You can buy an Apple Watch on launch day

The Apple Watch is proving to be somewhat of an elusive beast with no in-store launch day availability expected at the Cupertino giant's official outlets, and pre-orders now expected to arrive in June.

However, there's a glimmer of hope for early adopters and fast thinkers with regards to getting the fruity smartwatch slapped on their wrists this week.

Firstly, a number of boutiques have been named that are stocking the watch on launch day; and secondly, people who pre-ordered early doors may get their chosen model quicker than they thought.

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The in-store stocks, as listed by the New York Times, are the partner fashion houses that Apple named at the device's launch events - Dover Street Market in Tokyo and London, Maxfield in Los Angeles, Colette in Paris, the Corner in Berlin and 10 Corso Como in Milan.

It's understood that while you'll be able to actually buy an Apple Watch from these stores on Friday, you will have to make an appointment first.

On the pre-order front, Apple has officially stated:

"We're happy to be updating many customers today with the news that their Apple Watch will arrive sooner than expected. Our team is working to fill orders as quickly as possible based on the available supply and the order in which they were received. We know many customers are still facing long lead times and we appreciate their patience."

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Have you pre-ordered an Apple Watch? Let us know what model you've opted for using the comments below.

If you're still undecided, check out our guide to all the different Apple Watch designs that are on offer.