A Bold Pairing: The New Artem HydroFlex Khaki Green & Orange Strap

Adelaide, Australia-based Artem creates some of our favorite 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 make a luxury product. Now the Artem HydroFlex presents sportier sailcloth looks and more flexibility. We took a look at the version in khaki green and orange.

Artem specializes in producing fantastic aftermarket strap options. The company’s straps offer a clean, sporty appearance and use innovative materials. Sailcloth is Artem’s primary material of choice, but this is not the typical cloth that fades or becomes ratty. Rather, it’s a synthetic water-resistant material with an embossed sailcloth pattern and has proven to be more pliable and durable. In 2019, Artem released its first sailcloth straps. These padded models look great and are supremely comfortable. With the newer HydroFlex line, the straps are even more flexible due to a FKM rubber lining. The straps still contain a sailcloth center. This allows for using two colors in each strap, khaki green and orange.

The Artem HydroFlex in khaki green and orange

Straps with contrasting sides aren’t new, but the Artem HydroFlex takes a different approach. These straps use an FKM rubber lining that acts as a backing and a cradle for the inlaid synthetic sailcloth material. The sailcloth is applied to the lining using khaki green or orange stitching. The underside of the straps is adorned with a custom pattern and recessed channels that prevent the stitches from touching the wearer’s wrist.

The green-stitched version is available in 20mm, 21mm, and 22mm widths, while the orange-stitched one comes in 19mm and 20mm sizes. The 19mm, 20mm, and 21mm versions taper to 18mm at the buckle end, while the 22mm straps narrow to 20mm. All straps come equipped with stainless steel quick-release spring bars. Adding to the premium feel is a gradual thinning from 5.35mm near the spring bar to 2.5mm at the clasp. Currently, the straps are meant for medium-sized wrists, with 75mm and 115mm lengths for the two ends.

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

Look and feel

Until now, Artem has offered the HydroFlex strap in navy, khaki green, beige, gray, and black. I’ve tried these straps on modern sports watches, and they’re a fantastic alternative to more casual rubber but offer poolside versatility. With the latest models in khaki green and orange, Artem is offering a bolder look. Aside from an obvious appeal to Miami Hurricanes fans, these work well with sports watches that normally make do with matching stainless bracelets.

We paired the HydroFlex Khaki Green & Orange with a Rolex Explorer, Rolex Sea-Dweller, and Omega Speedmaster Professional. Both the khaki- and orange-stitched models look sharp on the watches. Best of all, though, the straps are wildly comfortable. The combined materials are pliable yet substantial. Furthermore, none of the watches felt as if they overpowered the straps weight-wise.

Availability

Many strap options exist today. From inexpensive to luxury-level offerings, there is something for everyone. However, when choosing a strap for a watch that originally cost thousands of euros/dollars, why not select a strap that matches the watch’s quality? The Artem HydroFlex meets this criteria, and the new khaki green and orange colorway does it with style. The straps are priced at €203.95 on the Artem website, making them a luxurious option, but it feels like a lasting choice for a nice timepiece.

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