Collections

5 facts about Apple Watch

CollectionsAug 10, 2016

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. 


There are three Apple Watch collections, Apple Watch Sport (left), Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition.
Cupertino, Calif.--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

Activity app that can measure calories burned, brisk activity and how often the wearer stands up during the day, among other things. 

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. 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Tiffany & Co. Love Is a Gift Campaign and David Yurman The Joy of Extraordinary Memories campaign
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns

Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.

Hand holding holiday shopping bags
SurveysNov 10, 2025
5 Things Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This Year

The National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.

The Rainbow Collection Christies
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’s

Late collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

 Sapphire tennis necklace
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace

At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.

Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Foundrae Palm Beach Location Exterior and Founder Beth Hutchens
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’

The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.

Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%

The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.

20-Under-40-2025-LV.png
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for Members

From educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.

AGTA Spectrum winners
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors

Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.

G. St x Jewel Boxing Raffle for City Harvest Graphic
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food Rescue

All proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.

Courtney Cornell
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New President

Courtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.

Trucks at Orapa diamond mine
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3

De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.

Ulrich Wohn
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts

Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.

Artifex White Diamond, Fancy Dark Yellowish Brown Diamond, and Blue Sapphire Rings
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction Debut

Kindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.

Tyla Pandora Talisman collection
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment

The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall Peace Medallion
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%

The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.

US Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case Wednesday

Ahead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.

Stuller Inc.’s Danny Clark, Matt Stuller, and Belit Myers
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt Stuller

Stuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold?

Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.

Mellerio Jardin Pierreries Necklace
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November Birthdays

Citrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.

Weston Jewelers Fort Lauderdale store rendering
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort Lauderdale

The family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.

Two of the three suspects in burglary at Queens jeweler’s home
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home

The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.

Matthew Rosenheim
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board Chair

The trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.

Christies Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online Auction

The ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.

Heavenly Vices Mother Father Spinner Necklace
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’

This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.

Interpol Stolen Works of Art Database, The Louvre Museum Graphic
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing

The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your Business

Experts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy