Apple Watch Received Estimated 1 Million Pre-Orders in U.S. on April 10

[pdqgp]

The other use case, being able to tap a friend at a party or concert.. isn't really flying for me. Buzz on the wrist from a friend isn't a whole lot different than a buzz in my pocket. It certainly doesn't justify a $350-$1000 pricetag.

Different strokes for different folks, but for me, the Apple Watch doesn't sell itself. My phone isn't a problem, and the watch isn't solving any great problems in my life. When it does, I'll be on board, but even as a "stepping stone" as people around here like to say, I think it falls short. I think Apple could have done a lot better.

In the end it adds up to a lot of sense for Apple and justifying the price is pretty easy.

$50 is chump change people pee away in any given month on useless crap
$50 is another chunk people usually spend on stupid things like phone covers
$25 is another few bucks people spend on lunches they don't need in any given month
$50-150 is what many people spend on a remote control for a TV/theater system
$200-$300 is what people would normall spend on a consumer grade watch anyway
$100 is what many spend on a fit-bit...

Now maybe you wouldn't buy all of the above or drop all that money, but many do and many more much more. IN terms of justifying even the Apple watch without a sim card, I still think it's worth it. All depends on what you might use it for on a regular basis.

I personally use my watch as a remote for music playing in my house/garage
I use mine as a fit bit
I use mine as a watch
I use mine all the time vs having my phone on me
I use mine as a personal reminder/alarm all the time - rarely do I use my phone for that during the day
I use mine to get quick weather updates
I use mind for reminders from my calender all day long
It has since replaced the ringer on my phone
One of the most important things that it will serve as in the short term is a talking peioce. Daily people use their clothes, cars, etc. as sounding boards for "look at me" and engage with me points. Not everyone, but many. This will serve that purpose. Not a day goes by that someone doesn't seriously inquire about mine. I even put the Apple Watch face on mine and it's drawn tons and tons of attention over the past few months just because of that.

Yeah....I'm in sales and in the medical field and people love it. Again, people are interested in this stuff even if it's just odd curiosity.

The list goes on and on. Will it revolutionize your life, no. But it will help enhance the way you use your current devices. YMMV though.

 

[chrisbru]

Chris my friend, you over estimate that the estimates will be estimated to be based on a sample group instead of actual data. For some, the info could have come from the clerk at a 7-11 and it would be, not only received as fact, but expanded upon with abandon. Yay. We sold a million. We

You didn't offer any sort of counterpoint.

 

[3282869]

No he's just richer than you ;D I've bought 2 - Aluminium for the Gym and Black Steel for everyday.

Hype is in the eye of the beholder. For me the remote control capabilities are what it's all about. Lighting, heating, door locks etc. Plus Apple pay and potentially Transit system payment is a big draw and I have a BMW i3 so theres that too.

All that can be done with my iPhone 6. Why would I want to add another device that requires my iPhone to use its full functionality? That's not simplifying, that's complicating.

Until the technology (Broadcom wifi/bluetooth - maybe cellular in distant future - battery support) to produce a stand-alone wearable is available, this device is coming out of the gate crippled.

What does owning a BMW i3 matter? I have a '15 Audi RS 5 and a '14 BMW 535d. I collect watches as they're investment pieces that I appreciate. Invested in a new GMT Master II w/ Black and Blue Day/Night ceramic bezel (the first dual-tone ceramic bezel available, virtually indestructible), and love my mid-90's "Pepsi" edition GMT. One of my favourites is my Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Sphérotourbillon Moon. Watches are investments in finely crafted timepieces.

Does this make me special? No. They're just "things". In the end, it doesn't matter. I appreciate what I have and work hard, not because they're desirable but because they're well made. Is the Apple Watch well made? Sure. Is it worth the price for what it offers now? Not at all. Perhaps the entry level models.

The issue will always be the technology. Investing $10k+ for a timepiece that will depreciate quickly due to a rapidly changing technological industry is throwing money down the drain. I'm fortunate enough in coming from an affluent family and many of my family friends are as well. The interesting aspect is most of them are very careful with their money (i.e. cheap). They wouldn't purchase a device that will depreciate quickly.

