Jiro Katayama has secretly launched a new mechanical watch under his Ōtsuka Lotēc brand. Called the No.5 KAI, the new satellite hour watch has a unique design with rotating numeral discs on the face of the clock. These discs revolve around the clock like a satellite, with fixed hour markers showing the time.
May sukat na 40.5mm sa diameter ng kaso, ang orasan ay may kapal na 7.6mm. Sa ilalim ng sapphire crystal, ang minute index plate at mga hour disks ay idinisenyo upang mag-cast ng mga natatanging anino habang gumagalaw, na nagpapaganda ng visual appeal ng piraso.
Expanding on the design of the original No.5 released in 2012, the No.5 KAI brings refinements to the case while continuing to incorporate two Japan-made ball bearings from MinebeaMitsumi.
To showcase the static satellite hour mechanism, the design ensures clear visibility of the movement. It is powered by a Miyota movement with an in-house satellite hour module, and the design of the clock also addresses the backlash between its parts due to the inclusion of a double reduction gear.
The Satellite hour mechanism was originally created for night clocks to combine the hour and minute display above the dial due to visual constraints. In the No.5 KAI, this mechanism has been adapted to suit the needs of a modern wristwatch, while also addressing the common situation where parts of the clock dial are often covered by sleeve cuffs.
Priced at ¥748,000 JPY (approx. $4,770 USD), Ōtsuka Lotēc's No.5 KAI will be released via a raffle system on their official website in March.
