OEM strap vs. other maker straps

[quentin_287]

It appears that many people on this and other forums go for non-Panerai straps. Is it because you folks think that the OEM straps are not that good, or is it they are too expensive for what you get, or that you don't get the choices you want?

Yes, i agree that about $300 bucks for a strap is steep. But do you think the money is justified vs. the durability, wearability etc? Said differently: are they worth the money? you know the saying: buy one very good pair of shoes vs. two subpar ones. is it the case here?

Last, i live in NY: is there a place here in NY to go see and buy various non Panerai straps for my 183 (e.g. Mario Paci, etc etc)? I am a bit apprehensive to buy something from the internet without seeing the strap up close?

[CorruptedSanity]

I think its a combination of everything.
The AD usually will not carry every strap in the catalog, so you need to order and wait. Ordering from strap makers tends to be (usually) faster and more custom as you can adjust the lengths of the straps and so on. Also, third party is usually cheaper with almost as good and in some cases the same quality. I on the other hand did not find a dark blue and Jules Verne (gold nubuck alligator) from a third party that was the same quality as the OEM. So I went with the OEM.

There are no questions about OEM quality, top notch. On the other hand, strap makers have made mistakes in orders too which is a pain because you need to send it back (often from another continent in my case) and then wait for it to get fixed whereas buying from the AD is clear as you see what you will get.

The nice thing about third party straps is you can tailor it to your liking. I asked The Strap Smith (Rob) to custom make me a black alcantara with 3 parallel stitchings in the Italian flag. The OEM will probably not do that for you.

[A1000]

x2 If you look at the range offered by Panerai it is relatively limited in terms of materials and styles compared to the vast variety of 3rd party straps. It's one of the great things about PAMs that you can adjust the look by adding some great alternative straps. All of the straps that I have come across to date have been great quality and often crafted by individuals from materials that have real history. All of this really adds to the appeal of a small batch produced type watch for me.

[TswaneNguni]

The biggest problem with OEM straps are the stock length ....115/75 is too short !! It doesnot even leave the smalll wristed with enough tail For my 19.5cm wrists I order OEMs in 115-95.

OEM Gators are excellent quality.OEM calf are good.The custom makers work are unique,its an art,every strap made by hand and not every strap exactly the same.The custom makers bring a completely other dimension to the fun of owning and wearing a Panerai.

[BealeAss]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

OEM Gators are excellent quality.OEM calf are good.The custom makers work are unique,its an art,every strap made by hand and not every strap exactly the same.The custom makers bring a completely other dimension to the fun of owning and wearing a Panerai.

Agreed, what becomes fun is you can develop a relationship with these guys and let your minds go crazy. Many are great designers by trade so it allows for some serious idea swapping and of course customized flexibility for anything from length, finish, wash, dye, color, cut, size etc..lots of things to choose from to make yours unique. Here's a few examples I've had done ranging from orange ostrich to matching my car to the last shot which uses leather from WWII...can't get that at a dealer!

[Psmith]

All of the above
Plus I find the OEMs a little too thin for my liking.



Cheers