Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is thrilled to welcome you to The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2025, online auction, running from 12:00 PM HKT, Wednesday, 19 March, to 2:00 PM HKT, Wednesday, 26 March. Featuring more than 120 different high-end luxury wristwatches, the sale covers everything from A. Lange & Söhne and F.P. Journe to Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, including all the watches featured below.
– By Logan Baker
In the ever-evolving landscape of horology, where tradition often intertwines with innovation, few brands have made as immediate and profound an impact as Ōtsuka Lōtec. Emerging from Japan's rich tapestry of craftsmanship and design, this brand has captivated enthusiasts and collectors worldwide with its distinctive approach to watchmaking.
The Genesis of Ōtsuka Lōtec
Founded by Jiro Katayama, an industrial designer with a background in automotive design, Ōtsuka Lōtec is a testament to the fusion of diverse disciplines.
Katayama's transition from designing cars and appliances to crafting timepieces was driven by a desire to create something uniquely personal and mechanically intricate. In 2008, he acquired a bench lathe machine, marking the inception of his journey into watchmaking. Operating initially from a modest garage setup, Katayama's dedication and vision have propelled Ōtsuka Lōtec into the spotlight of Japanese independent watch brands.
Ōtsuka Lōtec's designs are characterized by a distinctive industrial and steampunk aesthetic, reflecting Katayama's roots in industrial design. The brand's timepieces often feature unconventional displays and mechanical innovations that challenge traditional watchmaking norms.
The Acclaimed Model No. 6
Among the brand's notable creations, the No. 6 model stands out for its unique design and technical prowess. This timepiece features a fan-shaped dial with a retrograde display, where the hours and minutes are arranged parallel to each other, sharing an axis at the 6 o'clock position. A seconds disc occupies the center, complemented by a date display to the right. The Miyota 9015 base movement, enhanced with a proprietary module, ensures precise timekeeping and instantaneous zero-resetting of the hands. The design draws inspiration from analogue gauges, evident in its semi-circular display and mechanical layout.
The No. 6's distinctive design and mechanical innovation have garnered significant attention. Notably, it was awarded the "Challenge" prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), recognizing its excellence among watches priced under CHF 3,000.
The Intriguing Model No. 7.5
Another remarkable creation from Ōtsuka Lōtec is the No. 7.5 model, which showcases the brand's commitment to blending form and function in innovative ways.
This timepiece draws inspiration from vintage 8mm cameras, which is evident in its design elements, which resemble camera lenses. The watch features a jumping hour mechanism, with the hour displayed through a fisheye lens-like aperture, while minutes are indicated on a rotating disc. A smaller window reveals the running seconds, creating a dynamic and engaging interface for the wearer.
Despite its growing international acclaim, Ōtsuka Lōtec maintains an air of exclusivity by limiting sales to the Japanese domestic market. Purchasing one of these coveted timepieces requires a Japanese address and a local credit card, adding to their allure among global collectors. This exclusivity has not deterred enthusiasts; instead, it has heightened the brand's mystique and desirability.
The Unsung No. 5 Model
Following the remarkable debut of Ōtsuka Lōtec in the Phillips TOKI auction, we are delighted to present the first Model No. 5 to grace the auction market. This exceptional regulator-style timepiece is a marvel of design, featuring an hours disc at 12 o’clock, a minutes disc at 6 o’clock, and a small seconds aperture at the center. A practical date function enhances its usability, making it a striking yet functional companion for everyday wear. At its heart lies a heavily modified Miyota 8215 caliber, expertly re-engineered by Kitayama to suit this unique layout.
Setting itself apart from conventional stainless steel models, this rare edition boasts a striking bronze case — an exclusive material typically reserved for Kitayama’s most esteemed clients and friends. Bronze is seldom used in watchmaking due to its natural oxidation over time, adding an element of transformation that makes each piece one of a kind.
Taking craftsmanship to extraordinary heights, the case is meticulously hand-hammered from bezel to lugs using the traditional Japanese “槌目” (Tsuchime) technique, a method often seen in artisanal knives and handcrafted cups. This intricate process creates a mesmerizing texture, enhancing the watch’s depth and reinforcing its distinct steampunk aesthetic.
What truly sets this timepiece apart is its ability to evolve. Over time, the bronze case develops a rich, personalized patina, shaped by its environment and the habits of its wearer.
It was a limited production of just 22 pieces and is presented in exceptional condition with its full set of accessories.
A Bright Future for Ōtsuka Lōtec
The rapid ascent of Ōtsuka Lōtec in the horological world underscores a broader trend of appreciation for independent watchmakers who dare to challenge conventions. Jiro Katayama's journey from industrial design to award-winning watchmaking exemplifies the potential of cross-disciplinary creativity. As the brand continues to innovate and captivate, it stands as a beacon of how passion, coupled with a willingness to defy norms, can lead to extraordinary creations in the world of watchmaking.
In a landscape dominated by longstanding traditions, Ōtsuka Lōtec's emergence offers a refreshing perspective, reminding us that the art of watchmaking is as much about looking forward as it is about honoring the past.
You can view the complete catalog for the Phillips Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2025, Online Auction, right here.
About Phillips In Association With Bacs & Russo
The team of specialists at PHILLIPS Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency, and client service. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo holds the world record for the most successful watch auction, with its Geneva Watch Auction: XIV having realized $74.5 million in 2021. Over the course of 2021 and 2022, the company sold 100% of the watches offered, a first in the industry, resulting in the highest annual total in history across all the auction houses at $227 million.
About Logan Baker
Logan has spent the past decade reporting on every aspect of the watch business. He joined Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo at the start of 2023 as the department's Senior Editorial Manager. He splits his time between New York and Geneva.
Recommended Reading
In Focus: The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Moonphase Ref. 5205
Our Favorite Independent Watches in the Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2025, Online Auction