Rubber B strap install on PAM 233

[Moving Chicane]

Last night I took some time and installed a new Rubber B strap (black rubber with sahara tan inset stripe) on my (stainless) Panerai 233. Overall a straight forward process, and easy enough. I don't think I scratched anything. :)

Noticed that the Panerai supplied leather and rubber straps have a steel pin tube, and that the clasp screw is in the band really good. Had to pull on that one to get it out and over to the new band.

What I did not know, and could not find reference on, was IF the steel pin tubes (2; 1 for each side of the strap) were required to be put in the Rubber B strap or I could just leave them out (the Rubber B seems to not take the pin tubes). Can anyone confirm or provide guidance on this?

Thanks. Lovin' my first Panerai! :)

[malik713]

I think that originally the tubes were inserted in the straps because they used screws. Over time, it would be possible to inadvertently unscrew the pin.

Now that they have moved to their new quick release system, it seems like they would not need the tubes.

Having said that, they still supply the tubes with their new watches, but it may be a matter of over-engineering, or a surplus of steel tubes that they are trying to burn through.

[rolexnub]

The following is a reply which I got from Rubber B when I made an inquiry last week.

"The Rubber B strap actually has a more advanced tech than the Panerai tubes. The RB strap contains a solid insert from lug to lug and case to neck, which includes a perfectly calibrated shaft for the Panerai bar. The injection moulded into the strap. Therefore, you can feel confident that you will not need a tube when using the RB strap. ;-)"

[jenniferjanef]

Originally Posted by rolexnub

The following is a reply which I got from Rubber B when I made an inquiry last week.

"The Rubber B strap actually has a more advanced tech than the Panerai tubes. The RB strap contains a solid insert from lug to lug and case to neck, which includes a perfectly calibrated shaft for the Panerai bar. The injection moulded into the strap. Therefore, you can feel confident that you will not need a tube when using the RB strap. ;-)"

Wow.. That's sound good! They yet to provide for 372.. Can't wait.

Thank you for sharing this information! .. Jen

[Cru Jones]

What I've always been curious about RubberB is if there is a marked amount of wear/scratching from the form-fitting end of the rubber rubbing against the case, since some dirt/grime will inevitably get in there, no?

[Moving Chicane]

Originally Posted by rolexnub

The following is a reply which I got from Rubber B when I made an inquiry last week.

"The Rubber B strap actually has a more advanced tech than the Panerai tubes. The RB strap contains a solid insert from lug to lug and case to neck, which includes a perfectly calibrated shaft for the Panerai bar. The injection moulded into the strap. Therefore, you can feel confident that you will not need a tube when using the RB strap. ;-)"

Thank you so much for sharing! Sounds like I am good to go!

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

What I've always been curious about RubberB is if there is a marked amount of wear/scratching from the form-fitting end of the rubber rubbing against the case, since some dirt/grime will inevitably get in there, no?

I'll let you know in about a year. Cheers.

[rolexnub]

Originally Posted by jenniferjanef

Wow.. That's sound good! They yet to provide for 372.. Can't wait.
Thank you for sharing this information! .. Jen

Originally Posted by Moving Chicane

Thank you so much for sharing! Sounds like I am good to go!

You're both welcome.

I made a lot of inquiries to Rubber B through emails because I initially wanted to buy one for my newly acquired PAM but decided to use the OP rubber strap for now. Instead, I bought 2 different colored leather straps to add to my OP black leather strap. I will definitely buy a Rubber B strap in the future.

[Al1969]

Pics?

[Moving Chicane]

Originally Posted by Al1969

Pics?

Will do once I'm home tonight/tomorrow!

[Moving Chicane]

And two pictures.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Moving Chicane

And two pictures.

That is a great look!

With that tan coloured pinstripe, that strap would look awesome on the 533 too

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by Moving Chicane

And two pictures.

Wow. That looks great!

[rolexnub]

Originally Posted by Moving Chicane

And two pictures.

Looks great!

[Ian Macdermott]

Oh that looks nice




Must resist buying more straps. Must resist buying more straps. Must resist buying more straps. Must resist buying more straps. Must resist buying more straps. Must resist buying more straps. Must resist buying more straps. Must resist buying more straps.

[DOUBLE 0 SE7EN]

Looks nice.. Is it as comfortable as the oem rubber one?

[Moving Chicane]

Equal or better. I actually prefer it a TINY bit because the way the holes are punched it actually fastens a bit better on the wrist. If I hadn't known about this band, I would have used the OEM one and hunted a replacement leather first (but I DID see this and wanted it). :)

Originally Posted by DOUBLE 0 SE7EN

Looks nice.. Is it as comfortable as the oem rubber one?

[Jcgul]

I almost exclusively wear my 233 on OEM rubber, despite having a couple dozen leather straps for it. I just can't get over the comfort of high quality rubber.

That new band looks killer though... Do you know what msrp is for it?

[rolexnub]

Originally Posted by Jcgul

I almost exclusively wear my 233 on OEM rubber, despite having a couple dozen leather straps for it. I just can't get over the comfort of high quality rubber.

That new band looks killer though... Do you know what msrp is for it?

I believe it's US$250 plus shipping.

[brandon13]

Looks awesome. Can you post a view more shots of the Buckle part of the strap when on the wrist? I want to see how it hugs the wrist.

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by brandon13

looks awesome. Can you post a view more shots of the buckle part of the strap when on the wrist? I want to see how it hugs the wrist.

x2.

[Psmith]

Looks great, enjoy!

[Moving Chicane]

For those who asked, a few more pictures.

I believe the order I'm posting them is:
1. strap buckle on my preferred setting (3rd hole)
2. strap buckle on the tightest setting I can use* (2nd hole)
3. & 4. side of case and strap; back of strap on tightest setting*

*I notice in looking at the pictures that the tightest setting (2nd hole) looks like it's too tight; it isn't. Picture just makes it look worse than it is.

[brandon13]

Look nice and comfy.