Copycat China: knock-off Apple Watches on sale just one day after timepiece is unveiled

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Shenzhen is devoutly paying homage to Apple with several companies launching clones of the Apple Watch ahead of its release next month.

The fact that such devices are on the market so early – some companies launched their Apple Watch imitator months ago – underscores the speed at which Chinese shanzhai (knock-off) manufacturers are able to bring copies to the market.

Many lookalikes can be found in Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei commercial area – the mainland's best place to shop for electronics, digital products and hi-tech knock-offs – as well as popular e-commerce websites.

Even though many knock-off smartwatches make no attempt to look different from Apple’s latest offering, and their range of functions can’t begin to compete with it, some have unexpected features not found on the official device.