Cheapskates?
 

Upscale Panerai lovers, prepare to stone me!

Do Panerai owners wear only $150-$350 luxury straps? I have been a bracelet guy for years. All great dress/casual watches that I ever bought were eventually resold because I never got used to the fancy alligator/croc straps that adorned them (JLC Reverso Duo, Blancpain LeMan/2000/Power Reserve, etc.). It felt to me like every time I wore the watch, I was losing 1% of the pricey strap, whereas with a bracelet, if taken care of, I could make it last a lifetime.

The first thing that I did when I received my used 111J was sell the sweet alligator band that came with it (along with the rubber because I dislike its design). My preference for Luminor models are buffalo/caff/tanned cowhide, but when I practically couldn't give away the imitation croc leather strap that I had, I decided just to wear the cheap thing, and I'm liking it quite a bit! It's not too shabby for a $32.50 band. You can buy 6 of these for the price of a good croc/gator from one of those boutique artisans.

http://members.shaw.ca/gmtmaster/Panerai/111J5.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/gmtmaster/Panerai/111J11.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/gmtmaster/Panerai/111J12.jpg

The OEM tan calf is still my favorite:
http://members.shaw.ca/gmtmaster/Panerai/111J2.jpg

I've got my eyes keenly on the affordable $113 Heroic:
http://www.heroic18.com/file/product...2605-large.jpg

i like it!! the heroic looks awesome too. i think the OEM panerai honey strap is so uncomfortable , i just couldnt wear it.
check out these guys on ebay too, http://shop.ebay.com.au/antique_leat..._from=&_ipg=25
i have bought a few in the past always very comfortable and great quality. thay all used to be $70 or so now they are soooooo cheap!!
:cheers:

well, you got what you paid for

i used to own a few lower cost strap, but once you got into better straps (that cost more), you won't ever go back ... LOL

Hey - looks great. Visually, it looks as though its genuine croc. I prefer OEM croc though and admit they cost a small fortune.

strapping is what pams are all about.

since its warming up over here im going all rubber this season.

personal preference imo. some people like expensive ones, some people dont.
once you found a strap maker/supplier, stick with him/her.
the worst thing is to spend loads on one and then found out your next door neighbour has the same one.... that wouldnt to vey pleasing would it (yes, we all know that we wear our watches for ourselves only, but you know what i mean :lol: )

enjoy your strap, it looks nice (and job done!) :thumbsup:

Very nice. I'm going to get a pair or two of these before the Heroic. :cheers:

Well, it isn't expensive if you use it and love it. Also, a well taken care of strap will last many years, especially if worn in rotation with other straps.

There is nothing wrong with what you are calling "cheap" straps. It is all relative. For some, a $100 H18 is expensive!

Me, I just have to deal with not having a ton of straps. I have Champagne taste on a Bud Select budget, so I only have a few straps.

"Champagne taste on a Bud Select budget" ... :chuckle::chuckle: Good one !! :cheers: