Anime isn’t just about flashy battles and emotional storytelling — it’s also a treasure trove of style, design, and symbolism. From futuristic timepieces that stop time to classic wristwatches that anchor entire storylines, anime has long treated watches as more than mere accessories. They often symbolise duty, destiny, and the passage of time itself.
For watch lovers and anime fans alike, spotting a beautifully drawn wristwatch on screen feels like discovering an Easter egg — one that bridges mechanical craftsmanship and creative imagination. Here are the most iconic watches in anime history — and the deeper meanings ticking beneath their dials.
1. Seiko Giugiaro “Ripley” – Evangelion 3.0: You Can (Not) Redo
No list of iconic anime watches would be complete without a Seiko. The brand’s futuristic Seiko Giugiaro Design “Ripley”, originally made famous by Aliens (1986), made its anime cameo in Evangelion 3.0.
In the film, characters wear Seiko watches inspired by industrial and military aesthetics — perfect fits for Evangelion’s tone of sleek machinery and existential dread. The Giugiaro’s asymmetric case and bold digital layout look like something straight out of a NERV command center.
Why it matters: Seiko’s long relationship with Evangelion shows Japan’s respect for the intersection of anime, fashion, and technology. The collaboration also produced several limited-edition timepieces that have since become collectibles.
2. Casio G-Shock DW-5600 – Detective Conan
When it comes to anime and watches, few are as instantly recognisable as Conan Edogawa’s multifunctional G-Shock.
In Detective Conan, the young detective’s gadgets are extensions of his intellect — and his watch is one of the coolest. Hidden behind its simple exterior lies a tranquilliser dart shooter, a device Conan often uses to solve crimes under disguise.
Casio’s G-Shock line has always embodied durability and innovation, and this fictionalised version elevates it into legend. Real-life G-Shock collaborations with Detective Conan have sold out within hours of release.
Why it matters: The DW-5600 isn’t just a prop — it reflects G-Shock’s core philosophy: practical, indestructible, and iconic in any setting.
3. Omega Speedmaster – Cowboy Bebop
The Cowboy Bebop universe is full of retro-futuristic style — spaceships, jazz bars, and yes, mechanical watches. In several episodes, the show subtly references the Omega Speedmaster, the “Moonwatch” made famous for its role in NASA’s Apollo missions.
Spike Spiegel’s timeless cool pairs perfectly with the Speedmaster’s rugged charm. The anime’s creators have never confirmed it outright, but fans have long noted the resemblance between Spike’s watch and the Speedmaster Professional.
Why it matters: The Speedmaster symbolizes Cowboy Bebop’s central theme — the blend of old-world nostalgia and futuristic exploration. It’s mechanical poetry in a sci-fi setting.
4. Seiko x Studio Ghibli – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Though subtle, Studio Ghibli’s attention to craftsmanship and detail extends to timekeeping. Seiko has collaborated with Studio Ghibli on a series of limited-edition watches inspired by Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, and Princess Mononoke.
The Nausicaä model, in particular, features intricate engravings and nature-inspired motifs — capturing the balance between technology and ecology central to the film.
Why it matters: These collaborations bridge two forms of Japanese artistry — watchmaking and animation — both steeped in heritage and storytelling.
5. The “Pocket Watch” – Fullmetal Alchemist
Arguably the most emotionally charged watch in anime, Edward Elric’s silver pocket watch is a symbol of time, guilt, and duty.
Given to State Alchemists as a sign of military service, the watch marks Ed’s commitment to the government — and his internal conflict about it. The inscription inside, “Don’t forget 3.Oct.11,” commemorates the day he and his brother burned down their childhood home — a powerful reminder of their irreversible decision to seek redemption.
Why it matters: This isn’t a luxury timepiece — it’s a storytelling device that defines an entire character arc. Few watches in fiction carry as much emotional weight.
6. Citizen Eco-Drive – Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Futuristic, solar-powered, and minimalist — the Citizen Eco-Drive feels right at home in the cyberpunk world of Ghost in the Shell.
In several scenes, characters wear sleek, tech-forward watches that echo the real-world aesthetics of Citizen’s Eco-Drive line. These watches, powered by light rather than batteries, fit the series’ themes of sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the fusion of man and machine.
Why it matters: Citizen’s Eco-Drive is a technological marvel in real life — and in Ghost in the Shell, it becomes a metaphor for humanity’s evolution alongside its inventions.
7. TAG Heuer Carrera – Lupin III
The gentleman thief Lupin III has always been about style — tailored suits, classic cars, and of course, an elegant watch.
In several adaptations, Lupin can be seen wearing a TAG Heuer Carrera, reflecting both his suave charm and his need for precision timing during elaborate heists. TAG Heuer even released a limited-edition Lupin III Carrera in collaboration with the anime, featuring artwork and colourways inspired by the show.
Why it matters: It’s a perfect example of cross-cultural cool — a Swiss chronograph immortalised in one of Japan’s most beloved franchises.
8. Casio Data Bank – Steins;Gate
In the time-bending world of Steins;Gate, every second counts — literally. The characters’ experiments with time travel make watches and clocks constant motifs throughout the series.
Okabe Rintarou’s Casio Data Bank wristwatch fits perfectly with the series’ retro-scientific vibe. This calculator-style digital watch, originally popular in the 1980s, evokes both nostalgia and geek culture — a subtle nod to the show’s blend of science and emotion.
Why it matters: The Data Bank embodies Steins;Gate’s fascination with the intersection of time, technology, and human connection.
Why Watches in Anime Resonate So Deeply
Watches in anime are more than set dressing — they’re storytelling instruments. They remind us of mortality, ambition, and the passage of time that every hero must face.
From Edward Elric’s silver pocket watch to Spike Spiegel’s vintage chronograph, each timepiece reflects its wearer’s philosophy of time. In a medium where every frame is intentional, the inclusion of a watch often carries metaphorical weight — symbolising destiny, discipline, or the fleeting nature of life itself.
Final Thoughts
The next time you rewatch your favourite anime, keep an eye on the wrists of the characters. You might spot a G-Shock, a Speedmaster, or even a fictional masterpiece that doesn’t exist outside the artist’s imagination.
For collectors and fans alike, these watches bridge two worlds — the precision of horology and the artistry of storytelling. They remind us that, whether in steel or in ink, time always tells a story.
