Tech fans have finally got their hands on one of 2015's most anticipated gadgets, the Apple Watch... but only temporarily.

Apple began taking pre-orders for the watch, which it describes as one of the most personal products it's ever made, today ahead of its official release on April 24.

Gadget lovers queued outside the Apple store in Buchanan Street to be among the first to try out the watch and place their orders.

First in the queue was Apple fan Douglas Smith, who had already decided which model he wanted.

Noel Eadie, 70, said he opted for the sports version of the watch because "it was the most affordable".

He said: "The technology might take a bit of getting used to because, although it does the same as the phone, it does it in a different way."

Ryan Brenen, 35, also opted for the sports version.

He said: "I'm left handed so it was good to try it on first and see how it could be swapped about. It was very nice."

The watch, which must be used with an iPhone 5 or above and iOS8, has been in development for two years and is available in three styles: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition, with prices ranging from £299 to £8,000.

The innovative device allows users to receive and send messages, keep a track of their health and fitness, access apps as well as tell the time.

It includes a digital crown scrolling system, retina display with force touch, which senses the difference between tap and press, an editable watch face, health and fitness tracker and a Taptic Engine, which discreetly gives you a tap on the wrist when you receive a message or notification.

Apple is currently only taking pre-orders in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US.

Angela Ahrendts, Apple's senior vice president of Retail and Online Stores, said: "We are excited to welcome customers and introduce them to Apple Watch, our most personal device yet.

"Based on the tremendous interest from people visiting our stores, as well as the number of customers who have gone to the Apple Online Store to mark their favourite Apple Watch ahead of availability, we expect that strong customer demand will exceed our supply at launch.

"To provide the best experience and selection to as many customers as we can, we will be taking orders for Apple Watch exclusively online during the initial launch period."

For more information visit the Apple website.