Ōtsuka Lotēc’s latest drop is all about movement—literally. Designer Jiro Katayama has introduced the No.5 KAI, a mechanical piece that aligns with the label’s unconventional takes on watchmaking. A set of rotating discs circles the dial, guided by fixed hour markers that keep time on track while giving the watch face a certain hypnotic presence.
Sized at 40.5mm across and 7.6mm thick, the piece draws from the brand’s original No.5 model launched back in 2012 but refines the case to sharpen its silhouette. It’s powered by a Miyota movement paired with an in-house satellite hour module, complete with two Japan-made ball bearings from MinebeaMitsumi. The new design also tackles backlash between gears by using a double reduction system. Every element is built to showcase the static satellite hour mechanism—an idea rooted in traditional night clocks—to ensure visibility, even if your sleeve decides to sneak in.
The No.5 KAI lands in March, priced at ¥748,000 JPY (around $4,770 USD). Ōtsuka Lotēc will run a raffle on its website for the first batch. If the brand’s past releases are any clue, expect a swift sell-out.
