New Stap for 312, which one?
 

I opted for a brown stap when I bought my 312 a few months back rather than the black.

I now quite fancy a black strap and wanted something as close to the oem black gator as possible.

I've been in touch with heroic 18 and quite like the look of the black gator below with the submarine buckle.

http://www.heroic18.com/product-deta...sub_cate_id=40

What do people think? Any other suggestions? It's hard to tell from pictures if the strap is close to the oem gator. I know the stitching is different but I do quite like the copper stitch.

I think the OEM croc straps are the best gator quality straps out there. The only downside is the cost. Damn expensive.

Personally if you go for after market croc - you may consider calf leather straps with the croc pattern embossed on top. I think they may actually look better then a "second" rate genuine gator strap and much cheaper. Let us know how you go. I'm also after a black "croc" strap but probably wont get genuine.

The OEM crocs and ABP crocs are pretty much all I'd get.

I've tried and seen several other crocs, and they just don't measure up. I'd rather spend $100-$150 more on one of those crocs above.

Useful info chaps and much appreciated.

Maybe I'll save up the extra £100 and go for the official Panerai black croc then.

Still need to get myself a submarine buckle though :smokin:

You have an other people you know that have Panerai? Maybe you could sample their straps. Some people like the REALLY thick straps, like SanDave, Heroic, etc. I do not like gator/crocs this way. Maybe you do?

I have an all black croc oem strap. I have no luminor to pair it with.
Never worn, brand new with tag.

Unfortunately in this case, I haven't seen an aftermarket croc strap that really even compares to the oem croc. The bad news is that they aren't cheap. The good news is that they're probably worth it. I bought 3 different color croc straps when I bought my 312, in addition to the black one that came with the watch. My AD gave me 25% off on the extra straps, so that helped. I knew I'd get them anyway, so why not get a discount. Other aftermarket straps are no problem, but I'd go oem on the croc.

Go OEM, excellent quality for croc straps.

Well, to be honest there are non-oem gators that are better than the oem.............but they cost even more!

I have a white stitch H18 gator. It's nothing like the OEM. The OEM is pure class and quality. The H18 is more casual (thicker, non-tapered) and fun. The difference is reflected in the price differential of the two.

Gotta a pic to share of th H18 croc? Would like a close up the scaling to compare against the OEMs.