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Early Apple Watch Edition orders begin shipping with custom delivery times

The first Apple Watch Edition orders should arrive as soon as Saturday, although unlike most Watch models, buyers are being given the option of when they'll have their device delivered, a report noted on Friday.

Throughout the week Edition buyers have started receiving shipping notifications and credit card charges, MacRumors said. Emails sent to the customers ask them to pick a specific delivery time, as long as it fits within courier hours — for instance excluding major holidays.

The extra attention is due to the cost of the Edition, which uses 18-karat solid gold in its chassis, controls, and some band components. Even the least expensive Edition models are priced at $10,000, and costs can soar as high as $17,000 despite the Edition's functions being no different than those of a $349 Sport.

Many other Watch orders have been shipping since April 24, but until now the earliest preorders of the Edition have still been waiting for delivery. The delay is again presumably because of the use of gold, which requires different manufacturing processes than aluminum or steel, including hand polishing.

The special treatment of Edition customers extends to other areas. Edition try-on appointments are typically longer and segregated from the rest of an Apple Store, and each Edition comes with a unique box that doubles as a charging dock.