Apple’s (NASDAQ: APPL) smartwatch isn’t expected out until later this spring, but it has already picked up a prestigious design award from the Germany-based iF International Forum Design group.

The Apple Watch received the group’s gold award, with the jury calling it “an icon”. The smartwatch field is becoming increasingly crowded — with a healthy showing of devices at this week’s Mobile World Congress in addition to the Pebble Time on Kickstarter — and this award is just another way Apple’s watch stands out against the competition.

“The idea of combining classic materials such as leather and metal with state-of-the-art technology to create a very individual fashion accessory has resulted in a delightful product offering a holistic user experience. The Apple Watch scores highly for each design detail and is an altogether extraordinary piece of design. For us, it is already an icon,” the group said in a press release.

The awards jury from the iF group judges entrants includes workmanship, choice of materials, environmental friendliness, design quality, safety, brand value, ergonomics, workmanship, degree of innovation and functionality.

The Apple Watch comes in a huge variety of flavors and styles, with customizable faces.

Apple is no stranger to winning awards from the iF group. Its iPhone 6, iPad Air and iMac are amongst some of the high-profile wins.

The entry Apple Watch is expected to cost $349.99. The luxury version of the watch — which will be encased in 18-carat gold — is expected to cost a whopping $5,000. Will this design award translate to sales for Apple when their Apple Watch launches?

More details on the Apple Watch are expected during an Apple event on March 9, 2015.

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