Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Everyone is freaking out about the high-end gold Edition, but that is only a fraction of the story. Many brands of the world that focus on economy have a loaded model that is out of most people's price range (Hyundai Genesis, for example). Just ignore it if it doesn't fit your budget or needs.

There will be Apple Watches available ranging from several hundred to several thousand. Chose the one that best fits your situation and stop worrying about how much the top model costs.
 
The first gen gold Apple watch will be a collector's item...just like the 20th Anniversary iMac which launched for $7500 in 1997.

My prediction is this watch will suffer from lacklustre sales...but survive due to Apple's legion of fans. Plus, I think Tim Cook is all-in financially and as a platform as this is his 'baby'.

But for the life of me, I still don't get it. Apple has always been about solving or improving on a product or category. I fail to see how this watch does that. I'd love to be proven wrong.
 
No, because your point is to deny something which you never ever saw or tried claiming that you know better than the best designers and engineers in the world that are currently at Apple still working on the watch and that have thinked about every aspect of the device every ****ing day during years of development. But no, since there is no integrated GPS and does requiere syncing with an iPhone, then it is a trash. Why you wasnt there in Apple while barin storming about the device to rise the hand and share your vision.

You know what is my point? Show some ****ing respec and trust to all these people at Apple that have showed us several time that they can give is the technology of the future in our hands and wait to see what the final device can and cant do, and where it is actually useful and where not.

Sorry, but unless they are hiding some amazing top secret feature, we all have a pretty good idea of what the watch will do. It's grossly overpriced, even at $350. No GPS. How much can one really do on a tiny postage stamp sized screen anyway? What sort of amazing functionality can it possibly deliver?

Apple Watch will have some biometric sensors for all the dolts out there who can't figure out that drinking a cup of coffee two hours before bed will keep them awake. Apple Watch to the rescue! It'll monitor your calories and steps taken every day, because there are a small number of people out there who seem to care about analyzing all kinds of personal metrics.

But really, beyond that, what can it possibly offer besides the obvious: notifications on the wrist, etc. The Apple Watch is Tim and Jony desperately trying to prove they can launch a new product without Steve. If it's a success, I'll be amazed, especially at that price point.
 
A bit off topic, but I was able to stop by my local Microsoft store last night and check out the MS Band. Wow, I am shocked people are buying this and that it was sold out.

1). It looks and feel very cheaply made, you can see the glue seams on the edges, and has that "plastic" feel to it. 2) Was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever worn on my wrist. The rigid plastic top of the band rubs against your wrist/skin and wrist bone so any movement is jarring. In fact, when I took it off, I felt like it was still on for the next 30 minutes. 3) the display is dull and nothing to get too excited about. I did like the UI, it was super easy to use and without any instructions, I could figure everything out. Having it on the bottom of your wrist made it easy to see and use as well.

But overall, very disappointing. I don't get how or why people are buying these, I can't imagine I am the only one who found it to be uncomfortable? And it just looks odd on your wrist as well.
 
The first gen gold Apple watch will be a collector's item...just like the 20th Anniversary iMac which launched for $7500 in 1997.

My prediction is this watch will suffer from lacklustre sales...but survive due to Apple's legion of fans. Plus, I think Tim Cook is all-in financially and as a platform as this is his 'baby'.

But for the life of me, I still don't get it. Apple has always been about solving or improving on a product or category. I fail to see how this watch does that. I'd love to be proven wrong.

Collector's items generally increase in value over the years. The Apple Watch will not. Just as the rip-off 20th Anniversary Mac is now worth half, at best, of what it cost new. Great investment. That said, I totally agree with you. I don't get it either. I've been a loyal Apple customer for 32 years and I have absolutely no interest in the overpriced watch. Tim and Jony are trying to prove themselves, to step out of Steve's shadow once and for all. Unfortunately I think it's going to backfire big time.
 
A bit off topic, but I was able to stop by my local Microsoft store last night and check out the MS Band. Wow, I am shocked people are buying this and that it was sold out.

1). It looks and feel very cheaply made, you can see the glue seams on the edges, and has that "plastic" feel to it. 2) Was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever worn on my wrist. The rigid plastic top of the band rubs against your wrist/skin and wrist bone so any movement is jarring. In fact, when I took it off, I felt like it was still on for the next 30 minutes. 3) the display is dull and nothing to get too excited about. I did like the UI, it was super easy to use and without any instructions, I could figure everything out. Having it on the bottom of your wrist made it easy to see and use as well.

But overall, very disappointing. I don't get how or why people are buying these, I can't imagine I am the only one who found it to be uncomfortable? And it just looks odd on your wrist as well.

It is basically reference hardware. MS needed to prove that it could be done so that they can urge third party manufacturers to buy into their ecosystem.

What you and others say about the band is true, but I'm not willing to write-off their strategy just yet. We are at the beginning of a long game in wearables and health-centric devices.
 
