JUUK Ligero Apple Watch Band review: Stunning good looks

I certainly don't try to stick my wrist in people's faces, but I do use Apple Pay quite a bit, which often causes cashiers in stores to look at my Apple Watch Series 6. I've been wearing the JUUK Ligero Apple Watch Band for several weeks now, and so many cashiers have complimented me on this band that I've lost count. Looking down at my wrist, this band brings me joy! The Rainbow colorway is particularly eye-catching, though it does come in plenty of other colors if that's not your thing.

I was on the Apple Watch accessory beat years ago when the gorgeous but $350 Apple Link Bracelet was introduced. I remember that many accessory companies made knock-offs, but JUUK came to my attention as one of the first to make one that is truly great quality. The Ligero (assuming you're not going for Rainbow) gives you the Apple Link Bracelet look for less; it's about a third of the price.

JUUK Ligero Apple Watch Band: Price and availability

The JUUK Ligero Apple Watch Band is available only on JUUK's website. Normally $120, it's currently on sale for $99. It comes in both Apple Watch sizes and five colors: Rainbow, Cosmic Grey (dark gray), Lavender, Frost (blue-gray), and Silver.

JUUK Ligero Apple Watch Band: What's good

I think I've been pretty clear about how much I love the look of this band. It jazzes up a boring outfit, and it classes up a casual one. While some metal bands can be uncomfortable, this one fits me perfectly and is incredibly comfortable. I even wear it to work out sometimes. The band is made from hard-anodized 6000 series aluminum, used in cars, boats, and aircraft because it's strong and lightweight. The butterfly clasp works smoothly and is secure. The adapters fit the watch perfectly.

Part of the reason the band fits so well is that there are two different link sizes. Most of the links are fairly large, but there are four smaller ones on the inside of the wrist. So you can remove any combination of larger and smaller links to get the perfect size for your wrist. The tool you'll need to make any size adjustments comes with the band. Just be sure not to throw away any part of the packaging before you adjust your band! The sizing instructions and a link to an informative video are on the bottom of the box.

JUUK Ligero Apple Watch Band: What's not good

As with any accessory, style is a matter of taste. As much as I love this band, my kid took one look at it and said it looks like a child's toy xylophone. So I guess it's not for everyone. One thing to consider, which only applies to the Rainbow option: you'll no longer have a perfect ROY G. BIV rainbow pattern if you do take out links.

I do have one quibble with this band: removing links for size adjustment was not easy! I'm glad I only had to do it once. You can, of course, take it to a jeweler and have them do it for you, but I was determined to do it myself. I was successful, but I had to stand up and put all my weight into getting some of the pins out. I've adjusted many metal link bands over the years, but doing so with this one was harder than most. It's a several-step process to remove each link. You will definitely need to watch JUUK's video before attempting the link removal.

JUUK Ligero Apple Watch Band: Competition

The original Apple Watch Link Bracelet is the obvious comparison. It's incredible, of course, and super easy to adjust for size with hand-removable links. The Apple band does cost about three times what the JUUK Ligero costs, however.

The Wearlizer Stainless Steel and Resin Apple Watch Band is one of many bands by this brand that offers you a lot for your money. While the one pictured here is in shades of pink, there are tons of other colorways from which to choose. Wearlizer offers several stainless steel Apple Watch band styles; I own several and find them to be of excellent quality. Yet most of Wearlizer's bands are less than $30. So it's definitely a brand to check if you like the metal link look but not the price tag.

If you like the JUUK look, but the Ligero is chunkier than you'd like, check out the JUUK Ovollo Apple Watch Band. I love the smooth, curved, feminine look of the Ovollo. It's sophisticated, and yet it stands out.

JUUK Ligero Apple Watch Band: Should you buy it?

• You love the eye-catching style and color options
• You want a high-quality metal link band
• You're looking for a comfortable metal band

• If the style doesn't appeal to you
• You don't want to deal with removing links for size
• It's out of your budget

You should consider buying this band if you want a high-quality, comfortable, hard-anodized aluminum band that comes in a handful of appealing colors. However, if it's not to your taste or in your budget, then it's not for you. Also, removing links for size adjustment isn't easy, so if you're not up to using the multi-step removal tool or taking it to a jeweler, then don't bother.

Once I got through the hassle of adjusting the JUUK Ligero Apple Watch Band to fit my wrist, it immediately became one of my favorite bands. The attention-getting Rainbow colorway I chose adds whimsical appeal to any outfit, though there are four other colors to choose from if you prefer a more sophisticated look. In addition, the hard-anodized 6000 series aluminum is lightweight yet solid, so the band is ultra-comfortable to wear and quite durable.

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