Throughout its long and storied history, Seiko has teamed up with various disparate entites to release commemorative watches - like this gold 1997 Seiko 7N01-6370 "Todentsu Network" award dress watch, with original Seiko 7N01 instructions manual.
Why do we call this a Todentsu Network award watch? Kanji Japanese engravings on this watch's caseback identify it as an award watch gifted by in July 1997 by the Todentsu Network Corporation
Founded in 1946, Todentsu was a Japanese construction company, one of the major companies that undertook construction work for telecommunications companies, including the NTT Group (Japan’s largest telecommunications company). With a corporate philosophy of "harmony among people," its predecessor, Toyo Denki Tsushin Kogyo, was established with the aim of expanding its electrical and communications equipment business.
During its establishment in the mid-1940s, immediately following World War II and before actually carrying out electrical equipment construction work, the company focused on repairing electrical and plumbing systems and selling electrical appliances.
Under construction orders from Japan’s Ministry of Communications, the company grew in the telecommunications equipment business, earning the nickname "Todenko of Technology." Its existing business was centered on NTT, which inherited the former Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation, and government agencies, but towards the end of its life, the company also began launching new businesses.
In 2010, Todentsu became a wholly owned subsidiary of Mirait Holdings. Shortly thereafter – in 2012 – it would merge with Daimei, with Daimei as the surviving company. The same day, the new entity changed its name to Mirait Corporation and Todentsu ceased to exist as a corporate organization.
The new company specializes in network infrastructure for major carriers such as NTT, but also AI, 5G, IoT, and cloud computing. As well, it constructs communication power facilities with the aim of maintaining the communication services that support highly advanced information infrastructures, and also the construction and maintenance of firefighting radio equipment, data centers, and the design and construction of security systems to include surveillance camera systems.
On to the watch itself - Seiko introduced its 7Nxx movement in circa 1993, and it came in a range of styles and dial colors, to include the unique helmet-shaped watch here - Seiko would cease production of the calibre in 2009.
In 1969, Seiko released a first upon the world - the first quartz wristwatch, its Seiko Quartz Astron. The Astron went on to change the way the world told time, and severely tested the dominance of the Swiss, bringing high technology within the reach of all. The Swiss would literally pay for neglecting the evolution of the watch, in terms of market share and profit.
As the world got accustomed to the novel new Astron technology dominating the market in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Seiko was hard at work on its next innovation to challenge Swiss watch industry dominance, developing the Superior, Grand Quartz, King Quartz - and eventually the 7Nxx line here.
This Seiko diver comes on a brownish-red leather strap, and with nylon strap, rugged travel case, Seiko 7Nxx instructions manual, and springbar tool.
Gold 1997 Seiko 7N01-6370 "Todentsu" Award Dress Watch
DIAL: Cream-colored Seiko-signed dial, with unique ornate Arabic hour markers. Black handset is in likewise good condition, and adds a classy touch to the watch.
CASE: Gold case measures 34.5mm (35.5mm with crown) x 38mm, with matching caseback; as noted, caseback features Kanji Japanese engravings denoting this watch as an award watch gifted by Japan's Todentsu Network Corporation. Case lines remain sharp, with no evidence of machine polish.
CRYSTAL: Seiko Hardlex crystal, no scratches or blemishes.
BAND: This gold Seiko comes on a brownish-red leather strap, with gold hardware; it also comes with a black nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko 7N01 hacking quartz movement, manufactured in March 1997.
CROWN: Unsigned stainless-steel crown.
Of note, this gold Seiko 7N01-6370 comes with an original Seiko 7N01 instructions manual.
