Sony team revives wena X with smart bracelet that transforms any analog watch

Augment AI, a company founded by former members of the Sony development team, started the crowdfunding campaign for the wena X smartwatch on the Green Funding platform. The project, which began on March 20, 2026 at 11am Japão local time, quickly surpassed the initial goal of 10 million yen in just four minutes. In 40 minutes, revenue exceeded 100 million yen, setting a new record for the wena line and demonstrating strong public interest.

The device stands out for concentrating smart functions on the bracelet, allowing the user to keep their favorite analog watch as the main display. Essa hybrid approach especially appeals to watch enthusiasts who want to add notifications, health monitoring and exercise data without giving up the classic design. The wena X model represents the continuation of a philosophy that prioritizes discreet integration of technology into the traditional accessory.

Innovative concept on the bracelet

The wena X has the main display located on the strap buckle. Essa setup gives you quick access to alarms, timers, and notifications from your paired smartphone.

In addition, the device performs measurement and analysis of health data, including physical activity and sleep quality. The team responsible for the project transferred entirely to the new company, maintaining the knowledge accumulated over the years of development at Sony.

Transition from Sony to Augment AI

Sony terminated wena service in February 2026 as part of scaling back hardware operations. The company prioritized segments such as entertainment, anime, games and music, even transferring the television business to a joint venture with TCL.

Teppei Tsushima, who led the development of the wena series at Sony, decided to found Augment AI to continue the project. Ele assumed the trademark and related rights, transferring the development team to the new company based in Tóquio. Tsushima stated that he simply could not give up the concept he had created.

Technical characteristics of wena X

The new model is smaller than previous versions, which improves comfort in daily use. The main part of the bracelet adapts better to the wrist, solving ergonomic issues identified in past generations.

• Display on the buckle allows you to view notifications without depending on the main display
• Continuous health monitoring with exercise and sleep analysis
• Compatibility with various 18mm, 20mm and 22mm analog watches
• Starting price from 56,800 yen in crowdfunding campaign

Augment AI projects shipping of products for the end of 2026. The campaign remains open until June 17, 2026, offering promotional prices to early supporters.

Design philosophy that won fans

The wena X maintains the essence that has made the line popular among collectors and watch enthusiasts. The ability to swap the dial for any favorite analog watch turns the accessory into a smart extension without altering the user’s preferred aesthetic.

This flexibility differentiates the product from conventional smartwatches, which generally require the use of their own digital display. The approach allows professionals and hobbyists to preserve mechanical or luxury pieces while incorporating modern features like step tracking, heart rate and call alerts.

Campaign details and initial reception

On the night of March 24, 2026, fundraising approached 300 million yen, reflecting the engagement of a loyal community. Augment AI is also preparing a special 10th anniversary edition with 400 limited units of skeleton mechanical watch in two colors.

The project includes prototype demos and regular updates for backers. The company emphasizes that all future activities with the wena brand are independent of Sony, which has no responsibility for new products.

Advances in comfort and integration

The wena X strap is designed to curve properly around the wrist, avoiding discomfort common in previous models. Engineers resolved component integration challenges on the curved edge, resulting in a more compact and lightweight device.

The smartwatch offers 24-hour support for basic functions and health monitoring. Usuários can switch between different bracelets and dials depending on the occasion, maintaining the practicality of notifications and real-time data.

The launch reinforces interest in wearables that respect individual style preferences. Augment AI plans to continue refining the product based on community feedback during the crowdfunding phase.