Golden delicious: Gold Apple watch may cost more than US$1,200

The gold Apple Watch Edition could cost as much as US$1,200 when it goes on sale in 2015, according to a new report by TechCrunch. This information was suggested by jewellers familiar with the material Apple is using to make its Apple Watch Editions. Chad Rickicki, a watch expert from Pennsylvania, said a case the size and shape of the Apple Watch in 18-carat gold would cost about $600 to make. The lower-end sport versions will start at $349, and presumably the standard versions, simply called Apple Watch, will receive a premium over that.

It is immaculate in terms of how function meets design. The issue is really about how much people want to wear something so clearly, essentially an amazing gadget.

Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue

The Edition watches are expensive because gold is expensive, even at 18K and intermixed with Apple’s alloys. It is not known if the Apple Watch case will be gold-plated or made of a solid gold alloy. Apple’s website says that the Apple Watch Edition has been crafted by the company’s metallurgists to be “twice as hard as standard gold”. The product also comes with “a polished sapphire crystal display, and rumours have suggested the gold watches will come in special boxes that can also be used for charging,” according to MacRumors.

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