Apple watch look-a-likes on sale in China

BEIJING: A month before the launch of Apple's smartwatch in China, its imitations are already on sale in the country's southern Shenzhen City which is a hub for copycat manufacturing.

Smartwatches named "U Watch" or "D Watch" boasting similar look and function to Apple watches are being sold at around 200 yuan (USD 32.5) each, less than one-tenth of the price of the cheapest Apple Watch.

There is no Apple logo on the products. The Chinese version resembles the American one in appearance, but most have crude workmanship, state-run Xinhua news agency reported today.

The Apple smartwatch would be launched in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US next month. The Apple's smartwatches would be sold at about 400 yuan each.

The Chinese version can receive calls, use text messaging and has a music player. However, features such as popular messaging apps Wechat and QQ are absent.

Some sellers say the products resemble Apple Watch more in its appearance than performance. Such products have been sold online since January.

Some sellers at Huaqiangbei area of Shenzhen City said an improved iOS-friendly version is being produced.

Huangqiangbei has been a grey market known for selling copycat electronics.