Ultimate Sailcloth Strap Guide - 11 brands tested

[@Gary-li7ib]

You know you're deep into the watch rabbit hole when you're kinda excited to watch a 40 minute video about a very specific kind of watch strap

[@DC-wz9gp]

Only realised it’s 40 min after reading your comment 😂

[@bennylenchner]

I'm quite certain we need a support group.

[@timedwards8171]

Watch strap making classes

[@petercharron3268]

Attain are twi stiff. Sorry, wasted my oneu 3:44

[@eduardwalhout1740]

Im even worse, ill absolutely never buy one of those straps.

[@TheChaoskg]

This is what I call a proper overview. Thank you.

[@kart182]

This is journalism

[@oweng7987]

I have several of the $6.35 Aliexpress sail cloth straps shown in the video. I've been using them on multiple watches for weeks. The take a few days to wear in, but they are very comfortable once worn in and I have not seen any degradation on them at all yet. The quick release spring bars are very secure.

[@davidwarburton8890]

Very thorough and fair review. I have tried several brands of sailcloth style straps and have been disappointed with most. I have 3 Artem straps with one being about 3 years old and it still looks like new.

[@paulking8032]

Artem for me.

[@paulcapirchio4378]

Artem might seem expensive until you start looking at the price of OEM straps from luxury watch brands. I am fortunate to have a couple of more expensive watches but I love having multiple straps. When you look at something as simple as a nato strap from Omega for $200+ and compare that to $90 from Artem it’s not so bad.

[@freddolman1494]

Thanks Dave! This video is a big help and extremely well done. You obviously put much time and effort into this and we appreciate it. My favorite is the Zuludiver Mavday. In fact, I just ordered one!

[@storageaddict]

Man! The second the Erebus on the gray strap hit the screen. I said 'damn!' out loud. Looks great! I have the Lunar Pilot that needs to go on a sail cloth strap now also.

[@brinkmefam6311]

I put my blue panda lunar pilot on an Artem Loopless sailcloth. Love it.

[@scottlewis2372]

I recently put my white/blue BLP on a Brady blue one. I wish that it was darker so it may get upgraded to Artem.

[@TheTl33]

I came here to comment the same thing lol

[@springbay1]

CNS has Sailcloth straps with TPU rubber lining as well. The con with those is the length. Unless you go for the 22mm version they are pretty short for people like me with 18,5cm wrists. The big pro is that they send from Sweden for people in the EU. So, no additional import tax. And that will be the most important factor when you go for these cheapo straps.

[@edteach3r]

Great comment on length of CNS straps. I love their straps, but the ‘Chinese’ strap lengths on some straps are frustrating. I don’t buy a strap anymore unless the lengths care clearly specified.

[@vatazhka]

That was an incredibly useful comment, the details perfectly complement the video for me, thank you!

[@edw333n]

I have both Artem and Dassari. The StrapCo (looks similar to North strap) do takes time to break-in but overall i felt both are identical but Artem better quality. Under macro lens the embossed pattern looks woven 😮 but no doubt synthetic material. Dassari good price for my Swatch Scuba Fifty. 😅 Buy 2 free 1. ❤

[@michaelduke6026]

I own the ZD Mayday Regatta strap in black with off-white stitching and love it!

[@Rob954ever]

Nice video! I've bought these straps from Strap Code and CNS. I like them both and currently are a permanent fixture on 3 of my watches. I REFUSE ( on principle alone) to buy Artem straps. 200.00 for a watch strap? It had better make me a martini and give a happy ending massage for that kind of money. 😏

[@tomfox2271]

I have several $10 Ali versions of both the fabric and embossed. All have held up really well, in fact a green one I use on my broadsword is very similar to the oem. The regularity in which I change straps means they’re never really abused tho! I have a cream CNS on my Bremont S302, i think it’s great quality and I love the colour.

