Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
5 facts about Apple Watch
Apple has unveiled its long-awaited entry into the “smartwatch” category, a timepiece it is simply calling Apple Watch, but remains mum on exactly where it will sell its latest introduction.
The technology giant debuted the rectangular-shaped wristwatch, which CEO Tim Cook said is the “most personal device” the company ever has created, alongside the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus at an event held Tuesday at Apple headquarters in Cupertino.
The long-talked-about device, officially unconfirmed by Apple until Tuesday and previously dubbed the “iWatch” by the media, has been the subject of much speculation.
Many in the jewelry industry are wondering how its launch will impact sales of traditional, but not “smart,” watches priced at $1,000 or less, speculation heightened by the July revelation that Apple has added a TAG Heuer executive to its team.
RELATED CONTENT: Apple recruits TAG Heuer executive
There also have been questions about who exactly will get to sell Apple’s new watch, with National Jeweler columnist Jan Brassem asking in his May column if the timepiece could be carried by some of the nation’s thousands of jewelry retailers.
While Apple revealed many details of its new watch’s design and functionality Tuesday, an Apple spokeswoman told National Jeweler that the company is not yet announcing where Apple Watch will be available.
Here is what’s known about the device at this point.
1. There are three collections for the timepiece: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition, which includes timepieces in custom alloys of 18-karat yellow or rose gold. It is available in two different sizes, 38 and 42 mm, with retail prices starting at $349. It will be available to consumers in early 2015.
2. Cook said the watch is synchronized with the Universal Time Standard and is accurate within plus or minus 50 milliseconds. It is battery powered and charges using a system that combines Apple’s MagSafe technology with inductive charging.
3. It is a smartwatch with many functions. Wearers can reply to text messages on their Apple Watch using Smart Replies (common, built-in quick responses) and dictation, or use Handoff--Apple’s capability that transfers user activities among multiple devices associated with the same user--to start a message on the watch and finish it on an iPhone. It also answers calls to the iPhone and has an
4. Apple Watch is also an “incredibly customizable” device of many faces. Apple Watch has 11 different dial options, including a chronograph; “Astronomy,” which has a real-time 3-D model of the Earth, sun, moon and planets; and Mickey Mouse, with the cartoon character’s outstretched arms indicating the hour and minutes. Each watch comes with all 11 faces and they are customizable; wearers can change the color scheme, choose design elements and add functionality. It also has sapphire glass over the dial and exhibition caseback.
5. Apple Watch comes in a number of different finishes and straps. It’s available in gray and “space black” stainless steel, silver or “space gray” anodized aluminum, and a custom 18-karat rose or yellow gold alloy. There also are a variety of straps available for the timepiece, including a stainless steel mesh, a stainless steel link bracelet and leather, that are interchangeable.
The Latest
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.