The Apple Watch's Gold Edition will hit the premium price range of $1,200, mainly for its 18-karat gold material.
Apple jumped into the wearable segment with various models of its coveted Apple Watch in different price ranges. Of all the smartwatch models Apple will debut next year, the tech giant's Gold Edition will be the priciest wearable device on the market. Based on Pittsburgh jeweler and watch expert Chad Rickicki's calculations, the 18-karat Gold Edition of the Apple Watch will cost as much as $1,200, TechCrunch reported.
Nothing is official yet, but Rickicki estimated the cost based on the size and weight of the watch as well as the use of 18-karat gold material instead of a gold coating. According to TechCrunch, the final price tag could be lower than the estimated cost, which is based on the leaked design of the images of the iWatch last week. It is also unclear which of the two Apple Watch sizes was used in the analysis. The exact dimensions of the Apple Watches are still unknown.
According to Rickicki, the high-end Apple Watch in gold should cost Apple around $600 and chances are Apple may double the cost when it hits retail.
"The Edition collection features six uniquely elegant expressions of Apple Watch," Apple says describing its Watch Edition. "Each has a watch case crafted from 18-karat gold that our metallurgists have developed to be up to twice as hard as standard gold. The display is protected by polished sapphire crystal. And an exquisitely designed band provides a striking complement."
The Apple Watch is already sporting an expensive sapphire crystal display. The starting price for the low-end sport versions sans aluminum and sapphire display will be $349 and other standard editions will get premium pricing. The Watches, offered in three variations, will debut next year. Of those, the "Apple Watch Gold Edition," made with high-end materials in yellow or rose gold options will get high-end pricing. The standard Apple Watch will swap gold for a stainless steel body that will keep the price lower than the Apple Watch Edition.
Early price estimates on the Apple Watch Gold Edition are largely guesswork as Apple's inside job for the upcoming gadgets is kept highly secretive.
