Sony Japan crowdfunds stylish Wena smartwatch

A couple of months ago, Sony launched its own crowdfunding platform, named First Flight, in Japan to help fund some of its new product ideas and the company has just posted a nice looking new smartwatch up on the website. Known as the “Wena Wrist”, the smartwatch shares a lot more in common with your typical wrist watch than the gadgets that we’ve become familiar with.

Unlike other smartwatches, the Wena Wrist doesn’t feature a display. Instead, it comes with a traditional analogue clock face, complete with actual hands. The smartwatch is packed with other pieces of technology though. There’s NFC compatibility for use with the FeliCa contact-less payment system in Japan, notifications from your phone can be received through a vibrator motor inside the watch and there’s a customizable LED light for extra alerts.

The Wena Wrist also supports the regular set of fitness tracking options, including steps made and calories burnt off in the day. A companion app can also be used to set targets and track your progress over time. The smartwatch is also rated for water resistance, a nice added bonus for the fitness enthusiast.

Interestingly, the smartwatch is built in two halves. The smart electronic parts of the watch are housed entirely in the wristband and can be charged up separately. The watch face will last anywhere from 3 to 5 years without a battery replacement, while the band can be detached and will need charging up approximately once a week.

This isn’t the first time that Sony has turned to group funding to scrape up investment for a new smartwatch idea. The company’s e-ink FES smartwatch appeared as a pre-order on the website a few months back.

The Wena Wrist is available for pre-order in Japan through First Flight, with prices ranging from ¥34,800 ($287) for a silver Three Hands model up to ¥69,800 ($576) for the Chronograph version in black. The smartwatch is expected to ship out to backers in March or April of 2016.

What do you think about Sony’s analogue smartwatch?