Seiko LM Special – Ref. 5216-6050 (October 1973)

This Seiko LM Special, reference 5216-6050, dates from October 1973 and represents the final stage of development of the Lord Matic series. It was completely disassembled, cleaned, and serviced in Japan in October 2025. The watch is in very good condition and wears its original Seiko LM bracelet with signature folding clasp.

The blue sunburst dial with gradient ("gradient dial") is one of the most sought-after variants of this model series and shows a fascinating spectrum from midnight blue to steel blue depending on the incidence of light.

Technical data

• Reference: 5216-6050
• Movement: Seiko 5216A automatic, 23 jewels, manual winding and hacking seconds
• Origin: Japan-M
• Year: October 1973
• Functions: Hour, minute, second, date and day of the week (Kanji/English) with quick-set function
• Case: Stainless steel, partly polished, partly satin-finished
• Diameter: 35.0 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 40.6 mm
• Height: 10.2 mm
• Strap lug width: 18 mm
• Weight: 76 g (with original strap)
• Bracelet: original Seiko LM stainless steel bracelet with signed folding clasp
• Revision: professionally carried out in Japan (October 2025)

Design and background

The Seiko LM (Lord Matic) Special models were created in the early 1970s as a more luxurious continuation of the popular Lord Matic series. They were manufactured at the Suwa factory , alongside the higher-positioned King Seiko and Grand Seiko series.

The caliber 5216A used in this watch is one of the most technically sophisticated automatic movements in the LM line. It offers manual winding , hacking seconds , a fast double calendar function , and very fine regulation – features also found in Seiko's top-of-the-line models.

The watch impresses visually with its deep blue sunburst dial with gold-colored accents , the striking faceted hour markers and the angular stainless steel case typical of this era.

With this model, Seiko achieved a balance between technical sophistication and elegant design – a characteristic example of Japanese watchmaking in the 1970s.

The LM Special models were developed alongside the King Seiko line and share many technical features, including the finely regulated automatic movement with manual winding and hacking seconds. While the King Seiko was positioned as a more formal line for the Japanese domestic market, the LM Special offered the same precision in a more everyday-wearable, design-oriented case.

Condition

The watch is in very good, used condition . The movement was professionally serviced in Japan in October 2025 and runs precisely. The crystal shows minimal signs of wear, and the dial is in excellent condition. The original bracelet is complete and closes securely.

Warranty (used)
This is a used item. The limitation period for claims based on defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

Notice
As this is a pre-owned watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.