[@tommarino69]

I have the same black with white stitching AliExpress strap fitted to my Seiko SBTQ041 chronograph, and for the money I'm pleased with how it looks and it's also very comfortable too. They're definitely a nice alternative to a leather strap for when you want something slightly different.

[@oweng7987]

I've got the same one (and a few others, just different colours). No complaints at all, very comfortable and secure.

[@earlbee3196]

I just picked up a North strap £30 It truly is a great watch strap.

[@4131mpierce]

I own an Omega PO GMT and the deployment buckle on the Dassari sailcloth strap is of very high quality and IMHO, excellent.

[@DevinPennypacker]

This was a fantastic video! Thanks for the nerdy deep dive 🎉

[@BenMwatches]

Love my Artem straps I own multiple - mostly the hydro flex Super comfortable, stylish and versatile

[@dunderhay9169]

Great review 👍. I'm happy to accept Artem are best, but they cost more than most of my watches. Coincidentally, I've just ordered a strap similar to the black/red one from AliExpress, time will tell how it holds up, but I've never had an AliExpress strap break, some have been better than others, but I only had one that went straight in the bin, it was under $2!

[@watchrolling]

Great video Dave! Very thorough and the videography really allows us to see the construction quality.

[@bestboy897]

excellent vid really great shots and detailed pros and cons of each

[@JohnnyBeans-w9k]

My first strap was a blue Artem with white stitching for my Omega Aqua Terra blue dial. It looks amazing. Makes the watch lighter. I have found rubber straps from Zelande for two of my Black Bay 41 and gmt opaline dial. I got the all with deployment clasp. I also picked up cheaper straps, but have found these two companies to have the best .

[@bensayles1541]

Fantastic review as always. Thank you for the level of detail and insight.

[@genises100]

Hey man! Love the videos :) My wife wears the bracelet swapped Seiko you recommended long ago and it's her very favourite watch! :)

[@dska2294]

Awesome video. I’ll watch again later and take notes. I have the Artum and love it. Nothing to compare it to though.

[@DrDoohickey]

Very good video, thanks. One you didn't acknowledge is the Zuludiver Seaqual. It has a more woven/fabric look, albeit with a tighter weave. There's a bit more of a sheen to it as well. They are inexpensive, and I found mine very comfortable. It has lasted a couple of years so far.

[@scottlewis2372]

Great video. Oddly, the ones I've been buying for years are Bradystraps and that wasn't even on your radar.

[@Mr1121628]

Brady straps are pretty much the OG in the aftermarket sailcloth game. Unfortunately not actual sailcloth either. But yeah I’ve bought them for years with no issues.

[@bullnose01]

Excellent review, Dave. I've bookmarked the video for future reference.

[@leftpastsaturn67]

Useful guide, thanks Dave. For me personally, if I wanted a sailcloth strap it would be a strap made from sailcloth, not something pretending to be cloth.

[@arrivocapitale]

Agreed.

[@huckleberry12]

Bummed Brady Straps didn't get a review. When you're editing your vocal takes, make sure you're cutting the region right where the vocal wavelength crosses the 0, then remember to always put a fade out (it can be super short) on each region before you join all the regions up. This will prevent that popping/clicking sound at the end of each of your takes.

[@eliotsalandybrown]

Thanks for this thorough, insightful, honest and well-shot video 🙏

[@imaqt3.14]

I was looking for exactly this type of video. Thank you

[@anyday82]

Great review - I have a 3 of the Strapsco/Dassari Sailcloth straps and will add my 2 cents. The Dassari Sailcloth straps are ok, but not that great. The quick release spring bar is very loose in their pockets and the top layer synthetic material has already starting to crack on all. (Artem sailclothes does crack as well, especially around the buckle holes). The spring bars in the Dassari sail clothes are very thin; so they add like a plastic cover to give it some thickness. They must've used 1.5mm QR spring bars and added a plastic cover to get them to 1.8mm. However it still bounces around inside. It was really annoying so I added a heat shrink wrap to the spring bars (which already had covers) and make it fit tighter. That's how loose those spring bar pockets are! Anyways, the Strapco/Dassari quality should be better for what I've paid. I got 3 for $100 (Buy 2, get 1 free) so it averages to about $33 each. Definitely will not be getting them again but they're comfortable and look pretty good. Just not very durable or made very well.

[@IlyaSolodky]

Great review! Wide variety of choices! Attention to details! The way review should be! Bravo!

[@nextonthewrist]

This was a great video, you hit every point pretty much. I wish zulu offered some more colorways and a black with black stitching I think I'd order for the versatility...will keep an eye on them. Thanks for the comprehensive guide 😎👌

[@CaptNick-if3yy]

I can definitely say there is no comparison between the Artem Strap and Dassari strap from Strapsco. I have a few of both, and the Dassari have very poor QR spring bars. I had one Dassari strap where the spring bar fell out, and on examination I found they use a shockingly thin low quality 1.3mm bar fitted into a plastic tube. The buckles are also very inexpensive stamped types that you can’t remove. Would I trust an expensive watch on this - heck no! The Dassari straps are fine on an AliExpress watch, but that’s where I draw the line. Artem use very solid well made hardware, and I like the fact Artem give you the option to use your own spring bars. Now I’ve got a Northstar on order to try out next.

[@CaptNick-if3yy]

I finally got a chance to try the Northstar strap, which took some time with delivery as it came from the UK. Honestly, it’s exactly the same as the Strapsco Dassari. More than likely came out of the same factory. Dimensions are the same, hole positions are the same, stitching is the same, and most importantly the spring bar construction is the same .. ie .. both use a 1.3mm bar fitted in a plastic tube inserted into the strap. Bottom line, if you want to use a standard 1.8mm bar or 2.5mm fat boy - forget about it. Dassari are provided with standard QR bars, while Northstar has the standard bars. Regardless, with both of these straps when I remove the stock springbar and plastic tube so I can fit a 1,8mm bar, you end up with a very flimsy arrangement that looks like it would tear. In my objective opinion, the Strapsco Dassari and the Northstar classic are exactly the same, but with the Northstar coming at twice the price. Not impressed with either.

[@rossmunizduarte6496]

Really insightful video. I appreciate the effort that you put on it and the results. I would have love to watch it 3 weeks ago I would have avoided the disappointment of buying 3 Dassari sailcloth straps from Stapsco.

[@ryanr3437]

Great video. Very helpful. I have Artem and Zuludiver straps and happy with both.

[@Pounderino]

Doing the dirty work. Thanks my man.

[@russelljohansen3328]

I would love to see how b and r sailcloth bands rate with your reviews. I have bought just about every color combination of their sailcloth straps and watching your video I would rate them the same as between Artem and North Star. I too have researched many sailcloth bands and these are the most comfortable to me at 59.95(the deluxe QR one’s). I have an 8” wrist and their standard one size fits with all my different watch case sizes. However, I buy all my rubber watch straps from ZuluDiver as they are super soft at 63-76.00 (the FKM kind). All the Artem styles are too short for my wrist but I’m going to really check out the North Star and north ones now too after watching your review. Please let me know what you think of the b and r bands! Keep up the great content and thank you!!

[@daviddesrosiers1300]

I’ve had a couple Zulu diver sailcloth straps for a few years now and they’re great. I did have the springbar area tear but they sent me another one no problem. I also have the straps co sailcloth and artem. The Artem is my newest one and I bought it for my speedmaster and it’s great. But honestly I’ll prolly get a 20mm straps co because I feel it’s a better strap

[@timgenter1264]

Excellent video! I have been wondering about sailcloth straps.

[@DrDoohickey]

I have 2 Dassari straps, and I think the North straps are identical (except for the buckle).

[@nintendokings]

What Laco is that at 35:00? Looks great

[@Haru-O]

My Artem Sailcloth with tang buckle cracked at around 2 years. For reference it was on my Oris Big Crown Pointer Date which I wore only on occasion. I did not want to pay another $100 (with quick release spring bars) so I recently replaced it with cheaper Dassari Sailcloth strap with deployant from Strapsco for $60. I don’t know how durable Dassari will be but I thought it’s worth a shot trying since Artem with deployant is $200+. Deployant on Dassari feel little rough around the edges so the underside of the strap where it meet with that edge might wear and not last. I shall see.

[@holgermuller3597]

Wow, sooo interesting! Cool and very informative! Thank you, Dave 👍👍👍

[@vatazhka]

This video came up right in time - I was looking for a new sailcloth strap for my Lunar Pilot. I originally bought a cheap one which turned out to be too flat for my liking, started to fray almost instantly and is far too short to be used with a deployant clasp.

[@UGA.D]

My issue with Artem is that they are too bolstered and don't flex they way I like. I like a strap to curve immediately from the spring bar, otherwise it sits off of my wrist and I don't enjoy that fit.

[@ttothec]

Thank you for this very helpful video.

[@javierjimenez786]

That white Baltic and the black Nodus watches look fabulous... Did I miss the reviews on the channel? Defiinitely sailcloth straps are not an easy (or cheap) topic... Guess that's why I haven't got any for my budget watch collection 😂

[@JusttheWatch]

Baltic review is in the works. I reviewed the normal non-dlc version of Nodus awhile back. Haven't done one on this black special edition.

[@javierjimenez786]

@@JusttheWatch I'll be waiting for those reviews!!! 😃😃😃

[@WatchesBeAwesome]

​@JusttheWatch does the DLC Nodus Sector Pilot hold up well (any DLC issues)? Also, is that going to be released, or was it already?

[@JusttheWatch]

@@WatchesBeAwesome Haven:t had any issues with it. I purchased that one myself because it was literally exactly what I was looking for. Like I was in the process of writing up a suggestion for a collab watch with them, and when I was in the middle of writing it I figured I should probably check first to see if they already had done something similar, and this was exactly what I was about to suggest. Anyways, I think unfortunately they're all sold out of this one now.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

It takes so much inspiration from the Fifty Fathoms that it could not be bothered to curve the end 😂😂😂

[@khronokraze]

I like how u used your wife to take the "Pepsi challenge" of sailcloth straps. Was able to determine which was which in terms of quality level. Nailed it!

[@cylentone]

Good review, thanks. I would immediately disqualify anything that is embossed - it's not cloth. A shame you didn't get the true sailcloth The Strap Tailor strap in for the review.

[@Wintermute-088]

Those people do terrible business.

[@cylentone]

@@Wintermute-088 Ouch. That's bad.

[@magstheonlyone]

More watch straps videos please

[@georgekytidis8330]

Very nice video!!! Thanks for the info!

[@barrettwbenton]

Well, wow: After your original review on Artem's straps, I chimed in about my somewhat-dismal experience with Barton's sailcloth strap, particularly in regard to its tendency to fray around the punched holes (unlined, of course), which quickly spoiled the wearing experience. And, now, here you are reviewing a bevy of straps, including Barton's, and…whaddayaknow, you observed the same issues I did. No, I don't think the strap is worth the small-ish outlay when the likeliness of one tossing the thing within a year or so is rather high. The Artem straps, OTOH…yes, it *is* a "you get what you pay for" situation, but $215 for the deployant-clasp version (and that's the *onlly way I'll have a leather or fabric strap from here on out - much better in terms of strap longevity, as well as quick and unfussy putting-on/taking-off) is still a steep tab. Since I don't swim, I'm fine with sticking to leather (when I'm not wearing something with a bracelet). Kudos for a great review!

[@matthewmcdonald8624]

That was a really good topic for a youtube video.

[@1vbAPiYk]

What I love about this channel is that the Author is not obsessed with showing us his face all the time like all the other narcissists

[@JusttheWatch]

Honestly it's a heck of a lot easier to record and edit voice over than me sitting in front of a camera.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

A decent strap will allow you to use the OEM spring bar

[@MikeOBrien1945]

Really good detailed review. THANKS Dave!! What is that Squale model you are wearing at 9:40? It just reeks of Fifty Fathoms.

[@JusttheWatch]

It was a special collab they did with their Korean distributor, Whatawatches. I have a review of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iF7aq3WOa7WinaM

[@MikeOBrien1945]

@@JusttheWatch I’ll check it out. Thanks so much for the info.

[@Nigel5uk]

How do these fair on curved bars? I have a 42mm watch with 22mm lugs that I'd really like to be on sailcloth, but I can't get anything on it with straight bars. Great review!!

[@tonypitsacota2513]

Whats the deal with Amazon Casio's? I've had to replace all 3 straps on my 437, LF20W, and my 3299. Would you recommend buying a new strap immediately? They seem to disintegrate while just sitting in my watch box.

[@mariog7213]

Thanks. Now I know which one to get 😁

[@Bob.martens]

One of my gripes with all of these are quick release springbars. Forget putting them on any Seiko diver...

[@JusttheWatch]

Artem offers you a choice of quick release or standard. I don't think any of the others offer a choice. Watch Bandit uses standard spring bars too.

[@gaetanoalfano7457]

Northstar also offer standard or quick release and fat Seiko style bars.

[@LucaTheStar]

32:25 How do I go anything?

[@Chicagomostly]

Dave - thanks for the helpful video. Which strap do you feel is the most flexible (and requires the least break-in?) thanks

[@asdafasdaf69]

I'm wondering what the taper is on these straps

[@TheTl33]

32:25 go anywhere do anything. Lol. It grabbed my attention immediately though if you meant to say it that way.

[@HerrSommerjunge]

What is the model / ref. number of that squale? … beautiful, I love it.

[@HerrSommerjunge]

… and of course: thank you for this wide and helpful overview!

[@hamid1106]

How about victorinox wooden strap?

[@nealhamamura4263]

Can I get your thoughts? Artem Sailcloth strap with Tissot Gentleman Watch. Thoughts?

[@tk423b]

Excellent work.

[@mountman5386]

Excellent comparison review Dave. For a lot of people the real killer with at least some of these straps is the postage. I assumed that since straps are fairly small & light so the postage might not be high. However I just looked at Zuludiver & to NZ it costs 24 pounds! That is twice the cost to ship to Aussie but then Thailand is even more at 39 pounds. A cost like that really kills the purchase unless you have handled the product. I realise that you can't list all the postage costs but it sure makes a difference! Quite how China manages to have places like Ali ship for free (or sometimes a few $US) as opposed to say the Zuludiver postage from the UK is one of the mysteries of the modern world. If they ever start making higher quality sailcloth straps that still ship for free then I'm sure they will gobble u a lot of business to smaller, out of the way countries.

[@kyledriscollmusic]

can't believe I watched this whole video and I'm not even in the market for a sailcloth strap

[@karlsenula9495]

If i have to pay for them and don't have an expensive Swiss watch i'm going CNS or North. If i do have that expensive Swiss/Italian/German etc. watch THEN i would probably go Artem (if you can afford the watch you can afford the highest quality strap).

[@alfieakaronaldog]

‘Artem as the Original’ lol😂😂😂

[@lazerbeam608]

Strapsco is most likely the the same china factory as anything else. In North America they ship from Montreal.

[@Mr1121628]

You’re wearing the deployment straps backwards. The clasp should fold closed toward the 6 o clock side of the watch.

[@samnova450]

Biggest issue I have with straps is finding ones that fit my large wrist of 8.5 inches.

[@WatchMatt]

Artem does look good and has the right quality in the details too, which is great. But it being made of a synthetic, faux sailcloth that will age incredibly poorly calls into question their audacity to charge as much as they do. I understand the logic behind it and the target audience as well. But why are they collaborating with channels that specialize in affordable watches then? What they offer for the price is a joke, especially with the deployent strap.

[@Feldos52]

I think the Ali Express ones are creating some confusion ... Theirs are actually called "sale cloth"

[@SolidTime]

What model is the timex?

[@JusttheWatch]

Expedition North Solar. It's pretty awesome. Working on a review.

[@jims4539]

My question is always - What if Aliexpress jumps the quality of their product by 100% - so the $10 strap goes to $20 along with giving twice the quality?

[@danielpaulson3631]

Ok, but "sailcloth" straps often have leather backing, which really undermines the waterproofness of the strap.

[@IgorBagayev]

strapsco deployant clasp is a complete shit) However the strap itself is quite good, and the service was great as well

[@link4444swords]

I really don't like Artem Sailcloth straps. They're way too stiff. I still experience discomfort wearing them even after 2 years of wear. The Hydroflex may look more promising but the original ones that I have turned me off so much that I swore off the brand completely.

[@earlbee3196]

North Straps - Better Watch Straps. Introducing the new addition to our Sailcloth range….. Fathoms Foldover! Introducing our new Fathoms Sailcloth Foldover straps: Available in 7 Colours. North Straps synthetic, embossed upper material. Natural caoutchouc rubber inner lining. Water Resistant. Quick Release spring bars. Premium Brushed / Polished 316L Stainless Steel foldover clasp.

[@frankh.4312]

my longines came on a sailcloth stap. I dumped it and went for a bracelet

[@LaloHargatey]

Wow! I never pegged you for being so biased. I like some of the straps you recommended but I also added Hirsch as my favorite. Why did you delete my comment? I said nothing derogatory.

[@TomasinoGragioli]

What have you got against Hirsch? I recommended this quality brand and you deleted my comment.

[@gregalonzo747]

I also commented that Hirsch was my favorite and he deleted it.

[@rossmunizduarte6496]

I wouldn't recommend anyone to buy one of these Dassari sailcloth straps from Strapsco. They are bad quality, don't actually accept ruturns and don't allow bad reviews on their website.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

Shilltastic™️

[@vincentferreira1135]

$140+ for a strap is INSANE no matter how much the watch you’re putting it on costs.

[@Alan-lv9rw]

The male equivalent of women going shoe shopping.

[@jc.baptiste]

No Aven&Men, the best, so not ultimate at all.

[@diefenbachfravert]

Funnily enough, MAMACOO's replicas are perfect for people who can actually afford a luxury watch. Because in those social circles, it wouldn't matter and everybody would just assume it's real. You have a yacht and a beach house in Tuscany, of course that replica is real. There isn't a millionaire out there going around with a jeweller's loupe to scrutinize their acquaintance's watch. They'll just go "Oh is that a Patek? Nice, I should really get my hands on one of those, they look great."

[@cocoyc495]

Dessari sailcloth is junk. Mine are cracked on the edges. Zuludiver makes great straps. Mine are durable. I also have Artems. They are good, but overpriced.

[@anonimushbosh]

First

[@drdesign6886]

This was the most effort I’ve ever seen to advertise Artem. 39 min! More Artem movie. Every 2 seconds it was an Artem love in. Hope they paid you proper cash and not just a few free straps for all that effort to sell them.

[@talljohn5350]

The whole point of the video was that he had previously talked about Artem which is a high end brand and he is now comparing cheaper options to artem. Kinda hard to not say artem when the whole point of the video was because of artem.

[@kaiwilliams141]

He's not a m journalist, so he can pretty much do what he wants. While he is a critic, he's also an entrertainer in a sense. So if he chooses his narrative to be in comparison to Artem (a product he has in his permanent collection) that's his prerogative. Plus he discloses when he gets free materials

[@mariog7213]

🤦‍♂️

[@bigbodykarate6403]

Artem is a rip off PERIOD , the materials and cost to make is less than a tenth of the cost , straight up BS . P.S SYNTHETIC MATERIALS DESTROY YOUR TESTOSERONE levels , !FACT !

[@daveLin104]

What do you think is the safest materials please