So what’s the deal with those of us who ordered watches early that don’t seem to be shipping yet? One likely possibility is that certain models—such as the Space Gray that I ordered—were met with very high demand, meaning that they’ll be shipped more slowly, while other models had lower than expected demand, meaning they’ll be delivered more promptly.
Two significant factors come to mind that would play into this. First, the immense number of band and case combinations make for more models, I would hazard, than pretty much any Apple product to date.
It has indeed been a very abnormal launch. Adding my own personal thoughts on why Apple Watch is so unique compared to previous products. Note, I’ve been buying Apple Devices since 2001 when I bought an iBook brand new. Before that, I had hand-me-down Mac LC and Performas
- If you wanted an Apple Product on day-one, you camped out overnight at an Apple Store. This isn’t possible this year so the fanatics are very anxiously waiting despite ordering as soon as the online store opened @ 12:01AM PST on the 10th.
- There’s a new factor in this sale. China. Only recently was China a priority as in being an initial launch country and their economy is booming and their love for Apple products is huge.
- The final thing, Fashion. Apple did a great job generating demand outside of techies. Fashion forward people aren’t wearing Android watches or Pebbles. The uber nerds were wearing those. Apple Watch is mainstream
So now you have Apple Fanatics, huge new launch countries and ‘ordinary customers’ all ordering at the same time a product that is brand new where Apple doesn’t yet know how many of each SKU to make (ex. how did anyone know for sure the Sport Space Grey with Black Band would be 2-3x as popular as other sport watches?).
Waiting was a lot more fun when I could go to an Apple Store but logically, the online only ordering makes complete sense. Imagine walking into an Apple Store on Friday morning and asking for a Milanese Stainless Steel 42mm and the person in front of you got the last one. This won’t be an issue and even though I won’t have my watch on Day-One, it’s a fashion accessory and I’ll have one I want when it’s ready.
I’d still trade that for waiting in line but oh well, getting 8 hours of sleep on launch day is pretty nice, too.