Confused over tubes in straps??

[burnthesehills]

I just bought my first Panerai, a 2008 PAM000. Haven’t received it yet but already looking at straps.

I am looking at both a leather strap from Vintager straps and also from the Panerai website.

Regarding "tubes". Are these metal tubes in the strap? I called Panerai and they said only their rubber straps have tubes and their leather straps do not. The Vintager site seems to state that I need tubes for a Luminor watch. So I am confused and looking for clarification. Thank you! - Joe

[KBM]

I've purchased oem leather straps that came with tubes. I don't usually like them, as they rub against the inner lugs. As for the intended benefit of avoiding the unscrewing of screws, if you change straps often, it's very unlikely to occur in the first place.

[thewolfofmiddlesex]

Here's what I found on this site if it helps..

https://www.keepthetime.com/blog/pan...change-system/

In particular this from the site....

You don’t need to use strap tubes with your lug bars. Strap tubes are used on Panerai straps where the lug bars is screwed directly into the case. This is to avoid making the bar come loose from friction of the strap constantly rubbing on the bar. The quick change system locks into place horizontally, so vertical friction won’t affect it.


Would a tube help protect a leather strap at all, from stretch etc
?

[burnthesehills]

Originally Posted by thewolfofmiddlesex

Here's what I found on this site if it helps..

https://www.keepthetime.com/blog/pan...change-system/

In particular this from the site....

You don’t need to use strap tubes with your lug bars. Strap tubes are used on Panerai straps where the lug bars is screwed directly into the case. This is to avoid making the bar come loose from friction of the strap constantly rubbing on the bar. The quick change system locks into place horizontally, so vertical friction won’t affect it.


Would a tube help protect a leather strap at all, from stretch etc
?

However based on that article, I believe the PAM000 would use strap tubes. Maybe this is why they are suggested by Vintager?? But not sure why Panerai does not sell them except for rubber straps. Unless the current base models are different than the PAM000 design.

[thewolfofmiddlesex]

Maybe the added friction of the rubber against the bar poses a greater risk of unscrewing the bar over time Vs leather.
Also, the newer leather straps are quick release which pose that risk.

[roger.bolton]

So I do not get why rubber comes with and the leather does not.

As on my 1314 which does not have screws, it came with tubes in both rubber and calf.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by roger.bolton

So I do not get why rubber comes with and the leather does not.

You ever used a non slip mat?
Are they made of rubber or leather?

[rootbeer7]

I use tubes in all straps. Based on all of the above plus in my opinion it keeps the leather straps from wearing as they tend to be wide in width and could wear badly against lugs.

[Paisano]

When changing straps, the steel tubes will easily come out of the leather strap and then you can put them into the new leather strap you want to use. On rubber straps, however, the friction from the rubber makes it difficult to take out the tubes when swapping. Therefore, you really only need one set of tubes to use when rotating leather straps and each OEM rubber straps will come with tubes already in place. At least that is my experience.

[Paisano]

As an aside, Vintager will include an extra set of tubes if you request them when ordering. Nothing wrong with having an extra set of tubes. As KBM mentioned, the tubes will reduce the chance of the screws from backing out.

[burnthesehills]

Do you also need a tube for the buckle end of the strap?

[Paisano]

I’ve never seen tubes for the buckle end of the strap.

[fullcourt]

been using tubes on luminors without issue for years….