Finally an honest Artem review. They look ace. Super photogenic. But ultimately not very comfortable. And their clasps are very average. They are very good straps but fantastically over priced. Most reviewers simply praise - possibly as they get them free and haven’t forked out hard earned cash - or maybe they want more freebies from Artem in future (who can blame them!). So kudos for a genuine review my friend - a dying art on watch UA-cam unfortunately. Gives your channel a real honesty to it.
I've considered ( for 1 watch) Artem as they cater for 19 &21mm - really not great for options, unless one is a masochist . The price of the FKM strap probably makes it the market for entry (?!) level luxury ( not my nomenclature/ moniker) watches.
I am one who fell for Artem straps thanks to those IG influencers and their fantastic photos. Bought few of their sailcloth straps with and without deployant clasps. Found it uncomfortable and I agree the buckle sticks out like a sore thumb. The deployant is better but at a premium. Then came the latest rubber straps. The pricing is just too steep for sub-par customer service. Free worldwide shipment but super SLOW for the price. Is it due to their base in Adelaide? I bought many other items from all over the world would reach in 2-3 days. Learnt my lesson. Nope, no more.
I have 3 Artem sail cloth straps and have gifted 1. I find them excellent on my Speedmaster and Seamaster. Agreed with skipping the hardware though, Omega-style deployants can be had online a fraction of the Artem price. And of course, if the strap is the right one, a genuine Omega clasp ties everything together very nicely.
I don’t think that’s what he said. He’s talking about Artem’s hybrid strap with standard deployment as having disadvantages. However he states in this and other videos that the loopless sailcloth is really great. Forget trying to find an Omega clasp they are overpriced you can just get the loopless for a custom look and fit and it’s probably as good as the omega. Plus more choices.
I thought i was high, everyone raving about how artem strap and clasp are ALMOST as good as top tier brands clasp. While i dont have experience with rolex, omega or even tudor. I found the clasp much lesser quality than i expected from online review. They are in not way cheap, they are fsr from cheap but definitely not as great as many claim it to be. I think if they priced it right around USD100 it would have been a banger.
I really appreciate your candid reviews, particularly of more expensive options like Forstner and Artem. That said, I'd appreciate you comparing Strapcode, Uncle Straps, and Watch Gecko bracelet options at some point!
Thanks for the candid review. I've been eyeing a flat link Forstner bracelet for my Omega Speedmaster, especially since they now offer a milled clasp for it. As for those hybrid Artem straps, they are extraordinarily highly priced for what they are: a synthetic material, industrially produced, made in China product. I would be amazed if the ex-factory cost was much more than USD 10. At USD 218, you can get a custom, luxury leather, made in France strap from Jean Rousseau or Camille Fournet. And they propose a rubber lining, if perspiration / climate is an issue.
Thanks for sharing your insights. I was curious about Artem for a while now. I appreciate your thoughts and advice. Keep ‘em coming my friend, love what you do 😊👍🏼
You can mould the rubber straps by wrapping them around the inner side of a mug, pouring over hot water and letting it cool down. It will maintain a round shape after that.
Thanks for this video Peter, great hearing an actual opinion on what works and doesn't work for these straps vs a "paid-positive" review and having the reviewer claim that it's their "honest opinion". Kudos to you, this is refreshing content.
Really enjoyed this one. Have been eyeing both of these brands and it was helpful to get your perspective. I see you are closing in on 50K Peter well deserved too.
I bought a Forstner Flat Link Bracelet for my Speedmaster which cost me around £180. The flat link bracelet I feel is so much better looking on the Speedmaster than the standard issue. I have to say that when I picked up the bracelet the first thing I noticed was just how light it was. To be frank, I really feel that it isn't the standard that I expected for the money. It does look good but I would have preferred soemthing with a bit more weight. Artem sailcloth straps are great but do take a bit of breaking in.
