( CNN ) -- Ariel Adams loves watches . He owns more than a hundred of them , sometimes changing into a different watch multiple times a day . He has even turned his horological passion into a full-time job reviewing watches . Naturally , he is very excited for Apple 's latest invention . `` As soon as the Apple Watch is available I will be adding it into my life , but in addition to mechanical watches , '' said Adams . `` I will more than likely have to wear one on each wrist . '' Unfortunately for Apple , most people will only wear one watch . The question is , will they choose the Apple Watch over a classic timepiece ? After three years of development , Apple finally gave the world a look at its new smartwatch on Tuesday . It wo n't be available until early next year , but the design is final . Whatever the reviews , it 's guaranteed that Apple fans will camp out in line for one , and early-adopters and watch lovers like Adams will gladly drop $ 349 to slip it on . But to succeed , the Apple Watch will also have to appeal to regular people as a fashion accessory . The company has hired and collaborated with big names from the fashion industry , including watch designers like Marc Newson , Burberry 's Angela Ahrendts and Yves Saint Laurent 's Paul Deneve . Those fashion bona fides will help Apple 's watch appeal to people who see the item as a fashion statement . Related : Apple just got its mojo back . Traditional watches are big business . Last year , watches were an $ 8.3 billion industry in the U.S. , according to Euromonitor . Most watches sold are sub- $ 150 quartz watches , but $ 1,000 and up luxury mechanical watches from brands like Rolex , Omega and Louis Vuitton have been surging in popularity . `` Watches , unlike other consumer electronics , have existed for hundreds of years as accessories and fashion pieces , '' said Tim Barrett , a research analyst at Euromonitor . The smartwatch industry is a relative newborn . Only 750,000 smartwatches were sold in the U.S. in 2013 , compared to 123 million smartphones and 32 million regular watches , according Barrett . So far , the most popular smartwatch is the Pebble , which got its start on Kickstarter . Smartwatches from companies like Samsung , Sony and LG have been plagued by clunky , large screens and glitchy software . `` Apple is definitely in the business of making markets as opposed to breaking into them , and this market has yet to be made , '' said Barrett . Related : 'Apple Pay ' may be safer than plastic . The heart of the Apple Watch is a square touchscreen with rounded corners that comes in different metal finishes , including 18 carat gold . The watch face fits on classic watch straps that come in a range of styles , from sporty and colorful to high-end leather with metal clasps . The face of the watch is customizable and can display the time in a number of analog or digital designs . The final product is a typically Apple design : clean with a kick of personality . `` I do n't think it will replace the traditional timepiece , but I do think it is the most aesthetically pleasing wearable that has come to market to date , '' said Eugene Tong , style director at Details magazine . `` I would wear it , but probably not every day . '' Apple has smartly included styles and a smaller watch face size to appeal specifically to women , a group mostly shut out by the gigantic smartwatch screens already on the market . `` Right now in fashion , a lot of women are dressing down , more casually and simply , '' said Danielle Prescod , fashion editor for Elle.com . `` There is a movement happening toward 'normcore . ' ... Something like the Apple watch , that looks great but also has a purpose , is perfect for this trend . '' Related : Sorry Apple . Solar dresses are the future . Prescod does n't usually wear watches , but said she would consider this one . `` The good thing about the Apple watch is that it 's super buzzy right now so people will notice it without needing a ton of other accessories that might try to compete for the spotlight , '' said Prescod . No matter how useful it is , once a wearable device is written off as un-cool , it marks the wearer as dorky . Not everyone believes the Apple Watch can avoid the stigma of a Bluetooth headset -- or even Google Glass . `` The Apple Watch is the ultimate in geek chic , designed to look like a watch , but it leaves something to be desired when it comes to reflecting personal style , '' said Tyson White , vice president of product at Nixon , a trendy California watch company . It `` will certainly raise people 's expectations about what a watch can do . ... But it appears to compete more with the likes of Fitbit , Fuel band and other smartwatch offerings , more so than traditional watches . '' Beyond looks , Apple will also have to overcome a limited battery life and dependence on the iPhone . But if any technology company has a chance of stealing precious wrist real estate from established watch companies , it 's Apple .
Apple 's new smartwatch was designed to be a fashion accessory as well as a gadget . It comes in two sizes , different finishes and has multiple slick strap options . Apple is going up against huge watch companies and an industry that has been around for a century . The device could be the next iPod or iPhone killer if it catches on with consumers who are looking for something more than just music players.