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Dream watch
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.
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
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
Dream watch
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...
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 😊🤷🏻♂️
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 don...
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...
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 😊👍🏻
I definitely have: it's a cornerstone for me!
And let me tell you my gratitude for it! Best, Emmanuel
Very kind 😊👍🏻🙏🏻
And the gratitude really goes in the other direction - so much interesting content you have been bringing us 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you so much!
We all benefit of each other’s insight and content here, and it’s a good part of what makes this place so precious.
Wow, that’s something new for me to see.
I do love the base watch, I own a bunch of GS from that period. But here, the specific watch you highlight is really appealing because of the aging on the dial. And of course because of the history and provenance. But really, we like the things because of...
This one, with a wonderfully aged dial, is pinnacle indeed, really!
I'm completely in love with this piece. I love the 45GS case and I'm so happy to own the SLGW005, which is a wonderful recreation. But of course, the Imperial crest and the patina on the dial of this particular watch bring the whole thing to grail level. ...
I love the patina of the first example!
Thanks for sharing! I wouldn’t mind adding one to the collection. Best. René
Neither would I ! And it's a big understatement.
This is grail level for me. Best, Emmanuel
Yes, not bad at all.
But just let me have the watch, I don't need the title ! ;-) Best, Emmanuel
I’m not sure if this is what you mean by “man of the world”, but I try to be open to the world, dear M4!
I was born in Strasbourg and, as a child, I was intrigued by the few eccentrics who had pitched their tents on the Rhine bridge, which separates France from Germany, and who proclaimed themselves citizens of the world! Best, Emmanuel
Really interesting, a special watch.
It makes me feel more and more confident about what I want to buy as soon as I can. Thanks for sharing it
It looks great indeed. Perfect sobriety and 44GS case !
I wish you the best for acquiring it.
One of the best horological stories!
Shadi is a great guy. I actually went to meet him and took the photographs that appeared in SJX's story featured above. I was also fortunate to have photographed a full collection of VFAs, including another Imperial, a few months ago, but the editing hasn...
Oh, that’s really great, Baruch!
I didn't know you were Budge Coutts, and I'm thrilled to find out! Of course, I've credited you for all the images in the post above. I'm really looking forward to seeing your photos of the VFA collection you had the chance to view. Thank you so much for ...
Thanks Emmanuel!
I also appreciate the mention above. Sometimes my multiple pseudonyms take a while to link together 😂. It will be a great pleasure to share once they are ready. Regards, Baruch