Ghost in the Shell Tachikoma – There are product collabs that feel like cash-ins, and then there are ones that actually understand why fans love the source material. UNDONE’s new Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Tachikoma Units collection sits squarely in the latter camp. Launched as a three-piece run that channels the mischievous, childlike AI tanks of Section 9, the series turns distinctive design cues from the Tachikomas into readable, wearable watch features: tri-lens dials, “antenna” seconds hands, and playful colorways that immediately call to mind the tanks’ personalities. The collection launched in early October 2025 and is available now through UNDONE’s online store and select retailers.
Why a Tachikoma watch makes sense
Ghost in the Shell is a franchise obsessed with identity, artificial consciousness, and the borderline poetry of machines that act — sometimes more humanly than humans. Tachikomas, the round, spider-legged think-tanks, are among the franchise’s most beloved elements precisely because they juxtapose lethal capability with curious innocence. Packaging those emotional contradictions into a watch — a utilitarian, highly personal object that lives on the wrist — is surprisingly apt. A watch is small, constant, and intimate; a Tachikoma is a machine that becomes a companion. What UNDONE has attempted is to translate the character of the Tachikomas into micro-design choices that reward both anime fans and watch lovers.
The collection at a glance
The Tachikoma Collection is made up of three distinct variants — Tachikoma Blue, Tachikoma Grey, and Tachikoma Yellow each priced at USD $320 and offered in an exclusive box set with franchise-branded accoutrements (a Section 9 warranty card among them). The watches are built on UNDONE’s characteristic blend of accessible materials and careful styling: 316L stainless steel case with IP plating, a layered dial that recreates the tri-compax “tri-clops” sensor layout, sapphire crystal, and a Japan-made hybrid chronograph movement (TMI VK63). The caseback features a detailed engraving and the dial subtly incorporates the Laughing Man emblem between layers as an Easter egg for fans.
Design language: translating Tachikoma personality into a dial
UNDONE’s designers have done more than slap a logo onto a pre-existing case. The Tachikoma watches translate visual motifs into functional watch elements:
- Tri-compax dial: The subdial arrangement mirrors the Tachikomas’ tri-lens “eyes,” offering a clear visual echo of the mecha’s face while remaining a functional chronograph layout. This choice avoids childish pastiche and instead uses the layout to harmonize form and function.
- “Mecha Claw” hands: The hour and minute hands are sculpted to resemble the articulated claws and appendages of the Tachikomas — angular, purposeful, and unmistakably mechanistic. The seconds hand design takes inspiration from antennae, a small but clever link to the source.
- Layered dial with hidden emblem: Between the dial layers sits a faint Laughing Man emblem — a discreet nod to the franchise’s lore that won’t overwhelm someone who wears the watch as a timepiece first and a collectible second. (UNDONE)
- Case and finish: Cases are 316L stainless steel with IP plating to achieve the colored finishes that match each Tachikoma variant’s chassis color. The sapphire crystal and engraved caseback maintain a premium feel in a value-minded package.
These choices strike a balance: they are recognizably Ghost in the Shell without drowning the watch in licensed imagery. Instead of being loud, they reward closer inspection — exactly the kind of design language many collectors prefer.
Movement and specs what’s under the hood
Under the dial sits a TMI VK63 hybrid movement, a Japanese-made quartz-mechanical hybrid that pairs the accuracy and low-maintenance convenience of quartz with the tactile feel of mechanical chronograph actuation. Hybrid movements like the VK63 are common for accessible chronographs because they provide reliable timing functions, a satisfying push of the chronograph pusher, and lower cost than a full Swiss mechanical chronograph. The watches also use sapphire crystal and a steel case that’s been IP-plated for color, offering durability and a bit of flair without a premium price.
For buyers who prioritize water resistance, lug-to-lug size, or wrist fit, UNDONE typically offers multiple case sizes across its lines. The Tachikoma series follows the brand’s accessible sizing and wearability ethos, making it suitable for varied wrist types and everyday wear.
The three variants: personality in color
Each watch in the Tachikoma collection is differentiated primarily by finish and subtle dial treatments that nod to the original Tachikoma units:
- Tachikoma Blue — The most iconic shade, matching the well-known powder-blue hull of the anime’s Tachikomas. This variant emphasizes contrast and legibility and is likely the most immediately recognizable to fans. The caseback engraving and dial layering are more visible on this model, and UNDONE highlights it as the primary piece in the launch. (UNDONE)
- Tachikoma Grey — A more subdued, military-inspired finish that leans into the machines’ utilitarian side. Grey is versatile for dressier or more serious looks while still containing Tachikoma motifs for the initiated. It’s a nice option for someone who wants the tie to Ghost in the Shell without a bright pop of color. (UNDONE)
- Tachikoma Yellow — A bolder pick, echoing some of the alternate liveries and colorful imagery associated with accessories and promotional art. This version leans playful and is ideal for fans who want a watch that announces its inspiration. The “Mecha Claw” hands and antenna seconds stand out against the vivid background.
Across all three, the tri-compax layout, layered dial, and Laughing Man motif unify the lineage — they read as siblings rather than disparate designs.
