Most people would have a lasting impression of Shinji’s first combat experience in EVA Unit-01 against the 3rd Angel, Sachiel. This epic maiden battle between Shinji and Unit-01 and the Angel could be described as one of the most iconic moments of the entire series.
Now, watchmaker Anicorn has partnered with Studio Khara to bring fans a collection inspired by this encounter from the original Neon Genesis Evangelion television series.
The Anicorn x Evangelion NGE Collection, as it is called, reconstructs the two battling titans into timepieces, sculptural cuffs, and metal artworks worthy of any fan’s Evangelion shrine, and, if you can bear to wear them, your wrists.
All told, there are two timepieces. One is defined by layered armor, mechanical architecture, and the visual elements of Evangelion Test Type-01. The other is reduced to a restrained black form, a sculpted face, and an exposed red core. Mutation after being hit by a mega bomb is not included for the latter.
The Unit-01 watch is officially named the Anicorn x Evangelion – The NGE Collection – Evangelion Test Type-01 Automatic Watch, while the Sachiel-inspired timepiece is called the Anicorn x Evangelion – The NGE Collection – The 3rd Angel Quartz Watch.
The Test Type-01 timepiece features an offset, hexagonal structural black framework that extends across the dial and serves as the hour hand, with a small orange-and-black hexagon acting as the pointer to indicate the hour.
Meanwhile, the minute hand extends from the center, decorated in purple with green and orange accents, while the central rounded-corner hexagonal plate, bearing the NERV insignia, continuously ticks as the seconds pass.
Beneath the structural frame are green hour markings and various NGE markings, such as triangular arrows, hazard markers, and Evangelion branding in both English and kanji.
The dial sits in a clear recess, allowing for a rehaut. For the uninitiated, a rehaut is the angled or vertical ring that surrounds the dial and connects it to the crystal. In this model, it doubles as the chapter ring, featuring engraved minute divisions.
This setup, with its offset structural frame, rehaut, and all, gives the timepiece additional depth.
The watch has a 42 mm 316L stainless steel case and a rounded hexagonal crown with the EVA 1 logo on it. It is paired with an AR-coated sapphire crystal and a quick-release black stainless steel bracelet.
Flipping the watch over reveals a hexagonal caseback with a round glass window bearing a red NERV logo, offering a peek at the modified NH35-ATD automatic movement that powers the timekeeping.
When fully wound, it can keep ticking for around 42 hours. The Test Type-01 watch has a water resistance rating of 50 meters (5 ATM). Each watch is individually marked and comes with an individually numbered warranty card.
The Anicorn x Evangelion – The NGE Collection – The 3rd Angel Quartz Watch, on the other hand, is a little more restrained, just like the Angel it draws inspiration from.
It has a polished 316L stainless steel rectangular case measuring 39.1 × 25.5 mm (1.54 × 1.00 inches) and 7.3 mm (0.29 inches) thick, with a black dial featuring the character’s most recognizable elements: a sculpted 3rd Angel face at twelve o’clock and an exposed red core at six.
Positioned on a direct visual axis, the two elements establish the identity of the 3rd Angel, Sachiel, without reproducing its complete form. It is incredibly subtle and minimal, and yet, it has an inexplicable menace.
It also has a hexagonal crown, but this time, it features a geometric motif inspired by the A.T. Field.
The caseback is equally minimal, offering a clean stainless steel cover engraved with the text “ANGEL ATTACK” in kanji, referencing Episode 01. It is water resistant to 50 meters (5 ATM).
The 3rd Angel watch is powered by a Miyota 2025 quartz movement. Rounding out the feature list are a mineral glass crystal and a black leather strap. There is also the option of a leather strap plus a mesh bracelet.
Also available are the Anicorn x Evangelion – The NGE Collection – The EVA-01 Cuff Bracelet (US$68), the Anicorn x Evangelion – The NGE Collection – The 3rd Angel Cuff Bracelet (US$65), and the Anicorn x Evangelion – The NGE Collection Metal Print (US$48).
The Anicorn x Evangelion – The NGE Collection – Evangelion Test Type-01 Automatic Watch and the Anicorn x Evangelion – The NGE Collection – The 3rd Angel Quartz Watch are available to order for US$850 and US$250 and up, respectively, with shipping expected in April 2027.
The two watches are also available to order as a collectible set for US$1,200.
Images: Anicorn.