Apple would have been smart to allow top of the line editions to be upgraded by replacing the "guts" with a simple swap. Tech changes quickly, allowing 2-3 more years with new tech would assuage concerns while charging owners a profitable update premium instead of losing sales, a "win/win".

 

[WilliamLondon]

People are people. They want to get the newest thing. They want to be part of the in crowd. But objectively, as a product, the watch is kinda mediocre. And yes, its possible to objectively declare a product as nothing great aka mediocre.

Well, you've figured it all out it appears, everyone's criteria that is. God, is that you?

My earlier comments stand (regarding the judgments), and setting aside the asinine comment about mediocrity (at least as it relates to the technology in the device), one wonders why people feel so compelled to share their "astute insights" regarding mediocre devices with others who might not share their views. Nothing better to do with one's time, perhaps go kick some puppies would be a better use of it?

 

[Gameboy70]

There was no such limit of two per customer. I have 3 on order.

Interesting. I've read numerous sources mentioning two per customer, like this one.

Discretionary income is not necessarily a factor for all - I used a credit card.

Yes, literally speaking discretionary income refers to cash on hand, but I was referring to customers' perceived budget. I've seen so many forum posts complaining about the price of the watch, even at $350, that it seemed unrealistic that a significant percentage (certainly not the majority) of customers were buying multiples.

That said, it's much easier to gripe about the price of the watch on a forum than to do without a shiny new gadget, so I've probably blown the complaints out of proportion. After all, I spent $1100 on the Watch myself.

 

[01silver4]

Same here. I just don't see much use for the Apple Watch when I always have my iPhone with me.

And this is why I say in a few other threads. Every body lifestyle is not the same. Not because u don't see the use for it doesnt mean that others won't have many use for it. At the end of the day it's all good. From my experience people will pay big money for convenience and won't even think twice about it. And the AW looks good doing it at the same time = double win for a lot of people buying it.

 

[BlueMoon63]

All that can be done with my iPhone 6. Why would I want to add another device that requires my iPhone to use its full functionality? That's not simplifying, that's complicating.

Until the technology (Broadcom wifi/bluetooth - maybe cellular in distant future - battery support) to produce a stand-alone wearable is available, this device is coming out of the gate crippled.

What does owning a BMW i3 matter? I have a '15 Audi RS 5 and a '14 BMW 535d. I collect watches as they're investment pieces that I appreciate. Invested in a new GMT Master II w/ Black and Blue Day/Night ceramic bezel (the first dual-tone ceramic bezel available, virtually indestructible), and love my mid-90's "Pepsi" edition GMT. One of my favourites is my Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Sphérotourbillon Moon. Watches are investments in finely crafted timepieces.

Does this make me special? No. They're just "things". In the end, it doesn't matter. I appreciate what I have and work hard, not because they're desirable but because they're well made. Is the Apple Watch well made? Sure. Is it worth the price for what it offers now? Not at all. Perhaps the entry level models.

The issue will always be the technology. Investing $10k+ for a timepiece that will depreciate quickly due to a rapidly changing technological industry is throwing money down the drain. I'm fortunate enough in coming from an affluent family and many of my family friends are as well. The interesting aspect is most of them are very careful with their money (i.e. cheap). They wouldn't purchase a device that will depreciate quickly.

Apple would have been smart to allow top of the line editions to be upgraded by replacing the "guts" with a simple swap. Tech changes quickly, allowing 2-3 more years with new tech would assuage concerns while charging owners a profitable update premium instead of losing sales, a "win/win".

I think all he meant to say is there is an App for BMW already out and available.

 

[AppleScruff1]

21 pages and 500+ posts arguing over numbers plucked from thin air.

How's this, I talked to three people on the 10th and they all pre ordered the watch. By extrapolating that to the the entire US population, I estimate that 12,342,567 Apple watches were sold.

Discuss.

 

[fishmd]

So my main question about all of this still stands, will kids start wearing watches again? I think that is the big question here. Can Apple make the watch cool again? Only time will tell, but unless the youth of our nation (and other nations) decide this is a must have, the watch will stay dead and the Apple watch will eventually die out/level off. It will be interesting to see what occurs for sure.

