Apple CEO Tim Cook Speaks About The Apple Watch
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks about the Apple Watch during an Apple event at the Flint Center in Cupertino, California, September 9, 2014. Reuters/Stephen Lam

During its launch last September, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the price for the new wearable device will start at $349 but he declined to give more details. According to iGen (a French website), the stainless steel model will cost $500 and the Gold version will cost a shocking $5,000. This converts to 2,510 pounds and 3,130 pounds for U.K. fans who are also in the look-out for the Apple Watch. But then again, Apple sets prices on a region by region basis that is why conversions are not good basis for determining global prices, Daily Mail reports.

The French website’s source also revealed that the target release of Apple’s first wearable will be around Valentine’s Day of next year, contrary to recent talks of a spring release. The website has been accurate with its past predictions for Apple product launches.

Jewelers and analysts have made their own estimates of the cost of this most anticipated device. Previous estimates pegged the high-end Apple Watch edition models at $1,200. These edition versions are made from 18-karat gold, sapphire crystal and come with a variety of elegant strap choices. Apple hasn’t confirmed yet if the whole chassis is made of solid gold or simply gold plated. But one thing is for sure though, the tech giant developed a variant of the metal which is double the strength of the standard, Apple Insider reports.

According to forecast by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the device would come in two sizes and several models available in different price points. He even speculated that the wearable could possibly cost thousands of dollars. With the Apple Watch Sport made from low-cost materials like aluminum, elastomer band and non-sapphire window, many assume that this will be the entry level model.

Finally, Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of retail and online store was caught saying that new watch will be launched in the spring. While the tech giant is unable to give a true exact date of the watch’s release, expect that a lot more speculations will come your way. Whether this is some sort of gimmickry on the company’s side, consumers tend to be more excited with the product.