AKIPRESS.COM - Apple's smartwatch collection will range in price from $349 to $17,000 (£299 to £13,500 in the UK) depending on the metals they are made from and the straps they are bought with, the company's website said Tuesday.

The larger 42mm (1.7in) models of the Watch will cost about $50 more than than the 38mm (1.5in) versions in the lower-priced ranges, reports BBC.

Apple also revealed that the devices are due to go on sale on 24 April.

Rivals' smartwatches have only seen limited sales to date.

A press event held in San Francisco held few surprises about the wearable tech beyond the fact that the mid-range stainless steel edition would start at $549 and go up to $1,099 in the US, and from £479 to £949 in the UK including VAT.

There had been speculation that Apple would seek a bigger price gap between the model and the basic aluminium-based Sport-branded version - something that would have restricted its appeal.

"Apple's pricing demonstrates the confidence it has in the new Apple Watch's functionality, design and consumer appeal," commented Ian Fogg from the consultants IHS.

Apple's website lists a total of 38 models, which might pose a challenge to how it markets them.

Apple's chief executive Tim Cook said the Watch would typically last owners 18 hours between charges, providing a day's worth of use.

Its website adds that the models take 2.5 hours to charge from 0% to 100%, and that the larger model has longer battery life.

It also reveals that a Power Reserve facility means that the Watch should continue to show the time for "up to 72 hours" after other functions are turned off.

The firm said on stage that thousands of new apps had already been developed for the Watch ahead of it going on sale.