Today I’m sharing my honest thoughts on five straps sent by Artem Straps—a premium Australian brand. In this Artem Straps review, I’ll cover what I love (and don’t) about their sailcloth and NATO offerings, from the famous Loop-Less to classic and nylon straps. Watch my full video review below, and let’s dive in!
Who Are Artem Straps?
Founded in Adelaide, Australia, Artem Straps crafts high-quality aftermarket watch straps that blend durability, comfort, and luxury. I first spotted them on Instagram, where watch enthusiasts raved about their premium sailcloth designs. With prices ranging from $60 to $200+, Artem targets the premium market, offering straps for most lug widths, including odd sizes like 19mm and 21mm. Their Loop-Less sailcloth strap is their star, but they also provide classic sailcloth and NATO options, as seen in the five straps they sent me:
- Green Loop-Less Sailcloth Strap
- Black Classic Sailcloth Strap (RM-Style Deployant Clasp)
- Navy Blue Classic Sailcloth Strap (Pin & Buckle)
- Two NATO Straps (Bond & Navy Blue)
Artem Loop-Less Sailcloth Strap: My Favorite
Priced at $133 (strap only) plus $68 for the Loop-Less Deployant Clasp and $13 for quick-release spring bars, the Loop-Less Sailcloth Strap totals $214. It’s not cheap, but you get premium quality. Here’s my take:
What I Love
- Stunning Green Color & Versatility: The green hue pairs beautifully with my Hamilton Intra-Matic Chrono’s off-white dial, offering a sporty, casual vibe compared to its mesh bracelet. It’s a fresh, unique look.
- Comfortable & Easy Break-In: Softer and thinner than the classic straps, it breaks in quickly and feels great. The deployant clasp, similar to Omega’s, is well-built and simple to use—just press and close.
What I Don’t Love
The standard length is too loose for my 150mm wrist, making it unwearable for me. I wish Artem offered a shorter version for smaller wrists below 160mm. Also, the $13 extra for quick-release spring bars feels unnecessary—make it standard, Artem!
Price: $214 (with clasp and quick-release)
UPDATE: ARTEM HAD RELEASED LOOPLESS VERSION FOR THE SMALL WRISTS. VISIT ARTEM STRAPS HERE
Classic Sailcloth Straps: Black and Navy Blue
Next, I tested two Classic Sailcloth Straps in XS size, perfect for my 150mm wrist:
- Black with Black Stitching (RM-Style Deployant Clasp): $169
- Navy Blue with White Stitching (Pin & Buckle): $96
What I Love
- Premium Stitching & Versatility: The white stitching on the navy strap is neat, with no loose threads, signaling quality. Both colors pair well with most watches, from divers to dress pieces.
- XS Size for Small Wrists: Unlike the Loop-Less, these fit my wrist perfectly, with no excess tail, creating a clean look. The shorter tail prevents awkward overhang, though it took time to adjust to the “kid’s watch” feel.
What I Don’t Love
The RM-Style deployant clasp ($73 extra) is fun to use, with a satisfying spring mechanism, but it protrudes on my small wrist, forming an odd shape instead of wrapping snugly. It fits better on 160mm wrists. The pin-and-buckle version is fine, with brushed Artem-branded hardware, but nothing special.
Artem NATO Straps: Bond & Navy Blue
Finally, I tried two NATO Straps (Bond and Navy Blue), priced at $63 each—the most affordable Artem offering.
What I Love
- Surprisingly Soft Material: Smoother and softer than typical OEM NATOs, these feel premium. The hardware is solid, and the stitching is clean, with no loose ends.
- Value for Premium Watches: For a $1,000+ watch, a $63 NATO with a 2-year warranty feels proportionate, elevating the watch’s look compared to cheap OEM options.
What I Don’t Love
At $63, they’re pricier than standard OEM NATOs. While the quality justifies it, budget-conscious buyers might hesitate.
Why Choose Artem Straps?
Artem’s premium sailcloth and NATO straps stand out for their craftsmanship, with a 2-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. While pricey, they rival other OEM options offering versatility and durability for high-end watches. The Loop-Less strap is a unique, sporty choice, and the XS sizes cater to smaller wrists—a rare find.
Comparison Table:
| Strap Type | Price (USD) | Lug Widths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loop-Less Sailcloth | $214 | 20mm | Larger wrists |
| Classic Sailcloth (Black) | $169 | 19–23mm, XS size | Small wrists |
| Classic Sailcloth (Navy) | $96 | 19–23mm, XS size | Small wrists |
| NATO (Bond/Navy Blue) | $63 | Various | Budget premium |
Final Thoughts
Their premium quality left me impressed, though the price feels better suited for luxury watch owners.
The Loop-Less green strap stands out for its exceptional comfort and sleek style, but it’s a bit large for my smaller wrist—I’d love a more compact size. UPDATE: ARTEM HAD RELEASED LOOPLESS VERSION FOR THE SMALL WRISTS.
The Classic sailcloth straps are a perfect fit, offering a polished look, though the clasp could use slight adjustments for smaller wrists like mine.
The NATO straps surprised me with their softness and durability, a step above standard options.
While the craftsmanship is undeniable, the cost makes these straps a splurge best paired with high-end watches rather than affordable ones like my Seikos. If you’re rocking a luxury timepiece, Artem’s quality might be worth it!
Visit Artem Straps here: