Independent watchmaker Ōtsuka Lōtec has unveiled the No. 8, a rectangular timepiece inspired by vintage recording studio equipment. The watch features a kinetic two-layered dial with a jumping hour display and retrograde minute fader. Designed by Jiro Katayama and manufactured in Japan, it draws from the aesthetic of Abbey Road Studios' mixing consoles.
Following the release of the No. 9, Ōtsuka Lōtec launched the No. 8 on March 10, 2026. This model continues the brand's exploration of angular, rectangular forms without conventional hands, instead using an inventive display system.
The dial employs a two-layered construction. A seconds disc rotates fully every 90 seconds at the upper level. The jumping hour, called the "Hour Channel," advances instantly each hour, mimicking a channel select switch on mixing consoles. The "Minute Fader," a retrograde indication, sweeps back from 60 to zero minutes via a visible flywheel mechanism, evoking a mixer fader and tape reel rotation. Red accents mark the hours and minutes, with the fader passing between dial layers for a three-dimensional effect, viewable through a sapphire crystal with anti-reflection and anti-fingerprint coatings.
Founder Jiro Katayama drew inspiration from vintage analog machines, specifically the REDD.37 tube mixing console used at London's Abbey Road Studios during The Beatles' recordings. The design captures an industrial aesthetic with functional elements, such as the satin-brushed 316L stainless steel case measuring 47.8 mm by 31 mm and 10.8 mm thick—the thinnest in the brand's lineup. Angled lugs create a trapezoidal profile, and the crystal extends along the sides to reveal the mechanism. It includes 3 ATM water resistance, a solid caseback, and a 24 mm rubber strap with a new buckle, marking the first rubber strap for Ōtsuka Lōtec.
Powered by a modified Miyota 90S5 automatic movement with an in-house module of 62 components, it features two 2.5 mm and one 1.5 mm ball bearings from MinebeaMitsumi—the world's smallest. The 33-jewel caliber operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 32-hour power reserve. The retrograde fader uses a hairspring-like component adapted from speedometers.
Priced at ¥990,000 (approximately $6,300 USD), the No. 8 comes with a one-year warranty. It is available through the official website, starting with lottery-based sales and small production numbers, though not limited edition.