The best straps ever made are still way over priced - Artem HydroFlex Review

[@JusttheWatch]

Straps fit 6.1" - 7.3" wrist size (I misspoke in the video)

[@razzmatazz363]

it would be nice to mention the model number of the seiko 5, too. thanks 🤟

[@mstevens113]

Should be priced for the child market if that's the size they are aimed at...

[@armandr1613]

In other words, less material for your $220 😂

[@AliasHSW]

What’s the ref# of the green Seiko??

[@jwags24]

I'm not against Artem charging this much. They obviously found people who are willing to pay the insane price, so go get your money. What I'm not okay with are other youtubers acting like they are a great value. Thank you for your honest take! I wish my wrist could handle the Bulova moon watch like yours! Beautiful combination!

[@Jdinaz]

I own some luxury watches. I’ve only ever purchased one “expensive strap” and that was from RubberB. I have, however, purchased custom crocodile straps from Vinacreations and some from an outfit in Malaysia called Nomad. Frankly, they are half this price and all stunningly high quality. All hand made and the Nomad ones are specifically made to fit Cartier systems. How they can harvest crocodile skins, and hand make these straps for way less than Artem synthetics.. makes me question the value proposition. I’m seem to not be alone in this. Good group of folks here.. and thank YOU for not trying to cram these down our throats as value straps. This is really the first channel I have seen that sticks by its sensibilities in this area. Great video.

[@ClevaTreva]

Sorry Artem, you're not reading the room. $200+ for a synthetic watch strap is utterly insane.

[@moboei]

Couldn’t agree any more

[@AndreiGeorgescu-j9p]

It's for people who have no problem playing 10x the actual worth of a watch. Like Omega and Rolex

[@eugenevedensky6071]

@@AndreiGeorgescu-j9pthis is such a stupid take. If you look closely you can see Artem hand feeding you this thought. Of course they want you to think that, doesn't make it any less irrational.

[@AndreiGeorgescu-j9p]

@@eugenevedensky6071 my objectively correct "take" is stupid? I guess reality is stupid. A guy who paid 10x the value of his watch to flex on people is the exact same kind of person to say "it would be such a waste to put a cheap strap on an expensive watch". Which is why Omega accessories cost more than most watches do

[@ChromeMan04]

@@AndreiGeorgescu-j9pa guy with a 10k watch ain’t going to be swapping the strap lmao

[@shj2000]

All my yachting needs have now been realized. Thank you Artem.

[@adk7962]

You hit it on the head. Most of us watching are not the target audience of these straps. But these straps are no different than my views on watches: wear what you want and enjoy it… thanks for keeping it honest.

[@Frantixj]

Hirsch also do these hybrid kind of straps for around $100, never had one though.

[@deHaanA]

Can someone tell what the model number is of the small green Seiko 5 “Explorer” watch?

[@cylentone]

At first I thought it was the SNKE59K1 (I have only seen the blue dial available new), but with some searching - it's the SNKM75K1 (couldn't find it new anywhere, 1 used on the Bay). Dave did a review of it a few years ago. If you like that style and are looking for a budget strap monster, have a look at the Casio EF-121 (quartz, black or blue honeycomb dial). You could also have a look at the Seiko SNK393 or do a case swap with the integrated Explorer-style SNK621 or SNK623 if you want to stick with automatic, all still available new but none of those are green.

[@deHaanA]

@@cylentonethanks a bunch for the info and suggestions; it’s really helpful!

[@stephenmorrissey1254]

@@cylentone Thanks for providing the model number of the Seiko green dial.

[@eshwarrao7358]

100% Agree with you, little too expensive for the watches which are less than luxury... looks great on the Bulova. I have mine on the Nato Bulova strap, should try on one of these Sail cloth strap to make it look better (thanks for the show on the hand) - Great video again.

[@webvideofan]

12:12 I have that shirt in blueish gray and love it. It really communicates my passion for the watch hobby. 👍🏻

[@CT-wq1je]

Good honest review & it's nice that you get to wear them. I have a few "luxury" watches but mostly bought second hand. So my Grand Seiko cost not a lot more than the 4 straps you were given! I like the GS bracelet & it's a dress/GADA style watch so maybe not the intended watch for these but I would really struggle to pay this much for a strap. As you say in the review, the target market will be people who blanch at the quoted price of an OEM strap for luxury watches. My father in law couldn't bring himself to buy the price for a Cartier strap for his tank (which was a gift) and no one ever commented on the generic leather item he ended up with. Enjoy the luxury straps!

[@NATHANSFLETCHER]

Great review. I would love to add an Artem to my strap collection but the price is just too high. That Corso Italiano is just perfection, I'm gutted that I missed out on one when it was released!:)

[@Shri_V]

I always enjoy watching your videos!

[@JuanSegarra-td6yr]

I enjoy Artem for my Omega Aqua Terra was feeling top heavy. I paid over $200. The watch now wears well. Is it worth it? Yes. The deployment clasp is great. I didn’t want a cheap strap for a$6200 watch. I have purchased Zealander straps for Todor and Deluge straps for Tissot watches. By far the Zealander straps and Artem win hands down

[@Wintermute-088]

*deployant

[@DennisBible]

Excellent review as always. I would love to see a comparison between the Artem and the more reasonably priced Hirsch Arne hybrid sailcloth strap. I think the Hirsch is a compelling alternative.

[@davidwarburton8890]

I have several Artem straps and love them and will surely buy more. When it comes to the HydroFlex though; I won't go $200. Whatever Artem strap you choose it will make any watch look better.

[@cocoyc495]

Yeah. Just The Watch people are not the target audience. We are not idiots. You can get a strap by Jean Rousseau for the same price. Not saying they are worth it, but they do have the name to be able to charge the price. And they don't charge extra for quick release either.

[@BennyLlama]

Great timing on your review. I've been thinking about one of these for a few weeks. The quality is definitely there, but the price has been causing me to hold off.

[@s2kologist]

My wrist is too large to fit this strap. Are yhey going to make a larger version?

[@Ray.J]

Funny how the same question about price and value keeps getting asked. Artem itself states on their website that their target audience isn’t the “average” consumer. If you want the best sailcloth strap, Artem is apparently the way to go. If you can’t justify the price, good news, there are options, albeit of lesser quality. They could cheapen them up in a number of ways, but that’s not their goal. They seem to have found a market. I applaud them.

[@es.design]

Potential buyers of these straps should definitely consider Barton's Cordura Fabric & Silicone Hybrid straps. They are very high quality and comfortable.

[@Spectrecontrol]

Montreaux and Vario straps would probably be my choice over these

[@sorinc4096]

I'm a fan of Hirsch straps. The performance collection from Hirsch looks similar and I know they are quality. But I never handled an Artem (I would never pay that much). How does Hirsch compare?

[@jaysterling26]

I got the cheapest Artem. There's some isdue with the sitching behind the spring bar. I'm already looking at Hirsch- a bit more for a similar strap but they have other options as well. I like Colareb ( but the influencer who has oromoted them..)& Crown and Buckle ( nato).

[@Tyrone2714]

I guess they're cool but I just can't justify that price, especially given the hybrid costs more than my watch. There's just no way these are 10 times the quality of a normal strap despite costing up to 20 times as much I guess as you said these make sense for luxury

[@Yoshikaable]

Preface: Patek Philippe uses straps from Camille Fournet. They can be had for $150. This puts into perspective hopefully how out of line this strap is! I understand that they are trying to move upmarket, but these are no oyster flex. These are more $60-$80 straps like their previous models, really for 250 I expect an excellent clasp and or hand made manufacture. There's no info on where these are made or where the materials are from. This isn't horween from Chicago stitched in France. I went over their website and the only place mentioned is a city in Australia where the founders met at their college gym. Not exactly a back story that matches the legacy of the watches these aspire to be attached to. Imo these do not belong on a $10,000 watch and they should be aiming to replace the strap on your Oris 65 or Laco (as we see in the video) and not a Rolex or patek.

[@eb4913]

What's the model number for the green Seiko 5? Heading to Japan soon and hoping to find one for a decent price. Thanks!

[@eb4913]

Found the answer below in the comments. Thank you all for sharing. Love this channel

[@ajmarion]

Probably better off getting the Christopher Ward hybrid rubber strap for like $80 - it’s also a very high quality strap, and super comfortable

[@azdbuk]

This collection is about where I am at, Laco and Squale are my "luxury" level watch grails relatively speaking. And I still love mostly tinkering with the Casios, Seikos, Citizens, micro's, and Ali express specials....So I don't get the 3 figure priced strap offerings, at all. I suppose if I had a Grand Seiko or something it would make sense. Even a Squale for me will get paired with a $20-$45 strap. I am more of a metal bracelet person, so even further, I cannot see spending $75+ on a cloth or rubber strap.

[@edwardsjohnpaul]

Just... wow. You can get an "insanely comfortable" silicone watch strap for... less than a tenner. This is ridiculous, same as the price of a Rolex or Patek. I actually really like that Seiko 5 you've shown - so thanks for that!

[@Yoshikaable]

A watch strap from the company that makes patek's straps can be had for $150. I hope that puts into perspective how out of their minds they were when they priced this.

[@erickruse4679]

That buckle on the side of the wrist is the same problem I run into with so many straps. After seeing those straps paired with those watches, I really started to lean towards them being worth something, but then I have that 7.5 inch wrist, and no... The Hirsch H Hybrids offer L and XL sizes and cost a lot less. Mine are in like new condition after wearing for years...

[@zombislasher]

Wow, what's the reference number of that green Seiko 5?

[@michaelidarecis]

Check out the elegant utility Bund strap that has a base and additional wings will make the strap less expensive the more watches you have

[@legnisstudio]

I would make a comparison between Artem and the cheaper one's as Hirsch (130EUR), 7Watches & Friends (35EUR) and Aliexpres (15EUR), all in simple buckle configuration. I have the last 2 and some good quality leather one's from Hirsch. Cheers from Romania.

[@freqenc]

_"Maybe next year Dave, everyone is getting coal for Christmas this year."_ Santa 🤣

[@stevenwilliams176]

That's why they want so much for that strap ..they give too many free ones away to reviewers 😆😆 I did buy a Hybrid from them but even with a discount still too much money ...No more though !

[@wagonreels]

Which watch you are featuring here model no. ?

[@edcweekly6395]

Did I miss something? All three of my Artem sailcloth straps were horribly rigid, uncomfortable as hell and cracked within a year of use. Are people actually wearing these things daily and enjoying them?

[@JusttheWatch]

Getting ready to do a comparison video of sailcloth straps, including Artem, so this is really helpful feedback. Wondering if you wouldn't mind answering some questions? 1. When did you buy them? I believe Artem has been through three versions of their sailcloth straps, I tested the first version and also found them quite stiff, but I just got in the newest version a few weeks ago and it's much more supple, and quite comfortable after a brief break in time. 2. Have you contacted Artem about the cracking? They have a 2 year warranty on their straps, that should cover cracking. They may be willing to send you some replacement straps. 3. Where did the straps crack?

[@MichaelMitchell-vk9lk]

I prefer Hirsch straps,thanks for the video Dave

[@seanthomxx2694]

I got the $90 straps from Artem. I feel they were worth it because I the watches I put them on went from being a watch I own to a daily wear. But $200 for Hydroflex? No thank. Love Artems product but not that much.

[@mstevens113]

How much would they charge for one that's long enough for a man's wrist?

[@finesse49]

The average man who isn't overweight like 50% of Americans, is about 7". That means that many men have wrists smaller than 7".

[@dahak972]

It doesn’t matter if there’s any additional financial support. They’re giving you a free watchstrap that’s worth $219. I love how KZbinrs try to make a distinction between the two.

[@Yoshikaable]

Indeed this is very much sponsored content. It's not paid but it is sponsored!

[@Nefville]

Is this one strap or 4 straps? Because 4 would be almost $900. I like Dave, I enjoy this channel but I agree, a free product or straight cash are both compensation for a service provided, the one caveat being they have no say in what Dave or anyone else says (supposedly). There's a second issue as well, even if a brand _only loans_ a product to you, there is an inherent incentive to provide a positive review because if you do not, they'll never send you anything again. Again, I like Dave, but I disregard any opinions in a review where the item was sent from the manufacturer or a retailer. I just watch it to see if I like the look or specs, in this case I don't.

[@Wintermute-088]

100%. If you keep the straps, you're being compensated. And he did the right thing and called it out. However, there is still a distinction between keeping review units and actually getting paid. The latter completely destroys the credibility of the review, whereas keeping the straps just taints it slightly.

[@jerryglasses2229]

Well you're going to pay $200 for most OEM straps so i suppose the price they are asking isnt totally ridiculous but....why? Especially when they sell the leathwr backed for $80. Hirsch hybrid sailcloth is $143 at Holbens. $218.

[@dannyfree1120]

Which watch is this?

[@cluxton1679]

What’s the best budget sailcloth strap?

[@JusttheWatch]

Honestly I haven't really found a good budget sailcloth strap. All the ones I've tried are either too stiff, have exposed leather backing that makes them unusable in water or fray really easily. So I think the Artem Classics, even though they're $85, actually are the best value sailcloth straps I've tried.

[@lskit]

Strapsco has nice loopless deployant sailcloth straps which are less expensive than the Artem straps. I own both the Strapsco and the Artem straps. The Artem clasp is noticeably higher quality, but the wearability and the looks of the two brands are very similar. I haven't had them long enough to comment on their long-term durability, but I have had no issues in 6 months or so.

[@MrHyde14537]

I have standard Artem sailcloth straps with the RM style deployant and Strapsco straps as well.... The Strapsco are surprisingly close in quality for the straps itself, but the hardware on the Artems are much higher quality.... With the rubber keepers, and overall look, these hydro flex straps didn't do it for me at this price point even for my more expensive pieces. I just personally don't see the value even if I have the budget for it.

[@cluxton1679]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, I appreciate it! Sounds linked the entry level Artem is the way to go.

[@zillsburyy1]

i got some good deals on crocodile & alligator straps from Long Island Watch

[@samnova450]

Doing a quick glance at their straps, don’t believe any would fit my big 8.5 inch wrist.

[@AliasHSW]

What’s the ref# of the green Seiko?

[@zvone908]

SNKM75K1, I couldn't find it for sale anywhere sadly.

[@AliasHSW]

@@zvone908 - thanks. Wow! It was ~$60 back in the days.

[@robertmckinlay7242]

I get it, the luxury watch owners will be more inclined to buy second straps that reflect the prestige of their watches. Nothing wrong with that.

[@Wintermute-088]

I have the standard Artem strap. Even that is overpriced. It's not a weave, its just some embossed synthetic material with a fake cloth pattern stamped into it. And that material has torn in places around the springbars. I love an Australian cpmpany, but these guys are nuts for this pricing...

[@MWall711]

Nice looking straps but too pricy for me. Great pairings with your collection and these straps.

[@slowbluesmaster]

Importing these into the EU comes with an additional surcharge of ± 25% (VAT, custom fees, import duties).

[@rouju]

I know strap sometimes make the watch wearable or not but....most of us need to see how good it is with our own eyes and wrist to justify it. Good looking though

[@AlexanderB.]

Paired the grey Hydroflex strap with my Seiko SPB143, and it added some new life to the watch.

[@jameswcollett]

2:25 "Artem did give me these straps for free, which is why you saw the 'paid promotions' flag at the beginning of the video." Err, no I did not see this. Where is this flag?

[@JusttheWatch]

Should show up in the upper left corner when you first click on the video.

[@jameswcollett]

@@JusttheWatch Gotcha! Nice.

[@blackburnheart]

It's just like me! I wear 1K USD watch with a 50 USD shirt and pants! 😆

[@Swiss_Army_Knife1780]

It seems as though I have acquired the habit of acquiring multiple straps and bracelets for each ⌚ that I purchase. Not quite sure how to judge how much to spend on such accessories relative to the price of the ⌚ itself. No point, in my view, putting a $125 leather strap on a $263 ⌚. . .yet I did. . . .🤦🏻 On more expensive ⌚, such as those with prices greater than $2000 USD, I might not get another strap or bracelet because the stock bracelet is good enough. Either way, straps and bracelets are a rabbit hole.

[@MrBacchus18]

I've got a sailcloth strap from Artem. I like it on my Seamaster but it is way overpriced and not worth it.

[@jtpalooki7757]

If you have an 8+” wrist, you need not worry about any of this.. unfortunately Artem does not accommodate larger wrists ☹️.. as far as being overpriced, it’s a matter of perspective.. a watch is a tool.. and tool prices vary.. tool box prices vary.. I like quality tools that won’t let me down! Pay once, cry once!

[@Yoshikaable]

Considering Camille Fournet, makers of straps for Patek Phillipe, regularly go for 150-250, and Jean Rousseau makes rubber straps for $220, and those are made in France (where are these made? Can anyone confirm if the workers are paid a fair wage?) and have many decades of heritage and experience, this is complete nonsense. This feels like the Daniel Wellington of straps - only people who don't know anything about aftermarket straps would fall for this!

[@pj6951]

I have Aliexpress hybrid straps that look identical to these and feel great at under $15. No way the price of these Artem straps is justified.

[@mikemurphy8996]

It is a nice strap. If you wear a 20k watch $218 is nothing

[@RollingShutter]

Synthetic rubber strap for 220$. Yeah sure. Hahahaha

[@NathanHassall]

$12,000 for a stainless steel watch with no configurations...ya sure HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH

[@rinnychor]

makes no sense either to shell out $50,000 for a Patek Philippe which is essentially stainless steel or a $20,000 for a steel Rolex. So, you're not seeing the big picture.

[@bennoh550]

Don’t forget the extra cost for the clasps. They look great but the price is laughable.

[@grahambeer8179]

Beautiful! However, too expensive for my purposes.

[@huckleberry12]

these very well might be their best strap. No strap is worth $218. nice edit at 7:45

[@link4444swords]

I got really turned off with their regular sailcloth strap. They were so rigid that even after wearing for a year they still hurt my wrist after long usage. Swore off the brand ever since.

[@timchan334]

Those rubber keepers looks like its from a $0.50 strap

[@theONEwatches713]

Cool ad lol. Get that money 💰.

[@freepirate4470]

I think NASA uses these on the space shuttle.

[@vladpiranha]

Hirsch makes a more affordable alternative.

[@marlowkaplan3584]

Hey if they can find ppl to buy them. It wont be me

[@ChromeMan04]

Those straps are icky looking to me and severely overpriced. No way they are touching my limited edition 2k Seiko Presage 😂

[@IgorBagayev]

"Performance, functionality AND comfort are pretty significantly improved". Come on, really? I understand comfort, yes. Functionality, maybe. Performance??? That's just too much ))

[@247ADIE]

the seiko 5 far better than the strap

[@tkindschi]

For us normal humans, (i.e. logical, frugal, cheap 😁), I'd take a look at the Strapsco sailcloth straps. They LOOK great, wear pretty well, and are $50. They no doubt lack some of the "luxury" wearability and waterproof qualities of the Artem....but, hey, we know how to compromise. 🤣

[@zerox615]

Bracelets > straps Don't ever put a rope on your watch.......

[@BuserFreresWatches]

Hi! I sent you an email and hope for your response. Thank you!

[@jotr.9786]

why tf would you use leather, ... the strap is covered with synthetic material. makes no sense ...

[@danielorozco1728]

Compare them with hirsch straps

[@finesse49]

For what those 4 straps cost, one could buy a very nice watch.

[@seikoskx]

rip off

[@daley1985]

To small and to expensive!

[@DarthJabba504]

For half the price, you can get a Hirsch sailcloth effect strap with dual construction and high quality rubberback like Artem. Pretty over priced imo.

[@Resdue007]

Nice video!!! Thx for sharing

[@bernardbarroga1497]

Good luck on that Artem !!🙄

[@Tyrone2714]

Tbf they probably don't need it. The same people who are willing to drop 10k on a watch of all things are definitely gonna be fine dropping 200 on a strap as long as they think it gives them "prestige" or whatever

[@daleyfamily2179]

Collareb is hand made Italian straps and are just incredible, and no were this price point. The Artem are nice but $218? Ahhh no.

[@AMERICANPRIDE1100]

I can buy a non mass produced leather belt of high quality for 80$ boots for 3-400$ why on earth would I pay 200$ for 12inchs of material

[@caktaylor]

No flippin' way.

[@slowboyfuelpump5438]

Lol it cost more than a Blancpain strap from an AD

[@barplyer]

Yeah no I rather stick with straps in the $20-40 range.

[@Bob_Smith19]

Straps are a wear item. They all wear out over time. If you haven’t worn one out you don’t wear it enough. I have a hard limit of what I’m willing to spend and it’s well below $200.

[@shanephillips8735]

Laughs in $10 Aliexpress

[@mikep5478]

Best straps I have are the Hirsch Performance line that I use on many of my ZELOS and other micro-brands. The prices can range from $80 to $140.00