Interesting and pretty convincing.
Not sure if they will price the 38 and 42 mm ones differently (the non-gold ones).
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
An In-Depth Look at Apple Watch Band Options and Potential Pricing
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Interesting and pretty convincing.
Not sure if they will price the 38 and 42 mm ones differently (the non-gold ones).
We don't know how quickly they will depreciate in value yet. Considering it is a watch, I wouldn't be surprised if it were easier to replace the battery than a typical Apple product.
Seriously?
Ten grand? Seriously?
No effing way.
I have a hard enough time convincing the wife it's time for a new Mac. She'd stroke out if I said I needed a ten grand wristwatch. Insanity.
I don't even think that's reasonable in any way unless we're talking precious metals.
Together, we have a Corei7 iMac, a Core2duo iMac, an iPhone5s, an iPhone 6 Plus, an iPad2 and an iPad Mini and I don't even think all of that adds up to ten grand.
But I wouldnt go for a higher end watch anyway - just the entry model if I went for it at all. Show me I can't live without it first.
Ten grand? Seriously?
No effing way.
I have a hard enough time convincing the wife it's time for a new Mac. She'd stroke out if I said I needed a ten grand wristwatch. Insanity.
I don't even think that's reasonable in any way unless we're talking precious metals.
Together, we have a Corei7 iMac, a Core2duo iMac, an iPhone5s, an iPhone 6 Plus, an iPad2 and an iPad Mini and I don't even think all of that adds up to ten grand.
But I wouldnt go for a higher end watch anyway - just the entry model if I went for it at all. Show me I can't live without it first.
I'm saying there has to be a reason Apple would list models within each collection (and display them that way in public). Unless these are just suggestions and Apple will let you do whatever you want at time of purchase.
The problem you're encountering, is judging other people's purchases based on your own standards, which aren't universal. It's a pretty small segment, but there are people who will spend that much or more on a watch and not consider it wasteful.
Wrist watches only date back to World War I, I don't think that qualifies as 'eons'.
I also don't get why the bands wouldn't be sold separately. Maybe the edition ones are restricted though. That would make the whole watch more exclusive, which I think is part of the point for that version. But if you want your sport one to have a different band for your outfit, Apple will meet you there.
I also suspect there is going to be a robust industry of alternative aftermarket bands. That is one reason that Apple probably won't sell a band free phone. At very least you have to buy it with a sport type band that probably costs Apple $3 to make. It will also make the watch buying experience more watch-like. If you want to switch bands you can, either with an Apple band or with something offmarket.
By models do you mean straps? Perhaps it would be awkward to picture every possible combination of watches and straps, so they are picturing only a few combinations that photograph best?
The only appearance they've made in public to my knowledge was at the announcement event, and this was strictly look but no touch. Doubtful that this display has much to do with the way they will be marketed to paying customers.
Worth mentioning at this point that Angela Ahrents will be heavily involved with this retail rollout. It's safe to say that we don't really know WWAD but it's going to be somewhat different than what we've seen from Apple in the past for that reason alone.
Who would have guessed that Apple's most expensive product ever was going to be a... watch
1000 bucks for a golden watch
No waaay. It will have $1000+ just in gold (and that's not counting the bands with golden buckles)
The funny thing is that even if I had all the money in the world, I wouldn't be interested in a $20K gold Apple Watch. There are other watches in that price range that might tempt me if money were no object, but I'm not into wearing gold and I don't associate electronics with uber-expensive fashion accessories.
To put it another way, if I were offered any Apple Watch free of charge - but with the condition that I could not sell, trade, or give it away - I would not select a gold model.
Also, I haven't seen any Apple employees photographed wearing a gold model, even among their top executives. They probably think it's gaudy and they themselves, despite their wealth, are not the target market. Again, the target market is people who have both a) a lot of money and b) a tacky desire to flaunt their wealth in a gaudy fashion.
Last edited:
can't wait til April
watch is on track to either change the jewelry industry or be the worst mistake in Apple history
watch is on track to either change the jewelry industry or be the worst mistake in Apple historyPlease note that there are plenty of people who walk into a Tiffany's or Cartier (or even higher end boutiques all over the world) and spend over ten grand on shiney/sparkly baubles for themselves or their wife or GF. Baubles that can't even tell the time and have terrible resale or melt-down value.
