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 with the No. 6, the watch that we have here is the Otsuka Lotec No. 7.5. Launched in 2021 and iterated upon with some changes in 2023, the watch features a unique 40mm brushed stainless steel construction with wire lugs that boasts a unique display inspired by vintage 3-lens turret 8mm cameras, as shown by its trio of lenses that sit above its hour, minutes, and seconds display. Boasting a jump-hour function, the No. 7.5 is a wonderfully utilitarian watch that combines a rich sense of design with a fun take on a unique source of inspiration to create something truly exceptional timepiece that is without equal in today’s watch market.

Watch is in like-new condition, with only light signs of wear on the caseback. Comes complete with box and papers.

Building upon the fanfare that their recent GPHG win, Otsuka Lotec has become one of the industry's most desirable brands, and with their limited production and exclusivity to the Japanese market, combining with the unique design of the No. 7.5 that we have here, they show no signs of slowing down.