Since last week’s announcement, there has been a lot of buzz around Apple’s upcoming release of the Apple Watch. While Apple has said the base price for its new gadget will be $349 for low-end models, the company is also releasing The Edition, a high-end collection of designer-style watches, and the price point has not been officially revealed. However, TechCrunch reports that this Apple exclusive gold watch will cost an estimated $1,200 or more.
High Cost of Materials
TechCrunch’s estimated price tag for the Apple Edition gold watch comes from jewelers familiar with the gold alloy used to make the watch cases. Also, watch expert Chad Rickicki gave a $600 projection for the cost of creating the 18-karat-gold components of the case alone. That does not include the watch-clasp hardware on the bands nor the watch electronics themselves. Adding in markup could very well put the price of the gold Apple Watch over $1,200, especially while the price of gold remains high.
Of course, the actual price tag for this elite collection set to be released in 2015 is anybody’s guess. Apple could have deals in the works with suppliers, and the target profit margin for the high-end Apple watches is unknown. One thing to be sure of, though, is they will not be cheap.
A Commitment to the Wearable Market
According to Apple, these expensive, polished versions of the Apple Watch will be released as the Edition Collection with six fashionable styles to choose from. All six designs will have 18-karat gold alloy watch cases and sapphire-crystal display protection. Unlike the other two collections—the Standard and the Sport—the cases will come in either yellow or rose gold and have specially designed bands in either dyed leather or “sport” plastic. The possibilities are endless, and consumers could feasibly have as many options for their smartwatch bands as they currently do for their smartphone cases.
What does this mean for Apple fans? For one, the company is taking a firm footing in the wearable luxury goods market. The Edition Collection watches will likely be highly exclusive, as the average consumer won’t be able to lightly spend $1,200 or more on an accessory. From the photos released on Apple’s website, these Edition items are meant to target the couture-minded customer.
What do you think of the Apple exclusive gold Watch Edition collection? Do you plan on purchasing a high-end Apple Watch model?
Image courtesy of Flickr
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