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An image of an Omega Speedmaster lay flat on an open watch roll attached to a black Artem sailcloth strap, surrounded by Artem straps and clasps against a wooden background.

How to Fit an Artem Clasp

Written by: Will Parker

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Published on

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Time to read 7 min

Introduction

Fitting an Artem clasp to your timepiece can not only improve the comfort on your wrist, but also extend the life of your strap. Follow this simple step by step guide on how it's done and your watch will be on your wrist in no time.


The clasps we focus on in this blag are the RM Style Deployment Clasp and the Loop-Less Deployment Clasp, while also talking briefly about the Artem Tang Buckle.


Want to know more? Keep reading.

Learn how to fit your new Artem watch Clasp

Choosing your clasp

1. Artem RM Style Deployment Clasp

Elevate your style with the Artem RM Style Deployment Clasp


Crafted from robust stainless steel and available in a sleek PVD-coated polished finish or a sophisticated brushed finish, this Artem clasp exudes timeless elegance. Experience the perfect blend of security and flexibility with its secure fit. Designed with ergonomics in mind, it ensures comfortable wear all day long. And with the convenient butterfly clasp, putting it on and taking it off is a breeze.



When to choose the Deployment Clasp.

  • When you have an Artem HydroFlex or Classic Strap and want to upgrade from the pin buckle.
  • If you want to dress up your watch, adding an Artem RM style clasp is a fantastic option.
  • Will prolong the life of your strap as it takes pressure of the strap, and due to the pin is locked in place it reducing the wear on the strap holes too.


Pros:

  • Secure: Its leaf spring mechanism add to a secure feel and fit on your wrist.
  • Reduces wear: As with all deployment claps, the wear on the strap is greatly reduces, extending the life of the strap.
  • Premium: It's polished finish and premium look and feel make this the ideal accessory for your watch.

Cons:

  • Compatibility: Only available in 18mm and 20mm sizes so not compatible with all straps.
  • Tools: Requires screwdrivers for installation.

A grey Artem Sailcloth watch strap fitted to an Omega Swatch MoonSwatch lay done up with a deployment clasp.

"Great clasp and great service received from Watch Obsession thank you." ★★★★★

Mr. J - Verified Customer

2. Artem Loop-Less Deployment Clasp

The perfect finishing touch for your watch


This Artem clasp is a must-have for any serious watch enthusiast. Crafted with precision and passion, it seamlessly blends form and function. Designed specifically for Artem Straps Loop-less sailcloth watch straps, this clasp guarantees a secure and comfortable fit while minimizing wear and tear. Its intuitive double pusher mechanism makes it incredibly easy to use.



When to choose the Deployment Clasp.

  • When you have an Artem Loop-Less Strap the deployment clasp is a must have.
  • Quick and easy to put on and remove making it a great choice when speed is a priority.
  • Will prolong the life of your strap as it takes pressure of the strap, and due to the pin is locked in place it reducing the wear on the strap holes too.

Pros:

  • Perfect Fit: Designed specifically for the Artem Loop-Less Strap makes this clasp the perfect fit.
  • Choice: Available in both Stainless Steel and PVD finished, with various size options.
  • Secure and Comfortable: Get the perfect fit every time with its easy and quick fitting.

Cons:

  • Compatibility: Can be used on different straps but may not fit perfectly. When used with non-Artem straps, there might be slight movement.
  • Keepers: Keep in mind it doesn't use strap keepers, which may remain empty.



A black Artem watch strap with white stitching lay open against a wooden background with screwdrivers and watch tools around it.
An image of an Omega Speedmaster lay flat on an open watch roll attached to a black Artem sailcloth strap, surrounded by Artem straps and clasps against a wooden background.

"The world’s finest straps deserve accessories of an equal calibre."

Artem

3. Artem Classic Tang Buckle

The Classic Tang Buckle: A Timeless Staple


The Artem classic tang buckle is the most popular way to secure your watch strap – and for good reason! It's incredibly easy to use, allowing for quick adjustments. Plus, it comes pre-fitted on most Artem straps, including the popular Classic and HydroFlex collections. And if you have straps from other brands, chances are this versatile buckle will work with them too.



When to choose the tang buckle:

  • When simplicity and easy of use are a priority.
  • If quick adjustment and the ability to change the fit on the fly without tools is important.
  • Affordability: The tang buckle is the cheapest option, so if price is takes precedence then the tang buckle may be for you.

Pros:

  • Affordable: This buckle comes pre-fitted on most Artem straps making it the cheapest option.
  • Finish: With both polished and brushed surfaces, it suites a wide range of timepieces.
  • Storage: With a pin buckle a watch will lay flat making it easier to store in certain watch rolls, storage and travel cases.

Cons:

  • Longevity: A tang buckle puts pressure on the straps its fitted to reducing the longevity of a strap.
  • Speed: Not as quick to put on and remove as other watch clasps.

Must Have Tools For Beginners

A man buckling up a black watch strap with rubber holes and a stainless steel deployment clasp.

Fitting your Loop-Less Deployment Clasp

Tools Required:


  • Springbar tool
  • Soft surface to work on

Step 1: Secure the spring bar of the narrower end of your strap into the Artem clasp by fitting one side in place, compressing the spring bar with the forked end of your tool and slotting it into place.


Step 2: Make sure to give your strap a light pull to make sure it is securely fitted.


Step 3: Fit your strap to your watch using your spring bar tool in the same way as fitting the strap to the clasp. Ensure the clasp is on the top of your watch and as before, give your strap a slight pull to ensure its fitting.


Step 4: Open the clasp by pressing the two pushers on the side.


Step 5: Slide the strap over and through the clasp to the desired hole.


Step 6: Compress the sides of the strap and fit firmly in place using the required hole.


Step 7: Check for size and adjust the hole as necessary to get the perfect fit.


Step 8: Your Artem clasp is now ready.


Tip: You can hold the watch and strap against your wrist before fitting the strap into the clasp to find which hole works best.


A cream watch strap being worn on a mans wrist. The man is holding the strap to shop it fits well and the clasp is fitted correctly.

Fitting your RM Style Deployment Clasp

Tools Required:


  • Springbar tool
  • Set of Screwdrivers
  • Soft surface to work on

Step 1: Remove the pin buckle if one is fitted using your spring bar tool.


Step 2: Open up the Artem leaf spring mechanism by gently pulling either side, .


Step 3: Unscrew the bar to remove it, this can be done by hand, or with a small screwdriver on either side.


Step 4: Fit the clasp to your strap by putting it in the tang gap of the strap and screwing firmly in place using the removed bar.


Step 5: Fit your strap to your watch using the quick-release spring bars or using your spring bar tool.


Step 6: Turn your watch over and using a slightly larger screwdriver; remove the retaining screw on the back of the clasp. Pop this to one side to keep it safe.


Step 7: Put your watch on, sliding the strap through the clasp and holding it in place at the desired size.


Step 8: Make a note of which is the required hole.


Step 9: Remove the watch and screw the retaining screw into place through the desired hole.


Step 10: Check for size and adjust the hole as necessary to get the perfect fit.


Tip: removing one side of the strap before screwing in the retaining screw can make the process easier.

A mans wrist with a navy blue artem sailcloth watch strap, the strap has rubber black keepers and a polished silver RM style clasp

"I am extremely happy with my Artem strap which I have fitted to my Breitling. Great product and outstanding company , will definitely be a returning customer."

Conclusion

Fitting an Artem clasp should be an easy task, and will elevate your wrist comfort and extend the life of your strap. If you have any problems fitting your strap, please reach out as we are always happy to help our customers in anyway we can.

A handsome man.

The Author: Will Parker

Will Parker is the Head of Media at WatchObsession and has been with the company since 2020. As our dedicated photographer, videographer and content creator, he has changed more buckles, straps and clasps than we can count and his own personal watch collection grows every year, although his strap collection is growing faster.

Products Featured In This Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

How tight should a watch strap be?

Although a very personal choice, a good rule of thumb is that a a finger should be able to fit behind the clasp, but not be able to slide around the wrist. For more information read our Blog post: "How Tight Should a Watch Strap Be?"

https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/blogs/watchobsession-blog/how-tight-should-a-watch-strap-be

What is sailcloth?

Since the inception of ships, sails have been used to harness the kinetic energy in wind and use it for transport. The idea is that the sail has a large surface area over which the wind force acts and imparts its energy. Simply put, the more wind energy that can be captured by the sail, the more energy can be used to move the ship. The material that sails are made out of are categorised as “sailcloth”. Sailcloth can be made of many different materials.

What size watch strap do I need?

To determine which size watch strap you should get, you need to measure the strap length and lug width on your watch. 

For more information read our Blog post: "What Size Watch Strap Should I Get?"

https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/blogs/watchobsession-blog/what-size-watch-strap-should-i-get

Will any strap fit my watch?

Whether a watch strap is universal is dependent on how the strap attaches to the watch. If the watch has a conventional lug arrangement which will hold a straight ended watch strap, you can attach almost all watch straps to that watch. However, some watches are designed so that you cannot fit a universal replacement watch strap to it.

For more information read our Blog post: "Are Watch Straps Universal?"

https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/blogs/watchobsession-blog/are-watch-straps-universal

Related Readings

Why you can trust us:

  • We are an official Artem stockist

  • We've been selling straps and buckles since 2010

  • We change hundreds of buckles and clasps per week for our customers

  • Our straps, buckles and claps get thoroughly tested and put through their paces before getting the go ahead.

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