Otsuka Lowtec's "Size 7.5" wristwatch to be preserved at the National Museum of Nature and Science as a historical document of science and technology

Otsuka Low-Tech is a watch brand founded in 2012 by product designer Jiro Katayama. Its latest model, the No. 7.5, has been selected for preservation at the National Museum of Nature and Science as a science and technology history document for the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Otsuka Lowtec's "No. 7.5" will be preserved as a technical document at the National Museum of Nature and Science.

　Otsuka Low-Tech is a brand founded by Jiro Katayama in Otsuka, Tokyo in 2012. Katayama, who has a background as a car and product designer, aims to create one-of-a-kind watches, creating unique designs and watches with mechanisms that make that uniqueness possible.

　Otsuka Low-Tech's latest model is the No. 7.5. The technical value of this No. 7.5 has been recognized, and it has been chosen to be preserved at the National Museum of Nature and Science. Its purpose is to house the Department of Science and Engineering's scientific and technological history materials. This is the first time a consumer watch has been accepted by the museum since the Reiwa era began.

　The No. 7.5 model is already in the collection of the International Watch Museum (MIH) in Switzerland.

What is Otsuka Lowtec's "7.5"?

　Otsuka Lowtec's latest model is the "7.5". The jumping hour model, which was released in 21, was updated in 23 to become the current 7.5.

　Instead of the usual hands and indices, the No. 7.5 displays the hours, minutes, and seconds through three small apertures arranged in a turret on the top of the case. A small aperture at the 10 o'clock position on a typical watch displays the hours, a disc at 2 o'clock displays the minutes, and another disc at 6 o'clock displays the seconds. The 40mm diameter case has a rounded, satin-brushed and sandblasted finish, and despite its unusual appearance, it feels surprisingly comfortable to wear. Another notable feature is that it is only 11.2mm thick.

　The base movement is the Miyota Cal. 82S5, but it also features a jumping hour module designed by Katayama, which is made up of approximately 30 parts. The jumping hour module requires considerable technical consideration, including the precision of the parts' processing. However, Katayama prioritizes "the design and concept he wants to realize" by tackling the technical challenges.

　Furthermore, compared to the previous 7.5 model, the latest model boasts improved operational stability and durability. The case material has also been changed from SUS303 to SUS316L, improving corrosion resistance. The crystal has been upgraded from mineral glass to sapphire crystal. Furthermore, the hour display lens has been changed from acrylic to a custom-made sapphire lens, among other improvements.

　Otsuka Lowtec continues to improve its practicality while maintaining its unique design. It is one brand whose future developments are sure to be exciting.