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Old 4 March 2014, 08:06 AM   #1
Amiricanmade
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AP Help

Hi Everyone, i'm new to this forum and wanted to log on to ask some Q's about a AP Panda. I currently wear a Panerai Pam 312 & i'm looking to get a AP but i'm not sure if it'll fit me.

So i tried on the AP Diver & the 44mm ROO (both with the rubber band) and they fit me good, however the panda is not a buckle strap so it fits very awkwardly. Does anyone know if i can change the band on it to make it a buckle type band? I know i can get the rubber band on the Diver to fit the Panda, but what if i want a leather band? Does AP sell any buckle leather bands that'll fit the Panda, and does anyone else with a small wrist have trouble with these no buckle bands?

Thanks for the help in advance guys. Here are some photos of the watches on my wrist, i think the Diver looks the best (and i believe the diver and panda are the same size).
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Old 4 March 2014, 08:20 AM   #2
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I swapped the band positioning - so the smaller side was closer to me. It fit great after.

Not sure about what options there are for a buckle but this change worked for me.
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Old 4 March 2014, 08:21 AM   #3
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The 44mm SS panda should have the same tang buckle as the diver. The older 42mm Panda comes on a bracelet or leather strap with deployant. You can swap the leather strap and deployent out for a rubber strap and tang buckle that comes on the diver. John Evans at AP Clearwater can get those for you. If the strap on the 44 doesnt fit you can also order a smaller or larger strap.

I would pick the 44mm SS panda over the diver or 42mm panda.
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Old 4 March 2014, 09:49 AM   #4
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ABP paris can custom make you a 42mm leather/hornback tang buckle strap.
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Old 4 March 2014, 10:26 AM   #5
kilyung
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There are many strap options for the Panda so you should have plenty of choices.
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Old 5 March 2014, 01:57 PM   #6
Amiricanmade
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex_NYC View Post
I swapped the band positioning - so the smaller side was closer to me. It fit great after.

Not sure about what options there are for a buckle but this change worked for me.
I wish i could try that at the store but they won't let me

Quote:
Originally Posted by singe89 View Post
The 44mm SS panda should have the same tang buckle as the diver. The older 42mm Panda comes on a bracelet or leather strap with deployant. You can swap the leather strap and deployent out for a rubber strap and tang buckle that comes on the diver. John Evans at AP Clearwater can get those for you. If the strap on the 44 doesnt fit you can also order a smaller or larger strap.

I would pick the 44mm SS panda over the diver or 42mm panda.
Thanks for the great info, i'll contact John Evans at AP Clearwater to see what i can do.

I would go for the 44mm SS as well but i think the 44mm is too big on my wrist..no? To me the 42mm even looks too big :(

Quote:
Originally Posted by AK797 View Post
ABP paris can custom make you a 42mm leather/hornback tang buckle strap.
Will look into it, thank you
Quote:
Originally Posted by kilyung View Post
There are many strap options for the Panda so you should have plenty of choices.
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Old 10 March 2014, 03:52 PM   #7
Amiricanmade
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BUMP: does anyone think the 42 looks too big for me? I tried it on again today and the watch is longer than my wrist. Am i just being OCD or does it look big to you guys on my wrist?
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Old 10 March 2014, 04:15 PM   #8
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I think the Diver looks perfect on your wrist and is great way to start with AP :-)
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Old 11 March 2014, 12:47 AM   #9
kilyung
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IMO the Diver looks like it fits best.
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Old 11 March 2014, 03:43 AM   #10
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Quote:
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imo the diver looks like it fits best.
+1.
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Old 11 March 2014, 04:26 AM   #11
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The Diver looks to be the best size in the pictures you shared.
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Old 11 March 2014, 04:32 AM   #12
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Diver looks spot-on. The 44 looks too big imho.
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Old 11 March 2014, 04:38 AM   #13
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You'll get used to the size and the XS strap should give you a good fit. The 44 is such an awesome beast!
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Old 11 March 2014, 11:55 AM   #14
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Hi there,

I was in that same position until today and I finally decided for the 26400SO, which is the 44 mm SS Novelty. I love my new aquisition and although it is a bit more expensive, it will pay off later on. Having the ceramic you will not scratch it everytime and the contrast of the dial is just amazing. The diver does remain on my list, but for now the SS Novelty is my choice.

You will not regret making this choice as well.

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Old 12 March 2014, 02:42 AM   #15
Amiricanmade
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Thanks for all the replies guys. I been researching a bit more and it seems the Panda 42mm is a bit larger than the Diver. Anyone here go from a 312 to a ROO? Wrist pix?
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Old 12 March 2014, 05:10 AM   #16
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Hi,i am now by the same decision,moving from Pam 312 to Roo,so pictures are welcome
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Old 12 March 2014, 05:17 AM   #17
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I know your looking at panda, but diver looks great on you!
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Old 12 March 2014, 07:33 AM   #18
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I think both look great on you but the diver fits you better IMO. Go with what makes you happy! As long as you like the way it looks on your wrist then that's all that matters
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Old 12 March 2014, 02:17 PM   #19
Amiricanmade
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Thanks for the input guys. Do the Diver & Panda fit the same? Both 42...but i think the panda is longer?
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Old 12 March 2014, 09:07 PM   #20
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I believe Diver and Panda are the same at 42mm...

The leather strap and rubber strap will give them different "feels" on the wrist.

Coming from PAM 312 to the Diver should be a slick and easy transition.

Owning both Diver and Safari - Diver was probably more comfortable out of the box.

The leather strap on the Panda will need a little "break in" time.

On my Safari, I found after I wore it a bit it has become more comfortable.
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