Apple Watch launch fails to chime with Hong Kong gadget fans

Apple's latest offering clocked up small crowds on the mainland and in Hong Kong as fans tried on the Apple Watch.

Gadget-lovers were invited to Apple stores around the world to try on the watches - which come in two sizes, three casing colours and a series of bands - before pre-ordering started yesterday afternoon.

In Hong Kong, a handful of enthusiasts lined up outside the Causeway Bay store, while in Beijing people queued from 6am with about 100 people later trying the new device.

Albert Chan, 30, the manager of an education centre in Causeway Bay, dropped into the store on his way to work at 9am on seeing there was no queue. But the Apple fan may still not buy one.

"I'm still not sure at the moment. I still don't see the benefits and how I'll use this in my daily life," Chan said. "I'm an Apple fan, so I'm surprised I don't have the urgency to buy the Apple Watch now."

The wearable technology, which synchronises with the iPhone, ranges from HK$2,728 for the Apple Watch Sport to HK$129,800 for the Apple Watch Edition with 18-carat gold casing.