We’ve had an eye on the iWatch lately, especially in light of other whispered gossip about Apple’s competitors also coming out with smart timepieces (anyone remember the Pebble?), and now it’s happening. Or at least it’s probably happening, if analysts whose very job it is to watch out for news of this kind are to be believed.

There was already a trademark application for the iWatch, and the next step is apparently locking down two Taiwanese electronics firms, both of which make products for Apple. The AFP cites an analyst who says that those firms have gotten orders to make the iWatch a reality.

“Apple is likely to introduce ‘iWatch’ in 2014. From our channel checks, Inventec is the major assembly source for ‘iWatch’, with about 60 percent of order allocation,” said a CIMB Securities analyst in a report.

That’s the thing about keeping high-tech secrets a secret — companies have to prepare themselves to actually manufacture things, which is how these reports come about.

So what’s the thing going to cost? About $199 on average, say analysts.

Perhaps if Siri makes the move to the iWatch she can keep up her war of words with that other wearable accessory, Google Glass. We also wouldn’t be surprised to hear about a slew of other companies planning their own wearable devices in the near future.

Taiwan wins Apple iWatch orders: analyst, reports [AFP]

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