Apple Releases Gold-Link Watch Band, Once Exclusive to Celebrities
Apple has unveiled a gold-link Apple Watch band, priced at $349, making a formerly exclusive accessory available to the general public. The band, which was previously seen adorning the wrists of celebrities like Beyoncé, Karl Lagerfeld, and Kanye West during the initial Apple Watch launch in 2015, was once estimated to cost around $25,000.
Originally part of the now-discontinued luxury Apple Watch Edition line, the gold-link band garnered attention when spotted on high-profile celebrities during Apple’s initial foray into the smartwatch market. The exclusive nature of the accessory added to its allure and mystique among tech and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Now, Apple has democratized this sought-after accessory by offering it to consumers at a fraction of its original price. The new version, made of stainless steel alloy rather than the premium materials used in its luxury predecessor, is available in gold, natural, or slate finishes. This move allows Apple to maintain the band’s aesthetic appeal while making it more accessible to a broader audience.
The gold-link band is compatible with most versions of the Apple Watch, expanding its potential user base. While Apple has not provided specific details about the release, the company’s decision to offer this once-exclusive item to the public marks a significant shift in its product strategy.
The band’s celebrity history adds an intriguing dimension to its release. In 2015, Karl Lagerfeld’s assistant shared a photo of the fashion icon’s custom watch, which reportedly remained unused and unset, serving purely as a style statement. This anecdote underscores the band’s status as a fashion accessory beyond its technological function.
By making the gold-link band available to consumers, Apple is offering a taste of exclusivity at a more attainable price point. This release reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where luxury and exclusivity are being reimagined to cater to a wider consumer base while maintaining an air of prestige.
As the gold-link band transitions from a symbol of celebrity status to a widely available accessory, it represents Apple’s evolving approach to blending technology with fashion, making once-exclusive designs accessible to tech-savvy consumers looking to emulate the style of past fashion icons.
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