Take a look at our newest merchandise
Protecting watches gives me a wonderful alternative to witness the evolution of merchandise. Whereas turnaround occasions for main watch upgrades could be years or a long time, equipment equivalent to straps evolve earlier than your eyes. It looks like solely yesterday that Artem achieved its zenith with the Loop-Much less Sailcloth strap. However taking that design and producing it in full FKM rubber with the HydroFlex raised the bar even larger. Then, combining each ideas into the Loop-Much less Hydroflex set a brand new commonplace for high quality and luxury.
Mike lined the small print of the inaugural Loop-Much less Hydroflex right here, however now Artem caters to extra wrist varieties with a dramatic taper to 16mm. Additionally, Artem introduces two extra lug widths of 18mm and 19mm to the HydroFlex vary. Do the brand new sizes meet the excessive bar set by the Loop-Much less HydroFlex? Let’s discover out.
Artem Straps
Artem Straps is well-known for regularly striving for perfection. By no means wanting to face nonetheless, the brand new strap choice for the Loop-Much less Hydroflex consists of 20mm on the lugs to 16mm on the clasp (also referred to as 20/16). This tapering continues with 19mm and 18mm lug width choices. These taper to the identical clasp width of 16mm, and can be found within the current 10 colours. These are Occasion Horizon (black), Cosmic Tide (blue), Darkish Matter (black with black stitching), Lunar Ash (grey), and Blood Moon (pink). Additionally, there’s Nebula Mud (brown), Titan Dune (beige), Photo voltaic Flare (orange), Orbital Moss (inexperienced), and lastly, the newest colour Nova Mild (white).
Artem Straps Loop-Much less HyrdroFlex 20/16
Dave, Nacho, and Mike have been smitten with the primary two-piece HydroFlex straps. Now generally known as the “Traditional” HydroFlex strap, this vary launched Fluorine Kautschuk Materials (FKM) to Artem’s output. Whereas Fratello HQ appreciates the pliable and cozy HydroFlex materials, I’m nonetheless group Loop-Much less Sailcloth. Sure, there’s extra of a break-in interval for the Sailcloth straps, even in Loop-Much less type, however I nonetheless desire the look of Sailcloth, particularly with out the rubber loops (therefore the identify “Loop-Much less”).
The discharge of the Loop-Much less Hydroflex straps really makes it the perfect of each worlds. The identify doesn’t convey what an improve these straps are over Artem’s earlier choices, whilst a loyal Sailcloth fan. By sustaining the sample and stitching of the Sailcloth floor in FKM rubber, the HydroFlex blends beauty with supreme consolation.
Loop-Much less HydroFlex
Traditional HydroFlex
You additionally get the safety of the Omega-style clasp in metal that lets you alter and refine the becoming. This clasp system could add bulk to the underside of the strap, however securing it to the wrist is fast and risk-free. As soon as fitted, you’ll additionally discover this clasp extends the strap’s life with out pulling and stretching via a pin buckle. My direct comparability for the HydroFlex is the navy blue traditional on my Snoopy versus the Cosmic Tide Loop-Much less, additionally on the Snoopy. The Loop-Much less steps it up one other degree and appears spot-on as a substitute for the stiff Omega nylon strap that the Snoopy comes on. One other profit is that the 16mm clasp on the Loop-Much less shares the width of the pin buckle finish of the OEM strap. Subsequently, these new 20/16 Loop-Much less HydroFlex intently match the magnificence of Omega’s native strap however with added consolation.
Last specs and pricing
Artem additionally caters to different lug widths utilizing the 16mm clasp. As an example, the brand new Speedmaster First Omega in Area has a 19mm lug width; now you can pair it with the Loop-Much less HydroFlex. Or any watch, for that matter, with 18 and 19 mm lug spacing. Nevertheless, some watches, such because the Rolex Explorer, have restricted house between the lug holes and the case band. Subsequently, it’s value checking the space because the strap ends have some bulk to the fabric.
Artem now additionally gives quick-release spring bars as commonplace on the Loop-Much less Hydroflex. At present, that is just for straight spring bars and never curved. Curved spring bars could assist match sure watches with small gaps for strap attachments, equivalent to these on some Rolex fashions. The 16mm clasps are solely accessible for the 18-20mm vary, because the taper from something above 20mm is way too dramatic for 16mm.
The HydroFlex straps are even higher suited to watery excursions because of the FKM rubber. They’re waterproof and quick-dry with a breathable sample on the underside for warm and lively days. The brand new sizing choices enable a bunch of watches to be paired with Artem’s finest strap, now with elegant 16mm buckle ends. The 16mm deployant clasps are offered individually with the selection of stainless-steel or black coating, at the moment on a launch particular, half worth at €39.48 / US$43.50 / £33.50. The Loop-Much less HydroFlex straps in all colours and dimensions are €244.95 / US$248 / £204.
What do you make of those new choices from Artem Straps? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
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