Introduction
Originally moving into watchmaking in 2008 after studying automotive design, Jiro Katayama, a Tokyo-based watchmaker and designer, draws his inspiration from the realm of industrial world where his career originally started. Incorporating automotive design details and an industrialized steampunk aesthetic, Katayama’s timepieces, offered in limited runs only in Japan through his brand Otsuka Lotec, are some of the most visually distinctive and unique watches within the modern realm of indie watchmaking. Winning the recent Challenge Watch Prize in 2024’s GPHG awards, the No. 6 has quickly become Otsuka Lotec’s most revered watch. Boasting a brushed stainless steel design with exposed screws, a stepped bezel, wire lugs, and a large monochromatic retrograde time display, the resulting timepiece is reminiscent of the pressure gauge on a car or a hygrometer.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$3,000 – $5,000
The Details
Brand
Otsuka Lotec
Dimensions
42.6mm x 11.8mm
Model
No. 6
Movement
Automatic Miyota cal. 9015
Reference
P06
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2024
Condition
Near-Mint
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box and papers
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Designed to emulate the gauges that adorn the dashboards of cars and industrial equipment, the No. 6's monochromatic silver dial features a retrograde minute and hour hand along with exposed screws that further feed into its steampunk aesthetic.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Decidedly unique and industrial, the No. 6's 42.6mm case features all brushed surfaces and exposed screws atop its bezel and on its dial that reveal Otsuka Lotec's function over form design thesis.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in near-mint condition, showing only light signs of use and minor surface wear.
Our Perspective
Offered here on the back of recently winning the Challenge Prize at this year's GPHG award, the Otsuka Lotec No. 6 is a wonderfully unique watch that showcases an aesthetic design language that very few watchmakers have explored in recent memory. With its GPHG win, limited production, and exclusivity to the Japanese market, the No. 6 is an exceedingly difficult watch to get your hands on.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
