I acquired my first Artem Straps in 2021. Back then, like a Model T Ford, you could get them in the colour of your choice…as long as it was black. Today, they have a growing colour palette, and these great new Loop-lessTM bands with deployant clasps.
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Of late, brands like Omega, Longines, and Rado have taken to issuing their sportier collections with similarly designed, customizable clasps which clip into a strap’s preexisting adjustment holes. And they are charging hefty premiums for them.
The benefit of such clasps (and straps) is ultimately ease of use. Like a bracelet, these bands allow you to simply slip your hand through–with minimal bending of the strap. The extra length, rather than being run through keepers on the outside, is hidden underneath, next to your wrist. Additionally, as your wrist is wont to swell and retract throughout the day, you can easily move the deployant clasp back or forth along the strap’s adjustment holes to achieve greater comfort.
The lack of keepers and a strap end on the outside is aesthetically pleasing. It allows the band to swoop away from the lugs in an uninterrupted line until it meets the clasp. Unlike traditional buckles, which tend to be positioned directly under your wrist and close to the centre, the use of a deployant clasp is more likely to position itself further up the wrist. The advantage of this is less wear on the buckle. If you are anything like me, and spend significant time at a keyboard, you know what I am talking about.
The disadvantage of a deployant clasp, however, is the added thickness. In my opinion, it’s a small price to pay for convenience. But those with particularly small wrists might find the excess strap (97mm/100mm) runs too long.
Artem’s sailcloth is synthetic with a lovely cross-stitching pattern and a satin sheen. They are very flexible, but mold almost immediately to your wrist. The underside is covered in a thin rubber-coated strip that is stitched directly to the strap. You can choose from three different thread colours, including black, grey, and white. Likewise, you can now also choose from three strap colours: black, blue, and green–all of which are featured here.
New to this particular strap is the soft silicone strip applied to the outside, covering the adjustment holes. This has been designed to reduce wear and extend the life of your sailcloth. Like their predecessors, the straps are water resistant and make perfect companions for your divers.
Artem’s Loopless Sailcloth can be ordered for watches between 18-22mm lug widths. You can also choose between standard spring bars and quick-release spring bars. In addition, the deployant clasp is available in DLC as well as brushed stainless steel.
I wore all three of the straps featured here (and their respective watches) on a recent eight-day road and camping trip. I hiked, I swam, I paddled, and I dived. I chopped wood and built campfires every night. I even slept with them. Shockingly, they look just like the day I put them on for the first time.
But perhaps what I like most is simply that Artem’s sailcloth skirts the border between “toolish” and dressy–rubber and leather. You can spend a day at the beach with it and then throw on a shirt and go out to a restaurant at night. Convenient. Polyvalent. Robust.
Artem’s Loop-lessTM Straps start at $133USD and the clasps at $68USD. For more information, please visit the brand website.
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About the Author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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