Sorry, but unless they are hiding some amazing top secret feature, we all have a pretty good idea of what the watch will do. It's grossly overpriced, even at $350. No GPS. How much can one really do on a tiny postage stamp sized screen anyway? What sort of amazing functionality can it possibly deliver?

Apple Watch will have some biometric sensors for all the dolts out there who can't figure out that drinking a cup of coffee two hours before bed will keep them awake. Apple Watch to the rescue! It'll monitor your calories and steps taken every day, because there are a small number of people out there who seem to care about analyzing all kinds of personal metrics.

But really, beyond that, what can it possibly offer besides the obvious: notifications on the wrist, etc. The Apple Watch is Tim and Jony desperately trying to prove they can launch a new product without Steve. If it's a success, I'll be amazed, especially at that price point.

I agree that it will be disappointing if it doesn't have GPS or can't complete certain tasks without the use of your iPhone nearby, but completely disagree with you on all of its other features. For me, just to have the notifications, NFC and basic functions on my wrist with a well-made and stylish interface will be more than enough and $350 is fine by me.
 
Why Valentines Day?

Who is saying "Nothing says I love you like a watch."? I'm sure if it were true De Beers and Hannoush Jewelry would be on that bandwagon but they aren't unless there is another version :apple: is hiding that is encrusted with diamond.

If the new standard for a Valentines Day gift is a $350+ :apple:watch I'm screwed with my offer of a dozen roses and chocolates. Great way to further monetize ones love and affection for another.

Edit: I'm sure it's be said before but I'm not going to read through the 1000+ posts relating to the release date rumors.
 
You are so wrong!!! A $50k watch would not be obsolete in 10 years and even if you don't want to use anymore you may be able to recoup most of your money if not more. An Apple Watch will be obsolete in 2 or 3 years (see how the new IOS won't work in older iPads and iPhones) and for sure it will be at least outdated in 1 year when the Apple Phone 2 is launched.


Same person who would spend $50,000 on a watch that will use for 10 years or less.
 
In some cases yes.

This 10 year old Rolex Submariner is on offer at around the same price as the latest model even though it only cost half that when brand new. After two years the seller also guarantees to buy the watch back for at least the same price you paid.

Not all models will hold their value so well so it depends what your buddies bought.

I could check next time I see them. But what is commonly reported in these discussions is that normal users can then sell their nice watch at a nice price years down the line. Can you actually do that? Is there a website that says
"I will buy these Rolexes for X dollars?" Not websites that show what they will sell you the watch for. Because I'm skeptical that a normal dude can just sell these watches (especially if they haven't kept supporting documentation) at these prices. Certainly the local pawn shop will take your Rolex off your hand, but it will be for a fraction of this price. These watches are often reported as an investment. I know that the price to buy them often doesn't go down. But what about the price to resell them outside of having a reputable business. What will I get if I walk into the Tourneau store and want to sell them a used watch that they are selling for $10,000? Will they offer me $9,000? I doubt it.
 
It is basically reference hardware. MS needed to prove that it could be done so that they can urge third party manufacturers to buy into their ecosystem.

What you and others say about the band is true, but I'm not willing to write-off their strategy just yet. We are at the beginning of a long game in wearables and health-centric devices.

Good points, makes sense. Microsoft cracks me up though, their stores are so plain and I didn't even see the Bands when I first walked in and on their website, the Bands were listed on "Products" and no reference on the home page. Cracks me up:)
 
What is the saying, analysts are the only people who can make a claim and be wrong 100% of the time and still have a job...... or something like that.

I will wait for an official word from Apple.
 
So Garmin, Polar, Suunto, Timex, all who make $400+ models and typically replace those models every other year and which avg. users replace every 4 years... they are nuts too? All of those watches are 100% plastic.

The Apple Watch is a hybrid sport + activity + daily use watch. It starts at $350, not $500. $500 is for the stainless model, which includes a stainless band, not a plastic one. It's the equivalent of getting the $500 metallic paint option on a luxury brand car.

I don't think most people who buy an Apple Watch are going to upgrade annually any more than they upgrade their MBA or iPad annually. Truth is most people don't even upgrade their phone annually. Tech moves fast, but not that fast. Very little difference in year over year models. It takes at least two years for it to accumulate to be noticeable.

Yeah, a hybrid sport + activity + daily use watch WITHOUT GPS. What's the point? If I have to carry my iPhone anyway to track my run or hike, why do I even need the watch? Sorry, I don't get it. It's a grossly overpriced notification screen for your wrist with a bit of biometric tracking thrown in for good measure. Not compelling at all.
 
The most annoying thing in this forum is the closed reality in which most of the users here live in.

The Apple Watch starts at just 349$ which is good price for this kind of advanced technology and beautiful design. This is the Apple Watch for the most users.

