Apple Opens Market for Much Anticipated Watch

Only six trendy boutiques are selling the watch, while some early birds may also get theirs in the post as pre-order deliveries begin.

Apple’s retail boss, Angela Ahrendts, the former boss of Burberry, has said the Watch will not be available to walk up and buy until June.

Eager technology fans can order online but still face a wait of several months.

The Watch, announced in September, is the first new device the company has launched without iconic co-founder Steve Jobs, who died in 2011.

Described by gadget magazine Stuff as "beautifully made and finished", it has never-the-less raised eyebrows over its price.

Unique digital touch feature

The cheapest Sport model comes in at £299, while the top-end gold Edition version costs an eye-watering £13,000.

Coming in numerous different faces, strap designs and colours, it crucially needs an iPhone to work and has a battery life of only one day.

As well as the expected call, message and notification functions, the Watch comes with a unique ‘Digital Touch’ feature.

It allows users to tap their watch face to send customisable 'buzzes' to their friend's wrist – or even transmit their heartbeat in real time.

London retailer Dover Street Market is one of the six worldwide stores who have stock on launch – believed to be around 300 units.

However, customers must call a special number to make an appointment: "We kindly ask you not to queue," the Mayfair store says on its website.

Sales are also restricted to one per customer and buyers need to show their iPhone before getting a chance to part with their cash.

By Musalia Wycliffe

Source: Skynews