Apple Watch out… Samsung's Galaxy Gear is here

Samsung will launch its smart watch, the Galaxy Gear, as early as next week, beating Apple's iWatch to market in the process.

The South Korean company plans to launch the product on September 4, ahead of the IFA consumer electronics trade show in Berlin, Germany.

In an exclusive interview with The Korea Times earlier this week, Lee Young-hee, executive vice president of the company's mobile business, said the device has been long in the waiting.

“We will be introducing a new wearable concept device called Galaxy Gear at our own event in Berlin on Sept. 4,” Lee told the newspaper.

“The Gear won’t have a flexible display. The new device will enhance and enrich the current smart mobile experience in many ways.

"It will lead a new trend in smart mobile communications.

"We are confident that the Gear will add meaningful momentum to the mobile industry."

Given the launch date, many believe the Galaxy Gear will beat Apple's iWatch to market, and with recent findings from Juniper Research claiming smart watch shipments will reach 36 million within five years, that may be a smart move.

What are your first impressions of Samsung's Galaxy Gear? Will it beat the iWatch to launch? Tell us your thoughts below