Seiko Lord Matic Owner Review : Beautiful, seductive and disturbing

When I saw this little SEIKO Lord Matic from 1973 on Chrono 24, I immediately fell for it because I love smoked dials. This one is a deep blue, and sunray which doesn't hurt. The ad came from a Dutch individual who certified that the watch was in very good condition and worked very well. After a 20% negotiation, I received the watch by post. And if aesthetically, it was perfect, mechanically....... The watch only worked for a few seconds, then stopped. Afterwards, with experience, you learn that this is part of the "joys" (and risks) of vintage. That's why I always set a margin in the purchase price for a good overhaul at my watchmaker. However, it must be admitted, this kind of incident is still very rare when you take maximum precautions and information. The seller offered to return the watch for a refund, but I liked this little SEIKO, and it is a hard model to find. In addition, I had already taken the watch to the watchmaker, because I had the intuition that the problem was not so serious. Result: change of the balance spring which was twisted, deep cleaning of the movement, and there it is again for 20 years! So it is a SEIKO Lord Matic 5216-6020 from 1973 with a 25 jewel "special" movement. The Lord Matic Special 52xx was produced around 1970/71 until 1975 by the Daini Seiko branch. The caliber 5216 Special is a rather high-end movement at Seiko, with fine adjustment, a stop-second, a quick-set of the day and date, and a frequency of 28800 vibrations. The steel case measures 36 mm and the vintage bracelet is engraved "SEIKO LM" with solid and unfolded links. This watch is very beautiful, but it is especially this smoked dial which, with the faceted indexes and the hands (grooved on the top and beveled on both sides) is a marvel for the eyes. I have only compliments from those around me on its beauty. Conclusion: I do not regret its purchase at any time. We always learn from our mistakes, and with experience, we manage to limit the risks. Vintage watches and me, it's not over!!