Some people here just don't have the income or wealth for that level of wasteful or luxurious living.
But some do. Perhaps some of those will like the look of the top-end Editions. The question for Apple is how many.
I'm thinking of the number SKUs they'd need to accommodate all those combinations, if every one is going to be its own part number. Going way back, I am remembering the headaches they had with the multicolor iMacs, and that was only six. Some retailers wanted to carry only certain colors because they were worried about getting stuck with unpopular ones. It is so difficult to forecast the demand for colors. They didn't have a lot of luck predicting that distribution with the 5c.
The aftermarket for straps will be robust if Apple allows it...
Mr. Gruber don't understand horology.
Men "don't" wear jewelry. Sophisticated men wear a nice watch to enjoy (and impress friends) like a piece of art. A decent watch is something that should last generations. Inside is a piece of marvelous engineering. Some watches don't wear batteries and you don't have to adjust them for 120 years (i.e.: Alange & Sohne Perpetual) and have many, many functions.
I'm not saying people won't spend 10k or even 20k for a gold smart watch. I just think it is not a good call since you'll end up with an obsolete watch in a couple of years. That's the opposite of who normally buys a decent watch.
I think the apple watch would be nice and useful. Unfortunately I find it too ugly being square shaped. I would love a thin and round one with options to change the face (wallpaper) to look as beautiful as Vacheron, Patek Philippe Not possible today since it won't fit all internals and there's some complications making round lcds. Maybe Apple Watch 3.0 might be that way.
Men "don't" wear jewelry. Sophisticated men wear a nice watch to enjoy (and impress friends) like a piece of art. A decent watch is something that should last generations. Inside is a piece of marvelous engineering. Some watches don't wear batteries and you don't have to adjust them for 120 years (i.e.: Alange & Sohne Perpetual) and have many, many functions.
I'm not saying people won't spend 10k or even 20k for a gold smart watch. I just think it is not a good call since you'll end up with an obsolete watch in a couple of years. That's the opposite of who normally buys a decent watch.
I think the apple watch would be nice and useful. Unfortunately I find it too ugly being square shaped. I would love a thin and round one with options to change the face (wallpaper) to look as beautiful as Vacheron, Patek Philippe Not possible today since it won't fit all internals and there's some complications making round lcds. Maybe Apple Watch 3.0 might be that way.
Gruber's $20K price prediction was for a hypothetical gold model with gold bracelet. He is guessing that Apple will show off a gold bracelet option as a surprise when the watch is launched.
Vanity. If you have spent any time on this site you know damn well there is a lot of it here.
Gold is the precious metal we're talking about.
---
I think people are focusing a little too much on the Edition watch.
At $349, the Sport watch is one that any middle class person can own if they want to.
At ~$1000+, the stainless steel Apple Watch is the aspirational one. You can own it if you're successful (or just really dedicated).
The Edition watch is pure luxury for the rich. There are all kinds of things that rich people buy for various reasons (the first reason is because they can, but obviously there are others).
Each level bolsters the appeal of the ones below it.
Apple doesn't have to sell very many Edition watches at all. They'll sell a few, and -- this is the important thing -- you'll hear about it. And you'll know you can get all that for just $349, even if it's not the same materials.
The stainless steel one is the one that will really get people riled up... whenever someone sees someone else wearing one they'll either think, "What a douche," or "Man, I wish I had one of those"... or both.
One last thing: I think Apple almost has to promise tech upgrades for the Edition watch. While there're at it, the stainless steel one too. Without this, the Edition watch is purely a gimmick.
The problem I have with selling them as jewellery is this: they're just not that pretty!
Thinking about how to describe them: thick, bulky, I come to the conclusion that "fat" actually sums it up best.
They're also, most of the time, just a black rectangle. It's all very well harping on about how many different hand styles and "complications" you can have on the screen, but if that only activates when you turn your wrist then it's not what other people are going to see most of the time. And of course when the screen is active you have the enormous bezel.
I'll still get one, obviously.
Thinking about how to describe them: thick, bulky, I come to the conclusion that "fat" actually sums it up best.
They're also, most of the time, just a black rectangle. It's all very well harping on about how many different hand styles and "complications" you can have on the screen, but if that only activates when you turn your wrist then it's not what other people are going to see most of the time. And of course when the screen is active you have the enormous bezel.
I'll still get one, obviously.