enthusiast.