Tim Cook said the company set out "to make the best watch in the world, one that is precise, that's synchronized with an international time standard." It is controlled by a dial, dubbed the "digital crown," and is highly customisable. You can tap the crown to return to the home screen, scroll and zoom in or out of applications.

Also see: CNET: Apple Watch Preview | Special Report: Wearables: Fit for Business? | TechPro Research: Wearable deployment plans, anticipated benefits and adoption roadblocks | CNET live coverage |  Five ways Apple's iPhone 6, iWatch launches may transform its business model  

The Watch is available in three versions: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition. Each has a different finish; raw aluminium, polished gold and stainless steel. In addition, Apple plans to offer a variety of fittings and straps to keep the device as customisable as possible. Each one, however, has a sapphire display -- which is hard to shatter or scratch.

Also see: CNET: Apple Watch Preview | Special Report: Wearables: Fit for Business? | TechPro Research: Wearable deployment plans, anticipated benefits and adoption roadblocks | CNET live coverage |  Five ways Apple's iPhone 6, iWatch launches may transform its business model  

The Watch is a fitness tracker, and is equipped with a range of sensors -- including pulse detection, a gyroscope and accelerometer. Two dedicated apps will give you a "complete" overview of your fitness.

However, that's not the whole story. The Watch is also NFC-enabled, and a number of Apple partners already plan on functionality including hotel door security, smart lighting control systems and payments. 

Also see: CNET: Apple Watch Preview | Special Report: Wearables: Fit for Business? | TechPro Research: Wearable deployment plans, anticipated benefits and adoption roadblocks | CNET live coverage |  Five ways Apple's iPhone 6, iWatch launches may transform its business model  

The Apple device senses when you move your wrist upwards, and automatically activates the display as a result. Siri acts as the Watch's voice assistant, and users can use apps, find directions, search image libraries, scroll through favorite contact lists to call or send a message -- as well as "taps" and emoticons -- and the device will also be compatible with Apple Pay. Third-party apps will also be on offer from developers. 

Also see: CNET: Apple Watch Preview | Special Report: Wearables: Fit for Business? | TechPro Research: Wearable deployment plans, anticipated benefits and adoption roadblocks | CNET live coverage |  Five ways Apple's iPhone 6, iWatch launches may transform its business model  

The Watch is compatible not only with the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, but the iPhone 5, 5C and 5S.

The starting price for Apple Watch entry models is $349.

Also see: CNET: Apple Watch Preview | Special Report: Wearables: Fit for Business? | TechPro Research: Wearable deployment plans, anticipated benefits and adoption roadblocks | CNET live coverage |  Five ways Apple's iPhone 6, iWatch launches may transform its business model