Check out this Japanese brand Otsuka Lotec

[Ichiran]

Credits to Swiss Watch Gang, I get to find out about this brand and their watches. The one shown in the video is a Otsuka Lotec No. 6 with a meteorite dial.

IMG_20230225_091927_(1080_x_800_pixel).jpg

This gorgeous watch is made in Tokyo Japan. The non-meteorite dial is priced affordably at U$2k and the movement is powered by Miyota. Diameter is 42.3mm (L2L is quite wearable at 45mm) while thickness is 11.55mm. They only released 71 watches in 2022 across their model lines.

https://www.otsuka-lotec.com/



This meteorite version shown in the video is priced at CHF2,800. I thought the industrial look looks cool.

[RW16610]

That's a nice concept, I would go for the meteorite version. Incredibly unique and best of all, it's attainable (price wise). Thanks for sharing, Michael.

[GB-man]

I like it. Reminds me of a 70s muscle car gauge.

[Ichiran]

Let me translate the text since you can't copy out to google translate.

At 11 o'clock - No.6 mechanical
At 1 o'clock - Toshima, Tokyo
At 3-4 o'clock - Water resistance for daily use
At 8 o'clock - Made by Otsuka Lotec (Lotec is short for "Low Tech" which means handmade or using very simple machine)

This watch uses retrograde time display and has a date aperture at at 3-4 o'clock. I'm sure many of us have question on what is meant by water resistance for daily use. I have no idea but can try to message Katayama-san or Patrick (overseas) to enquire.

By the way, all models are temporarily suspended for ordering as seen in the website.

[MILGAUSS88]

Looks more like an electrical gauge to me.

[MILGAUSS88]

Even has the rotating slotted metal disk like the old analog electric meters.

[enjoythemusic]

Looks very interesting! Thanks for the heads up

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I like it. Reminds me of a 70s muscle car gauge.

I like it too

Reminds me of my old stereo AMP in high school

[Booth9999]

Nothing available and website hasn’t been updated since 2018?

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I like it. Reminds me of a 70s muscle car gauge.

Indeed. But it reminds me of scifi show from Japan of the 70s.

[llngoc]

In the video, he said he was not able to get hold of the manufacture and order one at first but someone later showed him "the way". Did he mentioned how? (I watched the video but must have missed it if indeed he mentioned it.) I think it would still be unattainable given the small production.

Originally Posted by Ichiran

Credits to Swiss Watch Gang, I get to find out about this brand and their watches. The one shown in the video is a Otsuka Lotec No. 6 with a meteorite dial.

Attachment 1350635

This gorgeous watch is made in Tokyo Japan. The non-meteorite dial is priced affordably at U$2k and the movement is powered by Miyota. Diameter is 42.3mm (L2L is quite wearable at 45mm) while thickness is 11.55mm. They only released 71 watches in 2022 across their model lines.

https://www.otsuka-lotec.com/



This meteorite version shown in the video is priced at CHF2,800. I thought the industrial look looks cool.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by llngoc

In the video, he said he was not able to get hold of the manufacture and order one at first but someone later showed him "the way". Did he mentioned how? (I watched the video but must have missed it if indeed he mentioned it.) I think it would still be unattainable given the small production.

He said he DM @justmywatches in IG to ask him how he got his watch. Or you can try asking Patrick in Otsuka Lotec's website for overseas enquiry. My gut feel is a combination of 70 watches and 2k price tag is not great for would-be collectors. This video doesn't help too since Marko now has a good following. Saw some comments in his YT a few have made enquiries.

[llngoc]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

He said he DM @justmywatches in IG to ask him how he got his watch. Or you can try asking Patrick in Otsuka Lotec's website for overseas enquiry. My gut feel is a combination of 70 watches and 2k price tag is not great for would-be collectors. This video doesn't help too since Marko now has a good following. Saw some comments in his YT a few have made enquiries.

Thanks! I must have fallen asleep during that part.

Let me try. I have the same feeling that the small production and price point and with this YouTube video. It would be hard to get one now. And I think they may prefer local buyer too.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by llngoc

Let me try. I have the same feeling that the small production and price point and with this YouTube video. It would be hard to get one now. And I think they may prefer local buyer too.

Marko said he saw 1 piece in C24 (now gone) before at twice the retail price. However, that was before his video... never hurt to try though. If you happen to visit Tokyo, Toshima is quite accessible and I'm sure something can be arranged there.

[Lukla]

looks very industrial. At a right mood, this could be unique and fantastic watch to wear. At a wrong mood, ugly pressure or electric gauge. Maybe that's the point. Gotta give credit for trying something new.

[donas]

I like it! I would add one of those to my watch box.

[chronolux]

Looks like a fuel pump gauge....

[lig]

Totally dig it. Great find, OP.

[Greglaw]

Love it!

[buddenfan]

No5 however the owner and founder never replies to dm’s smh

[INC]

Their prices getting insane on the secondary market... 3-4x MSRP and still raising.

I love them, but maybe this price range is a little bit "weird" for these watches.

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by INC

Their prices getting insane on the secondary market... 3-4x MSRP and still raising.

I love them, but maybe this price range is a little bit "weird" for these watches.

Have you asked the manufacturer for an allocation? Apols I'm not sure if it has been sold out or not.

[INC]

These watches can only be obtained by lottery, with special conditions: payment must be made with a bank card issued in Japan and the master will only post it to a Japanese postal address. The production number is also very low, these are real hand madde ones, so after these were presented on Forbes, tempers have been unleashed and many people want to buy these watches.

[TheBluechip]

Hajime Aoska recently posted to his instagram that his Kurono Tokyo watchmakers were assembling the Otsuka Lotec watches.


https://www.instagram.com/p/C6bEzcNr-Al/

[Ichiran]

A recent write-up by Monochrome featuring watchmaker Jiro Katayama, the Man Behind Otsuka Lotec.

https://monochrome-watches.com/portr...hajime-asaoka/

In the interview, he said he received support in terms of both personnel and equipment from Hajime Asaoka.

There is news that there’s a new model – the No. 5 Kai. No.5 Kai will be released at the end of the year, and the all-new No. 8 next year. He is also preparing a watch with an in-house movement under the Jiro Katayama brand. I'm visiting Tokyo later this year and trying to arrange a visit at his workshop.

For those who are interested, there is a raffle for No. 6 (¥385,000) between 18/5/2024 ~ 28/5/2024. Announcement of raffle results: 3/6/2024. However, I'm afraid it is only available to customers based in Japan. He has not started worldwide order yet.

[INC]

You are a lucky one :)

Brand new 5? I don't think so, because No5 exists, it's just out of business. Maybe there will be an update to 5.5? 8 sounds all the more interesting, I haven't even heard of it.

If you go to him and it is possible to organize an order or a purchase, I would be interested in any solution. Unfortunately, as you write, the raffle also requires a Japanese address and a credit card issued in Japan, which makes the purchase impossible from the master for a gaijin like me :)

[INC]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

There is news that there’s a new model – the No. 5 Kai. No.5 Kai will be released at the end of the year, and the all-new No. 8 next year.

I just saw the picture of the No.5 Kai prototype. I'm a bit disappointed because although it's sophisticated, it still looks just like another Urwerk homage. To be honest, I was expecting something more extravagant, because I don't think it's as special as the original No5. About the 8th, I have read that it will be based on a tourbillon which will be a true advantage from the current model line.

In the meantime, I think he declared war on the flippers, because he is flooding the market with No.6. This is a rather unusual, but I think it's also very interesting strategy. After all, the success of No6 can be measured even at its GPHG results, but I am now mostly curious about how high the price of Shinonome will rise at the Phillips auction. Anyhow, I think, maybe Mr. Katayama won't even produce 7.5 anymore, because his new brand is coming.

I'm visiting Tokyo later this year and trying to arrange a visit at his workshop.

Did you manage to arrange this meeting?

[Ichiran]

Originally Posted by INC

Did you manage to arrange this meeting?

I haven't contacted him yet, and have not decided whether to meet him this trip.

He has posted the 7.5 in his website ~
https://otsuka-lotec.com/models/276/

Frankly I don't see the resemblance to Urwerk. It's priced at ¥352k and the dimensions are 40 by 11.2 (max 14mm). The fisheye len on the hour is a cool touch.

[INC]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

He has posted the 7.5 in his website ~
https://otsuka-lotec.com/models/276/

Sorry, looks like I worded it wrong! I meant that No5. Kai will look like a Urwerk

[INC]

Originally Posted by Ichiran

I haven't contacted him yet, and have not decided whether to meet him this trip.

Thanks for the answer

He has posted the 7.5 in his website ~

That's right, it's the 7.5! I like mine anyway, it's quite an eccentric watch However, I hope that one day in this life I'll have the opportunity to "upgrade" it to a No 7.