 

[BlueMoon63]

And this is why I say in a few other threads. Every body lifestyle is not the same. Not because u don't see the use for it doesnt mean that others won't have many use for it. At the end of the day it's all good. From my experience people will pay big money for convenience and won't even think twice about it. And the AW looks good doing it at the same time = double win for a lot of people buying it.

A nice article on yahoo news about the Apple Watch and the impact it is already having...


NEW YORK (AP) -- The arrival of Apple's smartwatch over the weekend likely does not signal high noon for luxury watchmakers, but they could feel some heat as the iconic tech company introduces its first new product category in years.

Nearly a million customers pre-ordered the Apple Watch on Friday, according to some industry estimates, and the company could sell over 20 million in the first year on the market. That won't make up a large portion of Apple's overall revenue, more than $182 billion last year, yet it's a huge gravitational shift for anyone that has to compete.

The Apple Watch costs $350 at the low end and range up to $10,000 for luxury versions. The lower end of the range, which is the most common preorder so far, puts the product in direct competition with a large swath of business for both Movado and Fossil.

Apple's entry into the fashion watch market has drawn plenty of skeptics. There are already smartwatches on the market and critics say it duplicates the function of a smartphone. Criticism aside, it represents a threat at Movado Group Inc. and Fossil Group Inc., a number of industry watchers said.

KeyBanc Capital Markets and Pacific Crest lowered their earnings expectations for both companies because of Apple over the past two days.

Shares of Fossil Group Inc. fell almost 3 percent Monday and shares of Movado Group Inc. slipped more than 1 percent.

Apple Inc., based in Cupertino, California, is famous for introducing products that no one knows that they want or they need, and turning them into industry standards. Think about the iPad. It also has a history of driving innovation in the markets it enters. Think of its phones and music players.

The drive to create watches that do more than tell time was already underway and established watchmakers are engaged.

Tag Heuer is developing its own smartwatch in conjunction with Google Inc. and Intel Corp. Clothing maker Guess Inc. is working with Martian Watches to develop a line of smartwatches as well.

 

[iBug2]

21 pages and 500+ posts arguing over numbers plucked from thin air.

How's this, I talked to three people on the 10th and they all pre ordered the watch. By extrapolating that to the the entire US population, I estimate that 12,342,567 Apple watches were sold.

Discuss.

Even businessinsider did quote these numbers, so maybe call them as well with your info. /s

 

[fishmd]

21 pages and 500+ posts arguing over numbers plucked from thin air.

How's this, I talked to three people on the 10th and they all pre ordered the watch. By extrapolating that to the the entire US population, I estimate that 12,342,567 Apple watches were sold.

Discuss.

I spoke with about 50 other people at a conference on Friday. They all asked me if I ordered one and were floored when I said no. No one else did either. So if I extrapolate that random sample, then Apple sold .... Wait for it..... 0.

I love statistics. Lol.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Even businessinsider did quote these numbers, so maybe call them as well with your info. /s

Everyone is quoting the same non official source.

----------

I spoke with about 50 other people at a conference on Friday. They all asked me if I ordered one and were floored when I said no. No one else did either. So if I extrapolate that random sample, then Apple sold .... Wait for it..... 0.

I love statistics. Lol.

Yep, that's the beauty of numbers, you can spin them to make them support your point.

 

[flat five]

21 pages and 500+ posts arguing over numbers plucked from thin air.

How's this, I talked to three people on the 10th and they all pre ordered the watch. By extrapolating that to the the entire US population, I estimate that 12,342,567 Apple watches were sold.

Discuss.

from what i gather, the 9000 people were used to gauge the percentages of what bands were bought. (the graph in the original post).

where the 1 million number comes from, i have no clue.. it appears as if it may just be an estimate in the most liberal sense of the word?

estimate:
noun
guess

 

[3282869]

I think all he meant to say is there is an App for BMW already out and available.

Oh. Um, ok, well, carry on then lol

(I still stand by my assessment of the watch )

 

[mightyjabba]

from what i gather, the 9000 people were used to gauge the percentages of what bands were bought. (the graph in the original post).

where the 1 million number comes from, i have no clue.. it appears as if it may just be an estimate in the most liberal sense of the word?

