Juuk Qrono: The best metal band I’ve used with Apple Watch [Review]

Juuk’s new Qrono band for Apple Watch offers everything you could want from a metal bracelet without the nasty drawbacks. It looks terrific but won’t weight you down, and like all Juuk bands, it’s built to last.

Here’s why the Qrono is the only metal band I’ll wear with my Apple Watch. Get yours today to enjoy 10% off the usual price.

You’ve probably heard of Juuk if you’re a long-time Apple Watch wearer, or if you’ve shopped for metal watch bands before. But in case you haven’t, let me briefly explain why its products are some of the best that money can buy.

Juuk started making bands long before Apple Watch was even a thing. And it has designed and produced products for some of the biggest brands in the watch industry. In fact, all of its bands are made on the same assembly lines used by Swiss watch-makers.

That includes the Juuk Qrono, which is the best metal band I’ve ever worn.

Only the best materials

The Qrono is made from high-grade 6000 series aluminum, not stainless steel. It’s not only more affordable than other metal bands, but it’s also incredibly light, weighing just 55 grams before you’ve taken out any unneeeded links.

I typically wear my Apple Watch with a leather band or the Apple Sport Loop because I favor comfort above everything else. I don’t like heavy metal bracelets or anything that makes wearing my Watch uncomfortable. But the Juuk Qrono doesn’t do that.

Its smaller link design means the band is wonderfully flexible and wraps nicely around your wrist. It doesn’t sit awkwardly or dig into your skin. It’s so comfortable you quickly forget you’re wearing it, and you’ll have no problem keeping it on all day long.

Its butterfly clasp, made from solid and sturdy 316L stainless steel, makes the Qrono easy to put on, and even easier to take off. Squeeze the buttons either side of the clasp and it quickly pops open, allowing you to slide your Watch off your wrist.

Build quality you can rely on

Don’t let the Qrono’s lightweight design fool you. It is every bit as well-made as Juuk’s stainless steel bands. It feels strong and high-end, and its links fit beautifully together. Nothing feels loose or tacky. A lot of effort has clearly gone into making this a great band.

I was a little worried the aluminum would scratch or scuff easily — especially on the underside of the band, which tends to rub against the surface of my desk all day while I’m typing away. But I’m yet to spot a blemish on mine.

I’ve been wearing the Qrono all day, every day since I received it in early September. And I’m not exactly the most cautious Apple Watch wearer. I don’t take it off when I’m getting dirty or doing something that I would consider strenuous. But the Qrono has held up perfectly well.

Easy adjustments for almost any wrist

The Qrono fits wrists up to 8.35 inches (212mm) in size. If yours are smaller, you can make quick and easy adjustments with Juuk’s simple link removal tool, which ships with every Qrono band.

The tool allows you to pop out the pins that hold each link in place, and helps you push them back in again without piercing your finger or thumb. I had to remove six links from my band for the perfect fit, and it took me less than five minutes.

Juuk Qrono review: The verdict

I’ve purchased very few metal bands for my Apple Watch. I don’t find them particularly comfortable for every day wear, and they tend to be too heavy for my liking. But the Juuk Qrono is completely different. It’s the first metal band I’ve really enjoyed wearing.

The Qrono is amazingly lightweight, incredibly comfortable, and it looks fantastic. The cosmic gray model I have goes great with a space gray Watch, and it’s the only band I’ve used so far that has had other people asking where I got it.

I can’t recommend it enough. You can get yours today from the Cult of Mac Store for $125.10 — down from $139.

Juuk provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. Read our reviews policy for more information, and check out more of our in-depth reviews.