Jiro Katayama is shaking up the watch industry with his latest creation, the Ōtsuka Lōtec No. 5 Kai.
In a market increasingly swayed by trends and hype, there’s a budding opportunity for new brands to carve out their own space, traditionally dominated by established titans.
The MoonSwatch phenomenon has proven that stylish, affordable watches can engage collectors and enthusiasts alike, opening doors for smaller labels to shine.
Under Katayama’s guidance, Ōtsuka Lōtec is on track to emerge as a significant player, transitioning from a niche entity to a brand recognized with honors at the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
The excitement surrounding Ōtsuka Lōtec stems from Katayama’s unique designs and the uncommon in-house development approach, particularly notable for timepieces priced within this range.
The No. 5 Kai introduces a fascinating satellite hour display while maintaining a sleek monochromatic design, leading to speculation about whether this new direction aligns with the expectations of die-hard fans.
Design and Aesthetics
Upon closer inspection, the No. 5 Kai reveals a strikingly distinct appearance characterized by its wandering hours display, prominently showcased at the front.
Its ultra-thin profile features a bold, box-shaped sapphire crystal that adds to its visual drama. Ōtsuka Lōtec’s choice of innovative finishing techniques creates a captivating low-contrast look, marked by sharp angles and pronounced details that truly stand out.
Notably, the 4 o’clock crown embodies a robust industrial flair, a testament to Katayama’s design ethos.
Mechanical Capabilities
However, the No. 5 Kai is not just about looks; it boasts impressive mechanical capabilities as well.
While it retains some design cues from the earlier No. 5 model, the functionality shifts notably.
The previous regulator display evolves into a wandering hours mechanism.
This mechanism, featuring three discs with four numbers each, glides along a minutes track located at the side.
Although the concept isn’t entirely novel, Ōtsuka Lōtec distinguishes itself by developing the module in-house, utilizing a Miyota 9000-series movement.
This innovation allows the watch to maintain a competitive price of ¥748,000 (around $4,900).
Specifications
- Brand: Ōtsuka Lōtec
- Model: No. 5 Kai
- Case Dimensions: 40.5mm (Diameter) x 12.2mm (Thickness)
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water Resistance: Not specified
- Crystal: 4.6mm-thick box sapphire front
- Dial: Open design
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Strap: Double-padded calf leather with a steel pin buckle
- Movement: Miyota 90S5 with an in-house wandering hour module, automatic
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Functions: Wandering hours, minutes, small seconds
- Availability: Online lottery in Japan only
- Price: ¥748,000
Source: Timeandtidewatches