I believe that your memory is not as perfect as you believe.
> Beginning at 3:01 a.m. ET today, customers have the option of pre-ordering the Apple Watch of their choice or making an appointment for an in-store fitting.
> While Apple is directing people to the website to schedule a 15-minute fitting experience, they'll also accommodate walk-ins if time permits. Customers can also play with an Apple Watch display unit that lets them demo the interface. However they won't be able to try one on without meeting with an Apple employee.
> What It's Like to Get an Apple Watch Fitting Appointment on the 1st Day
ABC News tech editor Alyssa Newcomb gets in-store appointment.
Allow me to repeat myself: I had the original Apple Watch on pre-order from the online store and did not need to visit a physical location for fitting first.
I am not misremembering. I even still have the order invoice and delivery notification from the courier in my email archive.
See operative "or" in the quoted "customers have the option of pre-ordering the Apple Watch of their choice or making an appointment for an in-store fitting".
