Artem Expands Its Flagship Loop-Less HydroFlex Strap Range With A More Pronounced Taper
Covering watches offers me an excellent opportunity to witness the evolution of products. While turnaround times for major watch upgrades can be years or decades, accessories such as straps evolve before your eyes. It feels like only yesterday that Artem achieved its zenith with the Loop-Less Sailcloth strap. But taking that design and producing it in full FKM rubber with the HydroFlex raised the bar even higher. Then, combining both concepts into the Loop-Less Hydroflex set a new standard for quality and comfort.
Mike covered the details of the inaugural Loop-Less Hydroflex here, but now Artem caters to more wrist types with a dramatic taper to 16mm. Also, Artem introduces two more lug widths of 18mm and 19mm to the HydroFlex range. Do the new sizes meet the high bar set by the Loop-Less HydroFlex? Let’s find out.
Artem Straps
Artem Straps is well known for continually striving for perfection. Never wanting to stand still, the new strap selection for the Loop-Less Hydroflex includes 20mm at the lugs to 16mm at the clasp (also known as 20/16). This tapering continues with 19mm and 18mm lug width options. These taper to the same clasp width of 16mm, and are available in the existing 10 colors. These are Event Horizon (black), Cosmic Tide (blue), Dark Matter (black with black stitching), Lunar Ash (gray), and Blood Moon (red). Also, there’s Nebula Dust (brown), Titan Dune (beige), Solar Flare (orange), Orbital Moss (green), and lastly, the latest color Nova Light (white).
Artem Straps Loop-Less HyrdroFlex 20/16
Dave, Nacho, and Mike were smitten with the first two-piece HydroFlex straps. Now known as the “Classic” HydroFlex strap, this range introduced Fluorine Kautschuk Material (FKM) to Artem’s output. While Fratello HQ appreciates the pliable and comfortable HydroFlex material, I’m still team Loop-Less Sailcloth. Yes, there is more of a break-in period for the Sailcloth straps, even in Loop-Less form, but I still prefer the look of Sailcloth, especially without the rubber loops (hence the name “Loop-Less”).
The release of the Loop-Less Hydroflex straps truly makes it the best of both worlds. The name doesn’t convey what an upgrade these straps are over Artem’s previous offerings, even as a loyal Sailcloth fan. By maintaining the pattern and stitching of the Sailcloth surface in FKM rubber, the HydroFlex blends good looks with supreme comfort.
You also get the security of the Omega-style clasp in steel that allows you to adjust and refine the fitting. This clasp system may add bulk to the underside of the strap, but securing it to the wrist is quick and risk-free. Once fitted, you’ll also notice this clasp extends the strap’s life without pulling and stretching through a pin buckle. My direct comparison for the HydroFlex is the navy blue classic on my Snoopy versus the Cosmic Tide Loop-Less, also on the Snoopy. The Loop-Less steps it up another level and looks spot-on as a replacement for the stiff Omega nylon strap that the Snoopy comes on. Another benefit is that the 16mm clasp on the Loop-Less shares the width of the pin buckle end of the OEM strap. Therefore, these new 20/16 Loop-Less HydroFlex closely match the elegance of Omega’s native strap but with added comfort.
Final specs and pricing
Artem also caters to other lug widths using the 16mm clasp. For instance, the new Speedmaster First Omega in Space has a 19mm lug width; you can now pair it with the Loop-Less HydroFlex. Or any watch, for that matter, with 18 and 19 mm lug spacing. However, some watches, such as the Rolex Explorer, have limited space between the lug holes and the case band. Therefore, it is worth checking the distance as the strap ends have some bulk to the material.
Artem now also provides quick-release spring bars as standard on the Loop-Less Hydroflex. Currently, this is only for straight spring bars and not curved. Curved spring bars may help fit certain watches with small gaps for strap attachments, such as those on some Rolex models. The 16mm clasps are only available for the 18-20mm range, as the taper from anything above 20mm is far too dramatic for 16mm.
The HydroFlex straps are even better suited for watery excursions thanks to the FKM rubber. They are water-resistant and quick-dry with a breathable pattern on the underside for hot and active days. The new sizing options allow a host of watches to be paired with Artem’s best strap, now with elegant 16mm buckle ends. The 16mm deployant clasps are sold separately with the choice of stainless steel or black coating, currently on a launch special, half price at €39.48 / US$43.50 / £33.50. The Loop-Less HydroFlex straps in all colors and dimensions are €244.95 / US$248 / £204.
What do you make of these new offerings from Artem Straps? Let us know in the comments below.
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