I'm a little confused about their methodology myself. From their site, it sounds like they have around 2 million users who supply them with e-receipts for their purchases, and they extrapolate sales based on that. However, the linked article doesn't mention the number 9,080 anywhere that I can see, despite it being quoted by dozens of other sites.

EDIT: I think they changed the text of the press release because now it reads:

According to ereceipt data from a panel of two million online shoppers, each Apple Watch buyer ordered an average of 1.3 watches

Instead of:

According to ereceipt data from 9,080 online shoppers, each Apple Watch buyer ordered an average of 1.3 watches

 

[AppleScruff1]

On a serious note, my wife and I did try the watches on yesterday as walk ins. One thing that I think many people are overlooking, especially those that haven't seen the watch in person, is that some people will buy this watch strictly as a watch. My wife liked the 38 mm SS particularly with the black Modern and Classic buckle straps. She also like the Milanese Loop and the Soft Pink Modern buckle. She liked them enough that she would wear them as a watch, a piece of jewelry, even if all it did was tell time. Every other feature is an added bonus. And I'm sure she is not the only one to feel this way.

I think the watch looks much better in person than it does in pictures. It is a well designed, well finished product, especially the SS. The band attachment mechanism is as slick and easy as can be. I'm sure there will be plenty of women who will buy a watch and an extra band or two to change up the look a bit.

 

[Poochi]

On a serious note, my wife and I did try the watches on yesterday as walk ins. One thing that I think many people are overlooking, especially those that haven't seen the watch in person, is that some people will buy this watch strictly as a watch. My wife liked the 38 mm SS particularly with the black Modern and Classic buckle straps. She also like the Milanese Loop and the Soft Pink Modern buckle. She liked them enough that she would wear them as a watch, a piece of jewelry, even if all it did was tell time. Every other feature is an added bonus. And I'm sure she is not the only one to feel this way.

I think the watch looks much better in person than it does in pictures. It is a well designed, well finished product, especially the SS. The band attachment mechanism is as slick and easy as can be. I'm sure there will be plenty of women who will buy a watch and an extra band or two to change up the look a bit.

Exactly how I feel.

I would get a SS watch with linked or Milanese loop and pay the price for it be a dumb watch and nothing else. (But we know it does more than just a dumb watch so the price is cheap )

 

[darkslide29]

On a serious note, my wife and I did try the watches on yesterday as walk ins. One thing that I think many people are overlooking, especially those that haven't seen the watch in person, is that some people will buy this watch strictly as a watch. My wife liked the 38 mm SS particularly with the black Modern and Classic buckle straps. She also like the Milanese Loop and the Soft Pink Modern buckle. She liked them enough that she would wear them as a watch, a piece of jewelry, even if all it did was tell time. Every other feature is an added bonus. And I'm sure she is not the only one to feel this way.

I think the watch looks much better in person than it does in pictures. It is a well designed, well finished product, especially the SS. The band attachment mechanism is as slick and easy as can be. I'm sure there will be plenty of women who will buy a watch and an extra band or two to change up the look a bit.

So out of curiosity, which watch and bands did you prefer?

 

[fishmd]

Exactly how I feel.



I would get a SS watch with linked or Milanese loop and pay the price for it be a dumb watch and nothing else. (But we know it does more than just a dumb watch so the price is cheap )

I would agree with you guys on that (being nice part) except for two issues. One, it does not have a replaceable battery. At least all my "dumb watches" are wind-up, automatic, or battery powered with replaceable batteries. As such, I know I can continue to wear them all as long as I care to. I wonder, and have not seen mentioned anywhere yet, if the Apple watch battery is replaceable?

Two, I don't have to worry about any of my "dumb watches" being compatible with software updates in the future. They will always do what they were made for till the end of time. Lol. (Stupid pun I know.) I don't know that the current gen Apple watch will be future proof, in fact I am most certain it will not be because Apple will want to sell more and more in the future.

These are the reasons why I cannot see getting anything other than the cheapest version of this watch as they stand now. (As it is I won't get any until I see how this develops. I use both Android devices and iPhone 6+, so don't want an iPhone only watch. Much happier with my Pebble and Android wear devices which I can use with both types of phones.)

