The Sony WNW-HC-NERV 500 is a limited-edition analog wristwatch released in collaboration with Neon Genesis Evangelion as part of Sony’s Wena Wrist series. Only 500 units were produced, making it one of the most obscure Evangelion-themed watches ever released. It pairs a traditional analog dial with optional smart functionality via Sony’s proprietary Wena Wrist band system. Alas, I don’t have the Wena band (but you can read my take on analog smart watch mods) as I am somewhat fond of using a band to make a traditional watch smart.
This review is based on firsthand ownership. I picked mine up in Japan, complete with original box and papers, though without the Wena smart band. While the absence of the band limits access to smart features, it’s no real loss as it its core, it’s a quartz watch.
Design and Dial
The dial is matte black with high-contrast neon orange accents. The words “NERV ONLY” and “ONLY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL MAY USE” are printed in stencil-style typeface across the lower half of the dial, evoking restricted-access signage and military-grade equipment. The color scheme and typography are consistent with Evangelion’s visual language—functional, coded, and deliberately utilitarian.
The case is black PVD-coated stainless steel, measuring approximately 42mm. The crystal is mineral glass. Water resistance is rated to 3 ATM (30 meters), suitable for daily wear but not immersion.
The overall aesthetic is industrial and neo-futuristic, with clear references to the Evangelion universe’s design language. It avoids character art and overt branding, favoring subtle cues recognizable to fans of the series.
In the world of Evangelion, NERV is the shadowy paramilitary organization tasked with defending Earth from existential threats known as Angels. It operates out of Tokyo-3 and is responsible for deploying the Evangelion units, giant biomechanical weapons piloted by teenagers. The organization is known for its secrecy, authoritarian structure, and cryptic slogans, many of which appear throughout the series in signage, interfaces, and uniforms.
The WNW-HC-NERV 500 draws directly from this aesthetic. The “NERV ONLY” and “AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL” markings on the dial mimic the kind of restricted-access labeling seen on control panels and equipment in the show. It’s not a watch worn by any specific character, but it feels like something that would be issued to staff inside NERV HQ. Functional, coded, and quietly menacing.
Other Evangelion watches, such as those released by Seiko or Citizen, tend to feature overt references to characters like Shinji or Unit-01. The Sony NERV 500 takes a different approach. I prefer the Sony approach, as at first glance, this looks like an officially issued military watch vs. fanboy choice.
Original Retail Price
- MSRP: ¥49,800 JPY (approx. $450 USD at launch)
- Box and Papers: Significantly increase resale value (I have the box and papers!)
Collector Notes
The WNW-HC-NERV 500 is one of the few Evangelion watches that avoids overt character references. The limited production run, subtle branding, and modular smart functionality make it a unique entry in the Evangelion watch canon. It stands apart from Seiko’s Evangelion collaborations, which tend toward more literal interpretations.
Final Thoughts
The Sony WNW-HC-NERV 500 is a niche collector’s piece that rewards attention to detail. Its appeal lies in the tension between analog simplicity and digital potential, between fictional authority and real-world wearability. I wish I had the opportunity to wear this in Japan when Sony Wena was in full force, but for Evangelion fans who value design over iconography, it’s a compelling and underappreciated watch.