Sources close to Apple have revealed several launch plans for the ultra-expensive Apple Watch Edition. This includes a longer time trying on the watch, 24/7 help, and even the chance to skip waiting in line. Naturally, one would expect first class treatment for buying a smartwatch that costs as much as a car.
Most Apple Watches will have 5- to 15- minute appointments for potential customers to try on the watch before deciding whether to buy it; on the other hand, the customers interested in the Apple Watch Edition will be treated to hour long appoints that are conducted in a private viewing area. This viewing area will apparently be set up like a jewelry store viewing; potentially a product of the expertise from the new market team comprised of experts from luxury brands like Yves St. Laurent, Louis Vutton, and Burberry.
If the customer does not feel like sticking around the Apple store to learn about the watch, Apple will also schedule a video conference to walk them through the setup process. While this online tutorial is available to both the regular Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport, the more exclusive Apple Watch Edition will also include a dedicated phone line for two years worth of 24/7 technical support.
The sources also claim that those who are waiting to buy the Apple Watch Edition will receive priority access to the store. This technically means that they will be able to skip waiting in line with the rest of the proletariat who are only able to afford the US$349 (about RM1296) version of the smartwatch. Although to be fair, one expects that kind of service considering that the internals of the regular Apple Watch and the luxury Apple Watch Edition are identical.
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However, considering the extreme price tag of the Apple Watch Edition, Apple employees will be asked to assess the store situation before bringing out more than two of the luxury smartwatch for viewing. This is supposedly to avoid theft. Furthermore, if the customer wants to compare non-Edition watches to the really expensive version, there will need to be another employee around to wheel it over on a special “caddy”.
The Apple Watch is possibly one of the most anticipated wearables in the world, and people are expecting a lot of things out of it. It will, without a doubt, sell out in most of the markets Apple considers worthy of receiving the smartwatch; even the limited distribution of the Apple Watch Edition. With the launch of the Apple Watch not too far away, it looks like Cupertino is preparing to show the world how to get a wearable done right.
On the other hand, the Pebble Time just closed its Kickstarter campaign with over US$20 million in funding. Which is about 4000-percent more money than the company had originally asked for. A sign that maybe big flashy wearables are not necessary for success.
[Source: 9 to 5 Mac]
