[F]New Artem HydroFlex Khaki Green & Orange Strap

Based in Adelaide, Australia, Artem creates some of our most popular high quality straps. The brand is known for offering sailcloth straps with a rubberized texture. These straps combine leather or rubber with synthetic materials to create a premium product. Artem HydroFlex offers a sportier sailcloth look and additional flexibility. I looked at the khaki green and orange versions.

Artem specializes in manufacturing great aftermarket strap options. The company’s straps offer a clean, sporty look and are made from innovative materials. Canvas is Artem’s primary material of choice, but it’s not your typical fabric that fades or rattles. Rather, it is a synthetic water-resistant material with an embossed sailcloth pattern that has proven to be more flexible and durable. In 2019, Artem released its first sailcross strap. These padded models look great and are extremely comfortable. With the new HydroFlex line, the straps are now even more flexible with FKM rubber lining. The strap still contains the canvas center. This allows for two colors to be used on each strap: khaki green and orange.

Artem HydroFlex in khaki green and orange

Straps with contrasting sides are nothing new, but the Artem HydroFlex takes a different approach. These straps use an FKM rubber backing that acts as an inlaid synthetic canvas material lining and cradle. The canvas is applied to the lining using khaki green or orange stitching. The underside of the strap is decorated with a custom pattern and recessed grooves to prevent the stitching from touching the wearer’s wrist.

The green stitch version is available in widths of 20mm, 21mm and 22mm, while the orange stitch version is available in widths of 19mm and 20mm. The 19mm, 20mm and 21mm versions taper to 18mm at the buckle end, while the 22mm strap tapers to 20mm. All straps are equipped with stainless steel quick-release spring bars. The thickness is gradually reduced from 5.35mm near the spring bar to 2.5mm at the clasp, further enhancing the sense of luxury. Currently, the straps are for medium-sized wrists and have lengths of 75 mm and 115 mm at each end.

Sliding and semi-fixed (with tabs) FKM keepers match the lining. Artem offers a choice of stainless steel or black DLC coated pin buckles at no additional charge. The brand’s RM style deployant clasp, inspired by Richard Mille’s leaf spring clasp, is also available in stainless steel or black DLC for an additional €68.95.

Look and feel

So far, Artem has offered HydroFlex straps in navy, khaki green, beige, gray, and black. I’ve tried these straps on modern sports watches, and they’re a great alternative to more casual rubber while still offering versatility by the pool. With its latest model in khaki green and orange, Artem offers a bolder look. Aside from their obvious appeal to Miami Hurricanes fans, these pair well with sports watches, usually with matching stainless steel bracelets.

Hydroflex Khaki Green & Orange paired with Rolex Explorer, Rolex Sea-Dweller and Omega Speedmaster Professional. Both models with khaki and orange stitching give the watch a sharp look. But best of all the straps are extremely comfortable. The combined materials are flexible yet sturdy. Additionally, none of the watches felt like they were overwhelming the straps in terms of weight.

availability

Many strap options exist today. From cheap to luxury, there’s something for everyone. However, when choosing a strap for a watch that originally costs thousands of euros/dollars, why not choose one that matches the quality of the watch? The Artem HydroFlex meets this criteria, and its new khaki green and orange colorway does it in style. The strap costs €203.95 on Artem’s website, making it a luxury option, but it feels like a long-lasting option for a nice watch.

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