Packaging and extras: the collector’s approach
UNDONE has positioned the Tachikoma releases as collectible items, not mere fashion pieces. Each boxed set includes a branded presentation and a Section 9 warranty card a tasteful, thematic inclusion that reinforces the licensed identity of the pieces. Collectors will appreciate the thought put into the box as a keepsake: it’s part of the story-telling. Given UNDONE’s previous collaborations, the brand tends to include attractive packaging and documentation that makes the experience feel premium even when the price sits in a modest bracket. (UNDONE)
Price and availability
UNDONE priced each Tachikoma unit at USD $320 (approx. £235–£240 depending on exchange and taxes), which places the collection in the accessible enthusiast category: more expensive than fashion-brand quartz watches but markedly more affordable than Swiss mechanical anime collabs. UNDONE launched the series on October 3, 2025, with the watches available directly from UNDONE’s site and select global retailers. Retail write-ups and fan sites reported the launch the week of October 3–4, 2025. If you’re in the market, expect straightforward online ordering with international shipping options, though customs/VAT may apply depending on your country.
Who is this for?
The Tachikoma Collection hits multiple audiences cleanly:
- Anime fans and franchise collectors who want a wearable piece of fandom that’s tasteful and not ostentatious. The Laughing Man emblem and tri-lens dial serve as insider nods for those who’ll notice them.
- Casual watch enthusiasts who appreciate a well-thought-out hobby piece at a reasonable price. The VK63 movement, sapphire crystal, and solid case finishing give it everyday reliability without a steep price tag. (UNDONE)
- Gift buyers looking for a thoughtful fandom gift: the themed packaging and clear franchise tie-in make it easy to present as a collector’s piece.
The collection probably isn’t for those seeking haute horology or mechanical prestige; it’s storytelling-first watchmaking that trades mechanical complexity for accessible design fidelity.
How it compares to other anime collabs
In recent years, anime-themed watches have ranged from high-end Swiss co-brands to cheap fashion-licensed quartz pieces. UNDONE occupies a desirable middle path: the brand frequently targets watch-curious buyers who want meaning in their ownership. Compared to fashion tie-ins that slap logos on dials, UNDONE’s approach is design-driven. Conversely, it’s far more affordable than limited-production Swiss collabs that sell for thousands. The result is a set of watches that feels respectful to the IP while being realistic about price and production a pragmatic marriage of fandom and everyday use.
Wearability and styling notes
Styling these watches is simple because they’re essentially dressed-up chronographs with clear color identities:
- Pair Tachikoma Blue with denim, casual shirts, and techwear-inspired jackets — the blue pop sings in modern-casual wardrobes.
- Tachikoma Grey plays well with neutral palettes, military cuts, and minimal suits; it’s the stealth option for fans who want subtlety. (UNDONE)
- Tachikoma Yellow is a statement — think streetwear, bold contrasts, and seasons where color matters. (UNDONE)
The tri-compax dial gives it sport-chronograph energy, so it pairs well with rubber straps or textured leather for a contemporary look — and UNDONE’s platform typically allows for strap customization if you want the piece personalized.
Design fidelity vs. licensing UNDONE’s strengths
One of the common pitfalls with licensed watches is over-branding: logos where dials should be, cartoonish colors that undercut wearability, or poorly thought-out case choices. UNDONE avoids these traps by working with subtle references and design translations. The watch doesn’t feel like a toy; it feels like an interpretation. The inclusion of the Laughing Man emblem in a layered, almost ghosted way is emblematic of that restraint: it rewards fans without alienating non-fan wearers. This kind of restraint is why the collection reads as respectful rather than exploitative. (UNDONE)
Potential caveats and things to consider
- Movement choice: The VK63 hybrid is a practical choice that keeps cost down and reliability up, but purists craving a Swiss mechanical chronograph might be disappointed. For the price point, though, the movement delivers solid value. (UNDONE)
- Color permanence: IP plating looks great on launch photos, but long-term wear can show signs of wear if the watch is used roughly. Treat it like any plated watch: mindful wear will keep it looking fresh. (UNDONE)
- Availability: Collabs can sell out quickly, especially when tied to a beloved anime IP. If you want a particular color, it’s worth acting sooner rather than later; secondary market prices can inflate for popular variants.
Final thoughts a wearable piece of anime storytelling
At its heart, the UNDONE x Ghost in the Shell Tachikoma collection is a little story you wear: it’s about machines learning to be companions, translated into dial layers, hands shaped like claws, and a tri-lens arrangement you can check when you check the time. UNDONE’s strengths — thoughtful, design-led collaborations at accessible prices — play perfectly into this license. The watches are not museum pieces or haute horology statements; they’re narrative-anchored, collectible, and meant for everyday enjoyment.
If you’re a fan of Ghost in the Shell who’s been holding out for a wearable that treats the lore with respect, or a watch fan who likes a clever thematic piece without the novelty gag, the Tachikoma units are worth a close look. They’re affordable, thoughtfully realized, and come with the kind of packaging and thematic touches that make receiving and owning them feel special. For anyone who loves the idea of a small, thinking companion on their wrist, UNDONE’s Tachikoma watches are an elegant, accessible option.
Where to buy & what to check before you click
UNDONE sells the Tachikoma collection directly through their official site, where you can view the three variants, order, and see official photos and specs. Check shipping, VAT/customs, and the included warranty details (the Section 9 warranty card is a fun extra) before purchase. If stock is low, reputable secondary markets or anime-focused retailers may carry remaining pieces, but expect markups for in-demand colors.
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