At its event, Apple has finally announced availability information for the Apple Watch. All three models will be available in Apple Stores from the 10th of April. You can preorder any of the watch-band combinations in the collections from the 24th.
The Apple Watch will initially roll out to the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong and Japan.
Apple Watch Sport will start from $349 for 38mm and $399 for 42mm, the mid-range stainless steel version will start from $549 for 38mm and $599 for 42mm, and the elusive solid gold Edition casing will run at least $10,000. The pricing of bands varies dramatically, so note that these are base prices only.
The Apple Watch Sport features high-grade aluminium, customized by Apple. The custom alloy is 60% stronger than normal alloys but ‘just as light’. A kiln ensure proper grain structure, and a clever extrusion process creates a uniform process.
The Apple Watch collection offers more bands, sport bands, leather bands, Milanese Loop and Link bracelet. The case is made of stainless steel in two colors. The stainless steel uses a corrosion-resistant alloy, with is then (you guessed it) customised to make the metal 80% harder and less susceptible to scratching.
The Apple Watch edition will be very exclusive and only available in select retail stores. The entire product is solid gold and it will be available ‘in limited quantities’.
