Ōtsuka Lotēc’s No.5 KAI Timepiece Will Release in Spring

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Jiro Katayama quietly introduced a fresh mechanical timepiece under his label, Ōtsuka Lotēc. Named No.5 KAI, this innovative satellite hour watch showcases an extraordinary design with revolving number discs on its face. These discs move around the watch in a way that resembles satellites, while stationary hour markers are used to display the time.

The watch has a casing diameter of approximately 40.5 millimeters and is quite slim at around 7.6 millimeters thick. Inside the sapphire crystal, the minute index plate and hour disks are crafted in such a way that they produce clear shadows as they move, enhancing the watch’s aesthetic value.

Based on the blueprint of the initial No.5 model launched in 2012, the new No.5 KAI has made improvements to its outer structure and maintains the inclusion of two precision Japanese ball bearings from MinebeaMitsumi.

The design of this watch makes it easy to observe the working of its static satellite hour mechanism. It operates using a Miyota movement that includes an in-house satellite hour module. Additionally, the watch’s design addresses the issue of component friction by integrating a double reduction gear system within it.

As a gamer, I’ve always appreciated the clever design of the Satellite Hour Mechanism in watches. Originally designed for night clocks to neatly stack the hour and minute display at the top due to visual limitations, this innovation has now been adapted for modern wristwatches like the No.5 KAI. It’s thoughtfully crafted to ensure that even when my sleeves are down, I can easily read the time without any obstructions.

Ōtsuka Lotēc’s No.5 KAI, priced at approximately ¥748,000 JPY or $4,770 USD, is set to be launched through a raffle on their official website in March.

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2025-01-15 13:55