Seiko 4580-7020 Imperial V.F.A. History

quattro · 2025-12-10T18:05:46Z

Discover the rare Seiko 4580-7020 "Imperial V.F.A." made for Emperor Hirohito. Explore its unique dial, caliber, and historical significance.

quattro

WPS member · Seiko forum

31 replies1683 views22 photos

Quattro delves into the extraordinary history and intricate details of the Seiko ref. 4580-7020, known as the 'Imperial V.F.A.' This post uncovers the unique provenance of a timepiece made exclusively for Emperor Hirohito, highlighting its significance beyond mere horology. Readers gain insight into a watch that is not only technically superb but also steeped in Japanese imperial history.

31 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

This Seiko ref. 4580-7020 is usually called the “Imperial V.F.A.” (short for “Very Fine Adjusted”).

Its dial features, at 12 o'clock, the Imperial crest of Japan or Chrysanthemum crest (菊紋, kikumon): a circular flower comprising a front set of 16 petals and a rear set of 16 other petals semi-offset from the front set and visible on the edges of the flower.

credit: Sjx (photos by our fellow member gadalex) & Shadi AH aka @shadistan

Imperial Throne of the Emperor of Japan

Flag of the Japanese Emperor

Imperial crest emblazoned on the cover of a Japanese passport with the 16 front petals only

credit: Wikipedia

The "Imperial V.F.A." shares the same cal. 4580 movement found in the Very Fine Adjusted refs. 4580-7010 and 4580-7000 .

Some of these movements were included in submissions to the Neuchâtel Observatory for chronometer testing in the 1960s.

credit: The Grand Seiko Guy

The "Imperial V.F.A.", with the Imperial seal flower on the dial, was made exclusively for Emperor Hirohito (裕仁; 1901-1989), posthumously honored as Emperor Shōwa (昭和天皇, Shōwa Tennō), who gifted it to the people who took care of him during his first trip to Europe in 1971.

Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako arriving in the Netherlands, 8 October 1971

The crown is unsigned.

The case shape is similar to the one of the 45GS.

The case back is engraved with “Nippon Seiko” only, rather than the customary “Seiko Japan”.

How Shadi AH acquired this absolutely amazing watch is told by himself in this article for Sjx: Catching a Unicorn – The Seiko Gifted by the Emperor of Japan.

credit: Sjx (photos by our fellow member gadalex) & Shadi AH aka @shadistan

It is said that only three examples have ever been photographed.

Here’s the only other one I could find, hoping that it is genuine and not fake.

And I also found a slightly different ref. 4520-7020 (the case isn’t the same) with an Imperial dial from the Historical Museum Collection.

credit: @cuervamellori on Reddit & Paul Shawn aka @paulshawn_tw

I absolutely love this watch. What about you?

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

Key Points from the Discussion

The specific aging and patina on the dial of the featured Imperial V.F.A. significantly enhance its appeal, making it more enticing than cleaner examples, alongside its historical provenance.
A contributor, gadalex, revealed he took the photographs featured in the SJX article linked in the original post and has also photographed a full collection of VFAs, including another Imperial, awaiting publication.
The original author expressed deep admiration for the Imperial V.F.A., considering it a 'grail level' piece due to its 45GS case, Imperial crest, and unique dial patina, regardless of brand.
The Imperial V.F.A. is considered an unobtainable dream watch, with its acquisition story by Shadi AH being a unique, unrepeatable event.
The contributor KMII shared a link to their detailed review of the Grand Seiko 4520-8000, which discusses the 'Grammar of Design' and Hi-Beat movements relevant to the V.F.A. series.
The original author acknowledges a particular affinity for Swiss watchmaking but notes that extraordinary pieces like the Imperial V.F.A. transcend brand loyalty and inspire admiration.

The Discussion

KMII

Dec 10, 2025

An amazing one indeed 👏🏻🙌🏻👌🏻

Thanks so much for sharing this one - I believe I have never encountered one before. A true gem, even if unfortunately unobtainable for all intents and purposes 😊🤷🏻‍♂️

quattro

Dec 10, 2025

This reference is pure joy.

Unobtainable, for sure, unfortunately (what happened to Shadi AH will never happen again, obviously), but among the most desirable pieces I can think of, regardless of the brand. And this post is also one of the dearest to my heart among the ones I've done. Best, Emmanuel

KMII

Dec 11, 2025

Glad to hear that 😊👍🏻

So I see the appreciation for Seiko / GS is a deeper one?

quattro

Dec 11, 2025

My knowledge of Seiko is limited

and I still have a particular affinity for Swiss watchmaking and Holy Trinity, but there are things I really like in the history and aesthetics of Seiko and then there are some extraordinary pieces which, regardless of the brand, simply make me dream! The Imperial VFA is undoubtedly one of them. Best, Emmanuel

KMII

Dec 11, 2025

Back in the day…

When I had some more time and inclination I made a brief summary: www.watchprosite.com I believe you have skimmed through it at some point 😊👍🏻

quattro

Dec 11, 2025

I definitely have: it's a cornerstone for me!

And let me tell you my gratitude for it! Best, Emmanuel