This is really useful to know. I have a number of non conforming straps that are too thick and don’t allow the watch case to sit comfortably. Even when ‘moulding’ is attempted. These look good seem comfortable and conform nicely when broken in for a little while. Really useful thank you
Seems like the stiffness and rigidity of the OG strap from Artem makes it hold the shape better. Great feedback! I have found that the more expensive the rubber strap is the more it tends to return to flat immediately. My cheaper FKM straps hold the wrist shape even when you take them off but my Rubber B ($280 for a strap) go completely flat. The FKM mix that Rubber B uses is so supple that they immediately hug the wrist. The other thing Rubber B offers is the dream strap which has infinite adjustment with 2mm spaced holes. They don't offer it for every watch but man oh man is it nice!
I have a 42mm Longines Spirit I picked up pre-owned. Apparently, the original owner maybe felt it was too big for him so he put it on a very light narrow Forstner bracelet. As you've noted probably the wrong tact and probably made the watch head even more unmanageable. But I can't complain, I got it, immediately put it back on it's original leather strap, it's sublime, and I got a killer deal on the watch!! 😊
Great info and insight on your experience with these. Hmm.. the new Artem hybrid straps seem like you should keep them on the watch and around a watch roll when not in use to maintain their "shape conditioning". Perhaps alternatively, while not on any watch, they should be stored tight enough in a cylindrical container so they at least are ready to wear and won't get the "vertical lift" when you do install them onto a watch to use.
Great review Peter! I’ve been exploring bracelet / strap options for all day comfort and love wearing FKM in the Tropics. New Margrette Watch arrived (Moana Pacific X RedbarNZ) & the Ti bracelet is super slinky and comfy.
Pete. Longish subscriber, first time commentator. I for one bought a sailcloth Artem strap based on your original review with a fair amount of input by Jayson at design artier…. The purchase was made 6 / 7 weeks ago. The bolstering on the both sides has still not conformed to my wrist…7 3/4” & on the join at 6 o’clock has bubbled….for those interested the strap is worn on a Farrer pointing. 39 mm & I wear it fairly tight…. The problem is the bolstering… 1/- elevates the watch & 2/- moves the case to the side of my wrist.. it will not sit flat at the top of my wrist… quality…. Yes recommend…. No. Because of the above & not to mention Australian buyers are hit with GST that’s not mentioned on there website they make a expensive product that if I could try at a store I probably wouldn’t have purchased…. I know you’re close to Artem, happy for you to pass this on…
Sorry to hear about that.. On a side note, which strap did you get?..loopless or original? Nonetheless, shoot me through an email with your details and I will pass this on to them : peterkotsa@gmail.com
I wear my Blue Omega Seamaster aqua terra 231.13.43.52.03.001 with the FORSTNER ladder bracelet with the two button milled clasp, which is sold separately as an upgrade.
I've been looking for something like the Artem sailcloth straps. Not sure I'll try the hybrid though. I've got a Breitling Avenger with a sailcloth strap that I love and these, from Artem, are almost identical in appearance. I'll probably buy one or two for my other watches. Thanks.
I liked the Forstner bracelet and found the quality excellent, but found the weight too little and taper too much for my 7.5” wrist on my Black Bay GMT.
Serious question, Pete...what's so good about a milled clasp? My watches with a pressed clasp always feel far more comfortable and fit flush against the wrist than the ones I have with a bulkier milled clasp.
Personally I don't have a problem with either as long as they are done right A proper milled clasp and swivel will be well designed and fit beautifully under the wrist. That said, a poorly designed one (usually ali express special) are chunky, not refined and bothersome or weighty As far as long lasting, a pressed clasp being thin is indeed comfortable, but more prone to bending and getting out of shape over the years, as it is not as strong, so it needs more care. My friend has an Omega from 1990 and it has a pressed clasp..it is superb..one of the nicest and "strongest" clasps I have seen in ages All that said, I have had both on my watches throughout my journey and have no favourites...
Maybw their straps, got a bracelet for an omega, from Uncle Seikk I own was an absolute rip off, terrible 4 euro aliexpress quality for 100 euros. Absolute garbadge, cheap pins, stamped sharp edges on the clasp that he instruct you to bend around if it dosn't close right, faulty machining, hallow end links, sharp and poorly cut and not filled what so ever. Stay away!
