Do aftermarket straps "Pollute" a watch?

[Desibaba]

I have been a Rolex owner and recently bought a Pam 90. In the Rolex world most think of anything aftermarket added to a watch as being the cardinal sin but I see lots of aftermarket companies selling straps to the Panerai fans. Do you guys stick only to official OEM straps made by Panerai or do you like other companies also?

[One Ping Only]

Aftermarket straps are one of the most enjoyable things about Panerai. Like shoes you have to try quite a few to find the one (s) that fit best and are the most comfortable.

"Strap Addiction " is a well known affliction

[Cru Jones]

^ What he said!

Explore, enjoy and have fun. A real subculture that makes PAM ownership special.

[Desibaba]

Where should I start looking for straps online? I have been trying for months to get posting privileges on Paneristi.com but no luck so far. Any good companies you guys recommend? How is the OEM quality compared to aftermarket straps?

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

Where should I start looking for straps online? I have been trying for months to get posting privileges on Paneristi.com but no luck so far. Any good companies you guys recommend? How is the OEM quality compared to aftermarket straps?

I think you'll find every online strap retailer sells straps for Panerai watches. In fact, in my experience, it makes up much of their inventory. Additionally, there are a number of custom strap makers that specialise in straps for PAMs. Some of those can be expensive, but very unique. Finally, for the same amount paid, I personally think aftermarket straps are much better than OEM, although there is nothing wrong with OEM.

BTW, I see lots of aftermarket straps on Rolex watches, so it is not as big a sin as you make out.

[One Ping Only]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

Where should I start looking for straps online? I have been trying for months to get posting privileges on Paneristi.com but no luck so far. Any good companies you guys recommend? How is the OEM quality compared to aftermarket straps?

OEM are nice straps but often a bit insubstantial compared with the watch.

Peruse the straps for sale subforum here for ideas and names.

[karmatp]

Check out Mario Paci. He was the original strap maker for Panerai many years ago. His straps are amazing. Just search Mario Paci straps and you will be set.

[ocwatching]

IMHO, the Panerai OEM Crocs are top notch..

but for ammos and other casual styles the 3rd party guys provide a great product and I like them better..

Dirk
Mario Paci
these for the original calf look

other styles...I look toward
Simona
Greg Stevens
Rob Montana

with leather quality, you really get what you pay for...

enjoy the hunt!

[gav329]

If I ever get round to saving the cash for a panerai I think the strap buying is a huge part of the appeal. They look great with a variety of straps and in unusual colours too.


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[fullcourt]

Originally Posted by ocwatching

IMHO, the Panerai OEM Crocs are top notch..

but for ammos and other casual styles the 3rd party guys provide a great product and I like them better..

Dirk
Mario Paci
these for the original calf look

other styles...I look toward
Simona
Greg Stevens
Rob Montana

with leather quality, you really get what you pay for...

enjoy the hunt!

I'd add Micah, Kostas, Kevin Wilson, Europelli and Danny DeAngeles to that list as well.

It's like a great pair of shoes, once you fine the right one, you want more.

I love the oem selection but also have a few from all of the ones I listed.

[Speed]

Combat straps and Dangerous 9. Both custom makers.

Exotic skins, leathers, choice of stitch, lining and buckles.

Toshi Straps are very sturdy, straightforward non-tapered leather straps.

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

I have been a Rolex owner and recently bought a Pam 90. In the Rolex world most think of anything aftermarket added to a watch as being the cardinal sin but I see lots of aftermarket companies selling straps to the Panerai fans. Do you guys stick only to official OEM straps made by Panerai or do you like other companies also?

Aftermarket straps are a way to cheaply and easily, and reversibly, customize your watch. I dont understand the general distaste that many Rolex folks have toward anything but the original bracelet. Though I must confess to happily rocking the Sea-Dweller on NATOs and even leather.
Custom straps and Panerai go together like peanut butter and jelly.

[Lordofrolex]

Originally Posted by One Ping Only

Aftermarket straps are one of the most enjoyable things about Panerai. Like shoes you have to try quite a few to find the one (s) that fit best and are the most comfortable.

"Strap Addiction " is a well known affliction

X10000

I have around 5 straps aftermarket. Not cheap. And I love changing them around.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Speed

Combat straps and Dangerous 9. Both custom makers.

Exotic skins, leathers, choice of stitch, lining and buckles.

Toshi Straps are very sturdy, straightforward non-tapered leather straps.

Another vote here for Dangerous9

[830.1]

To me, a panerai looks it's best on a custom strap. Been looking at a panerai for my wife and I think this suits her perfectly.


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[Speed]

I love Oem straps. I really do. They are precise and impeccably stitched.

Unfortunately, at 6.5" my wrist won't fit the standard Pam strap...

Custom straps allow me to get all the exotic skins, leathers and more - with a much better fit. While I've seen some amateurish efforts, or crude straps not to my taste, many of the strap makers listed here build great Oem alternatives with options to choose buckles, linings, stitching etc...you've got to try some out. It's more than half the fun of buying Panerai IMO.

[gav329]

Originally Posted by 830.1

To me, a panerai looks it's best on a custom strap. Been looking at a panerai for my wife and I think this suits her perfectly.


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That's fantastic looking really like the multiple colours with the black dial, nice one!


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[Speed]

Originally Posted by gav329

That's fantastic looking really like the multiple colours with the black dial, nice one!


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Agreed. Very unique strap.

Is that a 312?

[Speed]

Btw...here's a new strap on the way from Dangerous 9...

It's for a Speedy Pro, but I'd love one for my Pam as well.

Hand antiqued Gator.

I'll be putting an OEM Omega buckle on it after it arrives!

[Cru Jones]

^ wow, that's a beauty!!

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

^ wow, that's a beauty!!

Thanks Cru!

Also have a Horween Burgundy Shell Cordovan strap coming soon from Combat Straps for my 312.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Speed

Btw...here's a new strap on the way from Dangerous 9...

It's for a Speedy Pro, but I'd love one for my Pam as well.

Hand antiqued Gator.

I'll be putting an OEM Omega buckle on it after it arrives!

Bill, that looks fantastic

[mps354]

Originally Posted by Speed

Btw...here's a new strap on the way from Dangerous 9...

It's for a Speedy Pro, but I'd love one for my Pam as well.

Hand antiqued Gator.

I'll be putting an OEM Omega buckle on it after it arrives!

That looks amazing!

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Psmith

Bill, that looks fantastic

Originally Posted by mps354

That looks amazing!

Thanks Guys.

Hope to have it soon.

[Andy0331]

As others have noted above, it's pretty much the norm with dedicated Panerai collectors. While certainly not a hard & fast rule, it's almost expected. It can get expensive, but on the flip side you can share straps across the collection too (within same style).

I can recommend Rob Montana/Strapsmith, Di Stefano straps & also Horus for something different in rubber.

[Speed]

One other thing I'll say...if anyone follows Panerai on Instagram, you'll see that they feature non-oem straps on their watches. Now *thats* an endorsement!

Today, you can see vintage leather straps from Kyros on several Pam models.

You would not see Rolex doing that!