Apple takes metal as its apparent choice for an iWatch model. Reportedly, the 18-karat gold version of the smartwatch will launch by January next year, at an estimated cost of $1200. Speculations remain rampant after the previously-announced introductory price of $349.

The alleged price of the golden Apple Watch was reported by TechCrunch. The source cited "a jewelry contact familiar with the matter" who explained that criteria such as weight and size were considered. However, these are just approximations and there will be cheaper options, just like the introductory piece.

A watch expert based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chad Rickicki, said that the size and shape of the Apple Watch in 18-karat gold might cost $600. Including the "rest" such as electronics and markup, the price could double itself.

Such pricing brings Ming-Chi Kuo's prediction back. Apple Insider reported that the KGI analyst has previously forecasted the then-iWatch to cost "thousands of dollars."

The 18-karat gold is part and parcel of the iWatch's Edition Collection, which sports six luxury designs. The gold is dubbed to be developed by the company's metallurgists to be "up to twice as hard as standard gold." A sapphire crystal will protect its display, and an "exquisitely designed band" will complement it.

Swiss watchmaker Jean-Claude Biver commented on the Apple Watch, "It looks a little cold, and lacks, for my taste, a bit of personality." He added that the device looked perfect, yet sometimes perfection lacked sexiness. His opinion was noted by Design & Trend.

The tech giant currently offers three smartwatch categories: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition. The Apple Watch is the entry-level collection. It has sapphire crystal, and is made of stainless steel or space black stainless steel cases. The Apple Watch Sport is made of anodized aluminum cases and has a "strengthened" ion-X glass.

The Edition Collection lists five of its variations:

• 38mm 18-karat Yellow Gold Case with Bright Red Modern Buckle
• 38mm and 42MM 18-karat Rose Gold Case with White Sport Band
• 38mm 18-karat Rose Gold Case with Rose Gray Modern Buckle
• 42mm 18-karat Yellow Gold Case with Black Sport Band
• 42mm 18-karat Yellow Gold Case with Midnight Blue Classic Buckle

It is evident that the collection would vary in terms of size options and color combinations.

Meanwhile, Apple has not confirmed the exact date of the Apple Watches' release. The site simply announced that the devices are coming in early 2015.