Lining the glass display cases of Shenzhen’s giant tech malls, knock-off versions of Apple Inc’s smartwatch were on sale at many stalls, with some Chinese consumers eager to snap them up for a fraction of the cost of the original.

“It came on sale in mid-March and has been constantly out of stock,” said one imitation Apple Watch seller who declined to give his name.

On average we sell around 40 a day. Some customers just came and bought five or more at a time.

–Smartphone Vendor

The mimic Watches, built on Google’s Android operating system, don’t need a separate smartphone to work, said one merchant. At her store, one was retailing for 360 yuan (3617.88 INR) - around one eighth of the cost of Apple Watch’s  cheapest version.

One version used a SIM card, could make calls, send messages, browse the Internet and take pictures, she said.

On Friday, Apple, the world’s most valuable technology company, started previewing the Apple Watch, its first new gadget line since former CEO Steve Jobs died in 2011. Customers in China and elsewhere will be able to buy it from April 24.

In Hong Kong, the official Apple Store preview of the Watch was quiet. No queues stretched down the street as they normally do for Apple product launches. A handful of people waited at the door, outnumbered by Apple staff whose cheers lasted a handful of seconds. (read more about Apple Watch)

Most of the shoppers from mainland China, who commonly cross the border to pick up the latest Apple must-have, were there for other gadgets.

“I’m here to buy an iPad,” said a shopper from the southwestern city of Chongqing, She didn’t know the preview for Apple Watch was launched at the Apple Store.

I will take a look at the Watch later ... none of my friends have talked about the Watch back home.

– Chinese Tech Consumer

But the technology bazaars in the southern Chinese boomtown of Shenzhen were chaotic on Thursday. Where the buzz was more for the knock off versions of the Apple Watch.

(This article has been edited for length)