New OEM Alligator is very stiff

[roger.bolton]

Hi,

So I got a new 24mm black alligator strap, however it is very stiff.

Any tips on how to break it in?

Thanks

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by roger.bolton

Hi,

So I got a new 24mm black alligator strap, however it is very stiff.

Any tips on how to break it in?

Thanks

You’ll have to give it a good amount of wear.

I bought one for mine a few years back but it’ll never be as pliable as the calf strap that came on the watch from new

[eonflux]

It'll soften up.
Just keep wearing.

For alligator on a Panerai, hard to beat OEM IMHO.

[roger.bolton]

I wonder why the alligator is so much stiffer than the calf one that came with my original PAM.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by roger.bolton

I wonder why the alligator is so much stiffer than the calf one that came with my original PAM.

To be fair, Alligator hide is much stiffer than Calf hide

[1William]

I have a travel case that has a hard center piece that you put a watch around and then put it in the case. I have found that with my hard Panerai straps I put them on a watch and then store them in the case. I guess it somewhat reflects wrist wear as the straps actually begin to loosen up.

[roger.bolton]

Thanks everyone, a bent it around the pillow that came with the watch a few times and it seems to be getting better!