Then imagine, just imagine! There are people who can buy stuff for 4.000$ and absolutly DONT CARE if it will be outdated in few years. Yeah, the same people that buy Luis Vuiton or Prada hand bags that cost almost the same and in just few years may or may not look like a trash, because no matter how much care you have, it will certanly lose most of its shinens. There are people who spend 4.000$ to go for a one week vacation. There are people who spend that kind of money just to celebrate their birthday for example and there are people that spend that kind of money before you take your first cup of coffe. Yes, there is a market for expensive stuff, because if you earn 500k a year, you dont care if your silly 4k$ watch is not going to work within two years. These same people have several high end expensive watches and absolutly DONT CARE to have a gold Apple Watch just for the fridays or while jogging. And yes, they DONT CARE if you think they look silly changing their Hublot with a gold Apple Watch for daily use, because they are rich, and you are poor. The gold Apple Watch will be absolute hit in the high-end market where the people dont have to chose between buying Rolex or gold Apple Watch, they just buy both. Finally, I know you would be probably shocked but many people dont chose what to buy depending on the resell value they may get in the future.

Im going to NY in April so I hope the Apple Watch is released by then and I can buy it cheaper that here in Spain.

The real rich people save money.
 
Good points, makes sense. Microsoft cracks me up though, their stores are so plain and I didn't even see the Bands when I first walked in and on their website, the Bands were listed on "Products" and no reference on the home page. Cracks me up:)

Yeah, they just have so many irons in the fire. Their messaging isn't as perfected or succinct as Apple's.

John Gruber had a story yesterday about a promotion Microsoft is running with AT&T that gives buyers a free FitBit with the purchase of a Lumia phone. I'll let you figure out how that makes sense.
 
Well that's just not true. There has been enormous innovation in the mechanical watch market. The mistake that you make is that you apparently view the fact that watches stay mechanical as no change, when in fact the traditional watch space has seen incredible development. Just because they still exist and for the most part have not transitioned to electronic versions, doesn't mean there has been no change.

Sure, mechanical watches have used better materials (silicon main spring say) or co-axial movements to reduce friction etc.

But what you still have is a time telling device that is pretty inaccurate today, as it was 20, 40 or 60 years ago.

You can get all horologist on me if you like, but has COSC made their standards any more rigorous today than they were in 1973? They still certify only about 3% of Swiss watches, and the watch only has to be -4 to +6 seconds a day accuracy to be certified as a Chronometer.
 
I heard that they will allow potential buyers to try them on in the store to check out the styles. I think that's a good idea, but it does differ from the way they usually release things (online orders, standing in line the day of sale), so I wonder how that all is going to work out.

I'm salivating for the 42mm stainless steel model with Milanese loop. But I want to see if the magnet will secure the band tightly enough around my wrist.
 
I agree that it will be disappointing if it doesn't have GPS or can't complete certain tasks without the use of your iPhone nearby, but completely disagree with you on all of its other features. For me, just to have the notifications, NFC and basic functions on my wrist with a well-made and stylish interface will be more than enough and $350 is fine by me.

NFC needs the iPhone too. You're carrying it anyway. So you want to spend $350 so that you can have notifications and NFC payments on your wrist instead of reaching into your pocket? Sorry, that isn't worth $350 (much less $5K!!!) to me, but to each his own. At $199, I would have been mildly interested. But $350 to start? No way. I think it's going to be a huge flop.
 
Yeah, a hybrid sport + activity + daily use watch WITHOUT GPS. What's the point? If I have to carry my iPhone anyway to track my run or hike, why do I even need the watch? Sorry, I don't get it. It's a grossly overpriced notification screen for your wrist with a bit of biometric tracking thrown in for good measure. Not compelling at all.

Do you run or hike without your phone today?

Maybe you do, and that's totally fine. I only ask because I see this argument repeatedly, yet anytime am out engaging in physical activity everyone has their phones with them.

I think that Apple took a look at the landscape, adjusted what could fit into this first generation product to it viable, and made a decision to go forth using the iPhone for the bulk of the processing and data transmission. It is OK to disagree with the strategy, but I don't think it is all that difficult to see how they might have arrived at the decisions they've made.
 
I could check next time I see them. But what is commonly reported in these discussions is that normal users can then sell their nice watch at a nice price years down the line. Can you actually do that?

I have done this. Yes, it is very very common.

Is there a website that says
"I will buy these Rolexes for X dollars?" Not websites that show what they will sell you the watch for. Because I'm skeptical that a normal dude can just sell these watches (especially if they haven't kept supporting documentation) at these prices.

It takes some research and you need to keep documentation (which any Rolex, Breitling or IWC etc.. owner would be wise to do) to be able to sell well. For really high-end I would go through a broker. A colleague of mine just bought a $30.000 Panerai in bronze, limited edition through a broker. Second hand. It was 20% over the original new price, because it was so rare. Considering the amount of people looking for watches indeed a normal dude would be ripped off. Go for a broker if you are not sure.


I know that the price to buy them often doesn't go down. But what about the price to resell them outside of having a reputable business. What will I get if I walk into the Tourneau store and want to sell them a used watch that they are selling for $10,000? Will they offer me $9,000? I doubt it.

Walk into the Tourneau store on 52nd with a Rolex Submariner from 2000 that is in slightly used condition but well taken care off including papers and you will get more money for it now than you paid for it when you bought it.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.