Artem Sailcloth straps - a Review

Recently discovered Artem Sailcloth straps, and I'm impressed!

Got my first a few weeks ago used from eBay as a tester.

This proved to be really comfy and I was instantly impressed with the build quality, fit , finish & materials. So went on the hunt for a new top of the range loopless .

Ordering was easy, and import paying tax & halfway across the world postage bumped the price up, but it was destined for my pride & joy Seamaster so I really don't mind how much it costs- I just wanted the "best"

In the meantime I found another identical to the conventionally buckled blue sailcloth I'd previously put on my Aqua Terra on eBay cheap, so had that for my Mariner 1 (more for comfort than style)

Both designs are equally as comfortable, with the loopless being slightly higher quality due to the extra rubbery material around the pin buckle holes for reinforcement and prevention of wear. (Seems wrong way round to me, as a deployant holes will have less wear anyway)

Criticisms? The deployant clasp is more bulky than an Omega one I've got kicking about so I'll swap that over. I've a 7.25" wrist & I'm a bit between holes on the loopless (perfect fit on the other two) so may even go for a Formex clasp as I've seen done on here - thank you for the idea, sorry I can't give credit where it's due as if I stop writing this to look you up I know I'll loose the lot & don't fancy starting again.

Other criticism, very petty - due to my choice of quick release springbars & reasonably large lug length the little "handles" on the bars are occasionally visible when on wrist. Not major, but on reflection I'd have gone for the normal cheaper bars as changing straps really isn't difficult & I forsee this strap staying on this watch for the foreseeable future.

Previously I'd worn my Seamaster on a Zuludiver sailcloth which I was happy with - I changed it because why put a premium watch on anything other than a premium strap? The Artem is a completely different thing all together - it's more like the difference between a bracelet and a Milanese than two interpretations of the same material. The Zuludiver is more like stiff plastic, feels tough and durable, the Artem far softer, more pliable, more luxurious - tho doesn't feel as tough and durable, but as I've only had it a day we'll have to wait & see on that one!

So would I recommend Artem?

So far, a big YES

They certainly elevate whatever you put them on.

Is it worth the premium over other straps? In terms of comfort, quality then yes absolutely. Durability we'll find out with time.

Is the Loopless worth it over the conventional buckled version? Yes, tho the "normal" ones are equally as comfortable and do look as premium aside from the extra anti-wear bit of material around the holes.

Please bear in mind this is a "honeymoon period" review & I've tried not to gush - if you're reading this a few weeks after Xmas 23 feel free to ask my opinion in the comments.

Cheers 🦊