@@jlg395 My beads of rice bracelet from Uncle rattles like a Fleetwood Brougham with a bad catalytic converter. Plus, unfinished links have sharp edges that snag. I will need not buy another bracelet from Uncle Seiko again.
Have you had any Strapcode Miltat bracelets ? They offer heavy and medium weights in mostly 20 - 22mm. They also have Rollball ( rally style) as well as Razor bracelets, including straight and curved end links.and many other styles. I'd love to hear your opinion on them! ❤
I have one myself, I bough the jubilee that is meant to fit the BB58...I have never been able to get it to fit so I have never worn it..haha Im gutted bro
I guess the ladder bracelet is pretty breathable but that pressed clasp on the BOR is an eyesore. When I buy a third party bracelet I want something better!
A very helpful episode. I have a Tudor BB58 on a Forstner Model J Jubilee. The Forstner Jubilee is a high quality bracelet, and it pairs with the Tudor perfectly. It adds a vintage look and feel, with modern, solid construction. Cheers!
At the risk of repeating myself, that Forstner ladder style bracelet is a phenomenal summer bracelet for a lighter watch (skin diver re-issue in my case). Those Artems still have my attention, and I just might have to go with the original sail cloth in green for my Speedy Pro, when I don’t have it on the Forstner version of the Speedmaster bracelet (which is also such a comfortable bracelet). Yes, I too spend way too much on straps and bracelets. But the alternative is often a new watch, which is wayyy more expensive, and kicks one out of the watch box. So, I’ll keep my attention to the accessories 😂
Yes. Them and Camille Fournet. It's laughable that Artem sells their industrially made in China rubber strap at the same price or more than a custom leather / ostrich strap made in France by the likes of Jean Rousseau.
Bought a flat link vintage inspired Forstner for a Speedmaster 357050 in 2022. The look did nicely match my Speedy, but a cheap pressed clasp on a $160 steel bracelet ? Come on, you can buy Microbrand watches with better bracelets for $350 ! Forstner has benefited from the unconditional love from Fratello, good for them, but they don’t live up to the hype IMO.
Deleting polite comments suggesting that cheapest pressed clasp watch bands can be bought on some well known sites for 10% off the prices Forstner are having just shows that the reviewer is mostly a seller. Fortunately there are sites where we, watch enthusiasts communicate and such channels get deserved reviews which sooner or later shows on the view count.
I have just received my Forstner "Model 0 Bracelet" for the Tudor BB. It's garbage. Rattly, tinny, sharp edges, horrible screw pins. Overpriced and not worth the money.
I have an artem and cannot comprehend how something so expensive is so unbelievably uncomfortable. Cannot recommend their straps. Most of my watches stay on their original bracelets such as my GS, Tudor BB36 (also have an uncle straps jubilee which is fantastic) and my Omega Seamaster. I have found with higher quality brands come high quality bracelets so I never take them off. Sure, I’ll swap straps on my Seiko or orient divers but never my bigger brand watches.
@@PeterKotsa I share a similar experience. Yes, the Artem straps are nice - but between how much I paid for the loopless strap and the omega style buckle - more than 200USD - I think you get the same quality for 1/3rd of the price. Wasn't any more comfortable than some straps on Aliexpress and the clasp still had sharp edges which I had to do some filing down of the metal - yet still not comfortable. I don't think I am going to buy Artem again. Had such high hopes.
@@PeterKotsaI tried an Artem salicloth strap and I am quite disappointed because it's very rigid since out of box and afrer one week of use. I gave it up thereafter.
100%. Most reviewers I think praise them because they haven’t actually formed out their cash for the straps. And they want more freebies in the future. I have an Artem and it looks amazing, truly top class - but it’s so uncomfortable and hard at times to wear. Never again for that cost - and they are going up in price!!!!
@@PeterKotsa thank you for the response. I have the loopless in black. I have kept it on a watch to help with the molding of the strap and it is still extremely stiff. The loopless clasp is also very tall and irritates my wrist like no other strap has. With a strap and clasp that cost $200 I felt completely ripped off and cannot recommend it at all. Few of my watch friends have experienced the same thing. Very unfortunate as they seem to be highly regarded on social media… To make matters worse, I ordered the artem after trying the same style from Amazon for $20 which was comfortable. This prompted to try the “real thing.” The $20 Amazon strap looked identical but was actually comfortable. I’m sure it works for some people, just not for me.
Finally an honest Artem review. They look ace. Super photogenic. But ultimately not very comfortable. And their clasps are very average. They are very good straps but fantastically over priced. Most reviewers simply praise - possibly as they get them free and haven’t forked out hard earned cash - or maybe they want more freebies from Artem in future (who can blame them!). So kudos for a genuine review my friend - a dying art on watch UA-cam unfortunately. Gives your channel a real honesty to it.
I've considered ( for 1 watch) Artem as they cater for 19 &21mm - really not great for options, unless one is a masochist .
The price of the FKM strap probably makes it the market for entry (?!) level luxury ( not my nomenclature/ moniker) watches.
I am one who fell for Artem straps thanks to those IG influencers and their fantastic photos. Bought few of their sailcloth straps with and without deployant clasps. Found it uncomfortable and I agree the buckle sticks out like a sore thumb. The deployant is better but at a premium. Then came the latest rubber straps. The pricing is just too steep for sub-par customer service. Free worldwide shipment but super SLOW for the price. Is it due to their base in Adelaide? I bought many other items from all over the world would reach in 2-3 days. Learnt my lesson. Nope, no more.
I have 3 Artem sail cloth straps and have gifted 1. I find them excellent on my Speedmaster and Seamaster. Agreed with skipping the hardware though, Omega-style deployants can be had online a fraction of the Artem price. And of course, if the strap is the right one, a genuine Omega clasp ties everything together very nicely.
I don’t think that’s what he said. He’s talking about Artem’s hybrid strap with standard deployment as having disadvantages. However he states in this and other videos that the loopless sailcloth is really great. Forget trying to find an Omega clasp they are overpriced you can just get the loopless for a custom look and fit and it’s probably as good as the omega. Plus more choices.
I thought i was high, everyone raving about how artem strap and clasp are ALMOST as good as top tier brands clasp. While i dont have experience with rolex, omega or even tudor. I found the clasp much lesser quality than i expected from online review. They are in not way cheap, they are fsr from cheap but definitely not as great as many claim it to be. I think if they priced it right around USD100 it would have been a banger.
I really appreciate your candid reviews, particularly of more expensive options like Forstner and Artem. That said, I'd appreciate you comparing Strapcode, Uncle Straps, and Watch Gecko bracelet options at some point!
Thanks for the candid review. I've been eyeing a flat link Forstner bracelet for my Omega Speedmaster, especially since they now offer a milled clasp for it. As for those hybrid Artem straps, they are extraordinarily highly priced for what they are: a synthetic material, industrially produced, made in China product. I would be amazed if the ex-factory cost was much more than USD 10. At USD 218, you can get a custom, luxury leather, made in France strap from Jean Rousseau or Camille Fournet. And they propose a rubber lining, if perspiration / climate is an issue.
I own the Ladder and BOR from Forstner, and wouldn't hesitate to buy more. They're pricey but worth it if you dig the style.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
I was curious about Artem for a while now. I appreciate your thoughts and advice.
Keep ‘em coming my friend, love what you do 😊👍🏼
You can mould the rubber straps by wrapping them around the inner side of a mug, pouring over hot water and letting it cool down. It will maintain a round shape after that.
Thanks for this video Peter, great hearing an actual opinion on what works and doesn't work for these straps vs a "paid-positive" review and having the reviewer claim that it's their "honest opinion". Kudos to you, this is refreshing content.
🙏
Really enjoyed this one.
Have been eyeing both of these brands and it was helpful to get your perspective.
I see you are closing in on 50K Peter well deserved too.
Cheers 🥃
I bought a Forstner Flat Link Bracelet for my Speedmaster which cost me around £180. The flat link bracelet I feel is so much better looking on the Speedmaster than the standard issue. I have to say that when I picked up the bracelet the first thing I noticed was just how light it was. To be frank, I really feel that it isn't the standard that I expected for the money. It does look good but I would have preferred soemthing with a bit more weight.
Artem sailcloth straps are great but do take a bit of breaking in.
This is really useful to know. I have a number of non conforming straps that are too thick and don’t allow the watch case to sit comfortably. Even when ‘moulding’ is attempted. These look good seem comfortable and conform nicely when broken in for a little while.
Really useful thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Seems like the stiffness and rigidity of the OG strap from Artem makes it hold the shape better. Great feedback! I have found that the more expensive the rubber strap is the more it tends to return to flat immediately. My cheaper FKM straps hold the wrist shape even when you take them off but my Rubber B ($280 for a strap) go completely flat. The FKM mix that Rubber B uses is so supple that they immediately hug the wrist. The other thing Rubber B offers is the dream strap which has infinite adjustment with 2mm spaced holes. They don't offer it for every watch but man oh man is it nice!
I have a 42mm Longines Spirit I picked up pre-owned. Apparently, the original owner maybe felt it was too big for him so he put it on a very light narrow Forstner bracelet.
As you've noted probably the wrong tact and probably made the watch head even more unmanageable.
But I can't complain, I got it, immediately put it back on it's original leather strap, it's sublime, and I got a killer deal on the watch!! 😊
Love my Artem strap (not FKM hybrid) on my 21mm lug width Fortis F-39. Perfect pairing and the quality of the Artem sailcloth strap is outstanding. 🙂
The Uncle Seiko Jubilee is amazing on the exact same BB58 that I have. I love it and never looked back.
I bought the same bracelet but haven't been able to make it fit the BB58..not sure why. Any advice?
Great info and insight on your experience with these. Hmm.. the new Artem hybrid straps seem like you should keep them on the watch and around a watch roll when not in use to maintain their "shape conditioning". Perhaps alternatively, while not on any watch, they should be stored tight enough in a cylindrical container so they at least are ready to wear and won't get the "vertical lift" when you do install them onto a watch to use.
Correct, thats been my experience with these 👍
I have a bb58 on a Forster jubilee very pleased with it
Great review Peter!
I’ve been exploring bracelet / strap options for all day comfort and love wearing FKM in the Tropics.
New Margrette Watch arrived (Moana Pacific X RedbarNZ) & the Ti bracelet is super slinky and comfy.
Nice, enjoy 👍👍
Pete. Longish subscriber, first time commentator. I for one bought a sailcloth Artem strap based on your original review with a fair amount of input by Jayson at design artier…. The purchase was made 6 / 7 weeks ago. The bolstering on the both sides has still not conformed to my wrist…7 3/4” & on the join at 6 o’clock has bubbled….for those interested the strap is worn on a Farrer pointing. 39 mm & I wear it fairly tight…. The problem is the bolstering… 1/- elevates the watch & 2/- moves the case to the side of my wrist.. it will not sit flat at the top of my wrist… quality…. Yes recommend…. No. Because of the above & not to mention Australian buyers are hit with GST that’s not mentioned on there website they make a expensive product that if I could try at a store I probably wouldn’t have purchased…. I know you’re close to Artem, happy for you to pass this on…
Sorry to hear about that..
On a side note, which strap did you get?..loopless or original?
Nonetheless, shoot me through an email with your details and I will pass this on to them : peterkotsa@gmail.com
Original with tang buckle
Those beads of rice bracelets work really well on vintage 36mm and below watches like vintage omega seamasters, calatravas and such.
Yes, I can see a nice 36mm on that..perfect match 👍
I wear my Blue Omega Seamaster aqua terra 231.13.43.52.03.001 with the FORSTNER ladder bracelet with the two button milled clasp, which is sold separately as an upgrade.
The Forstners on your Omega and IWC make the watch heads look really out of proportion. But the ladder on the Meistersinger looks a perfect match.
I've been looking for something like the Artem sailcloth straps. Not sure I'll try the hybrid though. I've got a Breitling Avenger with a sailcloth strap that I love and these, from Artem, are almost identical in appearance. I'll probably buy one or two for my other watches. Thanks.
You gotta add Vanguard rubber. They really are phenomimal quality.
I liked the Forstner bracelet and found the quality excellent, but found the weight too little and taper too much for my 7.5” wrist on my Black Bay GMT.
Serious question, Pete...what's so good about a milled clasp? My watches with a pressed clasp always feel far more comfortable and fit flush against the wrist than the ones I have with a bulkier milled clasp.
Personally I don't have a problem with either as long as they are done right
A proper milled clasp and swivel will be well designed and fit beautifully under the wrist. That said, a poorly designed one (usually ali express special) are chunky, not refined and bothersome or weighty
As far as long lasting, a pressed clasp being thin is indeed comfortable, but more prone to bending and getting out of shape over the years, as it is not as strong, so it needs more care. My friend has an Omega from 1990 and it has a pressed clasp..it is superb..one of the nicest and "strongest" clasps I have seen in ages
All that said, I have had both on my watches throughout my journey and have no favourites...
@@PeterKotsa Thanks for your reply. Your channel is a positive breath of fresh air when it comes to watches!
@@jlg395 🙏
Thanks for your honesty
My pleasure
1:48 thanks 🙏 you have saved me a bad buy I was going to put it on a Lunar Pilot… that would have been a mess
You can’t count uncle straps out as a contender. Especially when looking at their options for Tudor and Omega.
Are Uncles pin or screw links?
Maybw their straps, got a bracelet for an omega, from Uncle Seikk I own was an absolute rip off, terrible 4 euro aliexpress quality for 100 euros.
Absolute garbadge, cheap pins, stamped sharp edges on the clasp that he instruct you to bend around if it dosn't close right, faulty machining, hallow end links, sharp and poorly cut and not filled what so ever. Stay away!
Uncle Straps has terrible QC issues, though.
Uncle is shit
@@jlg395
My beads of rice bracelet from Uncle rattles like a Fleetwood Brougham with a bad catalytic converter.
Plus, unfinished links have sharp edges that snag.
I will need not buy another bracelet from Uncle Seiko again.
If you don't want to bother trying to mould your strap, go for vulcanized rubber from the start (two cents). Eg. Crafterblue
mark at LIA has great aligator and crocodile straps at good prices
Have you had any Strapcode Miltat bracelets ?
They offer heavy and medium weights in mostly 20 - 22mm. They also have Rollball ( rally style) as well as Razor bracelets, including straight and curved end links.and many other styles. I'd love to hear your opinion on them! ❤
I have been meaning to check Strapcode out, I haven't as yet, thanks for sharing 👍
One more vote for Uncle bracelets. They are the best aftermarket, often better than the original bracelrt
I have one myself, I bough the jubilee that is meant to fit the BB58...I have never been able to get it to fit so I have never worn it..haha
Im gutted bro
I love me some Bulang and Sons... gorgeous quality
Yeah, I bought the legendary Forstner Bullet Strap, so disappointed with it, it's way too narrow, girlie in fact.
I guess the ladder bracelet is pretty breathable but that pressed clasp on the BOR is an eyesore. When I buy a third party bracelet I want something better!
I feel the same
A very helpful episode. I have a Tudor BB58 on a Forstner Model J Jubilee. The Forstner Jubilee is a high quality bracelet, and it pairs with the Tudor perfectly. It adds a vintage look and feel, with modern, solid construction. Cheers!
At the risk of repeating myself, that Forstner ladder style bracelet is a phenomenal summer bracelet for a lighter watch (skin diver re-issue in my case).
Those Artems still have my attention, and I just might have to go with the original sail cloth in green for my Speedy Pro, when I don’t have it on the Forstner version of the Speedmaster bracelet (which is also such a comfortable bracelet).
Yes, I too spend way too much on straps and bracelets. But the alternative is often a new watch, which is wayyy more expensive, and kicks one out of the watch box. So, I’ll keep my attention to the accessories 😂
Nicely summed up brother..haha😊
John Ruosseau straps are the best. Artem can’t compete with them
Yes. Them and Camille Fournet. It's laughable that Artem sells their industrially made in China rubber strap at the same price or more than a custom leather / ostrich strap made in France by the likes of Jean Rousseau.
I just can't bring myself to spend $200+ on a rubber strap that doesn't even come with a deployant clasp...
Agree
I’m pretty cheap so the most I pay for straps/bracelets is $10 lol
Lmao wrong video those artems are like $200
@@jhandal311 what
@@jhandal311 oh I see what you mean I don’t buy from name brand like Artem for these reasons lol
I havent bought higher than $50 but i am planning on trying an artem or a frostner , i hear the quality is present. We’ll see
@@jhandal311 hope you get a good product! Also have a good day
The vintage lighter styles that forstner do are hard to find these days but I think they're overcharging. They should not cost $100-140.
@@nemoomen4484 Basically what i just said but thx for chiming in. And China? Of course. I'd rather that than American.
A pressed clasp is shocking for what they charge. Vintage styling is one thing, but there are some things that should be left in the past.
Bought a flat link vintage inspired Forstner for a Speedmaster 357050 in 2022. The look did nicely match my Speedy, but a cheap pressed clasp on a $160 steel bracelet ?
Come on, you can buy Microbrand watches with better bracelets for $350 !
Forstner has benefited from the unconditional love from Fratello, good for them, but they don’t live up to the hype IMO.
Deleting polite comments suggesting that cheapest pressed clasp watch bands can be bought on some well known sites for 10% off the prices Forstner are having just shows that the reviewer is mostly a seller. Fortunately there are sites where we, watch enthusiasts communicate and such channels get deserved reviews which sooner or later shows on the view count.
I heard Forstner use to make Jubilees for Rolex!
Expensive straps are worth it for expensive watches. Don't spend more on the strap than you did on the watch
I have just received my Forstner "Model 0 Bracelet" for the Tudor BB. It's garbage. Rattly, tinny, sharp edges, horrible screw pins. Overpriced and not worth the money.
I have an artem and cannot comprehend how something so expensive is so unbelievably uncomfortable. Cannot recommend their straps.
Most of my watches stay on their original bracelets such as my GS, Tudor BB36 (also have an uncle straps jubilee which is fantastic) and my Omega Seamaster. I have found with higher quality brands come high quality bracelets so I never take them off.
Sure, I’ll swap straps on my Seiko or orient divers but never my bigger brand watches.
Which Artem strap do you have, also with what configuration regarding buckle/clasp?...interested to find out 👍
@@PeterKotsa I share a similar experience. Yes, the Artem straps are nice - but between how much I paid for the loopless strap and the omega style buckle - more than 200USD - I think you get the same quality for 1/3rd of the price. Wasn't any more comfortable than some straps on Aliexpress and the clasp still had sharp edges which I had to do some filing down of the metal - yet still not comfortable. I don't think I am going to buy Artem again. Had such high hopes.
@@PeterKotsaI tried an Artem salicloth strap and I am quite disappointed because it's very rigid since out of box and afrer one week of use. I gave it up thereafter.
100%. Most reviewers I think praise them because they haven’t actually formed out their cash for the straps. And they want more freebies in the future. I have an Artem and it looks amazing, truly top class - but it’s so uncomfortable and hard at times to wear. Never again for that cost - and they are going up in price!!!!
@@PeterKotsa thank you for the response. I have the loopless in black. I have kept it on a watch to help with the molding of the strap and it is still extremely stiff. The loopless clasp is also very tall and irritates my wrist like no other strap has. With a strap and clasp that cost $200 I felt completely ripped off and cannot recommend it at all. Few of my watch friends have experienced the same thing. Very unfortunate as they seem to be highly regarded on social media…
To make matters worse, I ordered the artem after trying the same style from Amazon for $20 which was comfortable. This prompted to try the “real thing.” The $20 Amazon strap looked identical but was actually comfortable.
I’m sure it works for some people, just not for me.
Great job.