 

[mightyjabba]

I would agree with you guys on that (being nice part) except for two issues. One, it does not have a replaceable battery. At least all my "dumb watches" are wind-up, automatic, or battery powered with replaceable batteries. As such, I know I can continue to wear them all as long as I care to. I wonder, and have not seen mentioned anywhere yet, if the Apple watch battery is replaceable?

Battery replacement is $79.

 

[fishmd]

Battery replacement is $79.

Ah nice. Hadn't come across that yet. That's good, and not too bad.

 

[Poochi]

I would agree with you guys on that (being nice part) except for two issues. One, it does not have a replaceable battery. At least all my "dumb watches" are wind-up, automatic, or battery powered with replaceable batteries. As such, I know I can continue to wear them all as long as I care to. I wonder, and have not seen mentioned anywhere yet, if the Apple watch battery is replaceable?

Two, I don't have to worry about any of my "dumb watches" being compatible with software updates in the future. They will always do what they were made for till the end of time. Lol. (Stupid pun I know.) I don't know that the current gen Apple watch will be future proof, in fact I am most certain it will not be because Apple will want to sell more and more in the future.

These are the reasons why I cannot see getting anything other than the cheapest version of this watch as they stand now. (As it is I won't get any until I see how this develops. I use both Android devices and iPhone 6+, so don't want an iPhone only watch. Much happier with my Pebble and Android wear devices which I can use with both types of phones.)

I agree with your points about the battery and future proof (or lack of).

- I believe the battery is replaceable for a fee
- Future proof? Probably not, unless Apple later announces that the watch is upgradeable for a fee (such as comparable to buying a Sport version): then it makes sense to even invest in Edition


However, the reason I went with the mid range model (SS + linked band) is for the looks/style now and over the next year or two. Like buying a new pair of shoes that wears out over time or a nice suit or belt, it's okay that this item is a disposable accessory. Although if it would much better if Apple can make this "personal" item timeless by making it upgradeable and therefore future proof.

 

[iBug2]

Everyone is quoting the same non official source.

It's not some random guy on the street. It's a pretty reasonable estimate from the data they gathered.

----------

On a serious note, my wife and I did try the watches on yesterday as walk ins. One thing that I think many people are overlooking, especially those that haven't seen the watch in person, is that some people will buy this watch strictly as a watch. My wife liked the 38 mm SS particularly with the black Modern and Classic buckle straps. She also like the Milanese Loop and the Soft Pink Modern buckle. She liked them enough that she would wear them as a watch, a piece of jewelry, even if all it did was tell time. Every other feature is an added bonus. And I'm sure she is not the only one to feel this way.

I think the watch looks much better in person than it does in pictures. It is a well designed, well finished product, especially the SS. The band attachment mechanism is as slick and easy as can be. I'm sure there will be plenty of women who will buy a watch and an extra band or two to change up the look a bit.

This. Apple was smart enough to market this as a semi-fashion item, which it actually is. It'll be tough to convert people who don't wear watches, like myself, but if I was already wearing a watch and was looking for a change, this would be my next watch for sure.

 

[AppleScruff1]

So out of curiosity, which watch and bands did you prefer?

I like the looks of the SS better than the aluminum sport model. My personal preference for bands were the black leather Classic Buckle, Milanese Loop and either of the SS link bands. I think the black SS has a good look to it too. Personally I really didn't care for the leather loop band and the Modern buckle only comes in 38mm and IMO it is targeted toward women. I could see getting a sport band to go along with one of the other bands too.

----------

It's not some random guy on the street. It's a pretty reasonable estimate from the data they gathered.

----------



This. Apple was smart enough to market this as a semi-fashion item, which it actually is. It'll be tough to convert people who don't wear watches, like myself, but if I was already wearing a watch and was looking for a change, this would be my next watch for sure.

I think it is a nice alternative to a traditional watch. It's not going to replace a Rolex, Omega etc as a high end watch, but I don't think that is the intent. Again, IMO, the watch looks much better in person. And the Edition models have an air of elegance and class, although I personally wouldn't spend that much money on a smart watch.