Is an official Panerai buckle worth the cost?

[Kevin of Larchmont]

An OEM buckle for an OEM strap appeals to my sense of order and authenticity, however I have multiple custom leather straps (Cordes) with his excellent sewn in buckles in different finishes. The only OEM strap that I use regularly is a green rubber with a deployant buckle that I use in the summer on my designated water watch. I have a box of tang buckle straps and buckles that never see light.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

An OEM buckle for an OEM strap appeals to my sense of order and authenticity, however I have multiple custom leather straps (Cordes) with his excellent sewn in buckles in different finishes. The only OEM strap that I use regularly is a green rubber with a deployant buckle that I use in the summer on my designated water watch. I have a box of tang buckle straps and buckles that never see light.

The OEM rubber and deployant is a fantastic combination.

[Andy0331]

It's not a big deal to me when talking Panerai & Straps w/pin buckles. I've got 2 pams & probably 12 straps between them. Rather then swap buckles every time I change straps, I've got multiple aftermarket buckles (all "Pre-V") design. They've got a good selection of buckles & all kinds of other parts at panatime.com (24mm Titanium Pre-V is $20)

I will also say that some of my OEM buckles are so lightly stamped, that you have to be in the right light to read PANERAI on them at all. That really makes it harder for me to care... LOL

[njlam]

Originally Posted by Andy0331

I will also say that some of my OEM buckles are so lightly stamped, that you have to be in the right light to read PANERAI on them at all. That really makes it harder for me to care... LOL

I agree with this. All my Panerai tang and deployant buckles are stamped, but very lightly. I wonder if they are truly OEM, yet I have never seen one that is deeply stamped. Panerai needs to make their buckles more distinctive.