This is the Otsuka Lotec No. 6. Founded by Japanese designer Jiro Katayama, it is no hyperbole to say that Otsuka Lotec has become one of the most sought-after brands from the land of the rising sun. A brand with humble beginnings, the story of Otsuka Lotec started when Katayama acquired a bench lathe machine in 2008. Renowned for applying his extensive knowledge in automotive design into his watches, Otsuka Lotec is a true expression of Katayama’s creativity.

Taking inspiration from the traditional aesthetic of a pressure gauge, the No. 6 remains the most recognizable among the brand’s design. In fact, it was the No. 6 that won the GPHG Challenge Watch Prize in 2024. Highly exclusive with a small production number of approximately 15 watches a month released via a lottery system, it is little wonder that the watch remains in high demand.

With an aesthetic reflective of the watchmaker’s background, the number 6 features a unique way of telling the time with two fan-shaped tracks on the upper half of the dial – one for the hours and the other for the minute with the font reminiscent of the Japanese highway signs. With a retrograde time display powered by the reliable Miyota 9015, the No. 6 combines many aspects of Katayama’s expertise in industrial design into a functional and readable timepiece.

Unlike many other Japanese watchmakers who veer towards conservative and minimalist designs, Otsuka Lotec feels like a breath of fresh air with the brand’s unorthodox and steampunk approach. Even with the introduction of more complex timepieces in recent times, the No. 6 is highly instrumental to Otsuka Lotec as the one that started it all.