Panerai strap pricing...

[princeton3]

Hello all,

Some of you guys have been following my quest to purchase a new watch for a while now and this forum ulimately helped me to choose a Pam 359. I put a deposit on the watch but won't have it until the end of the month. However, I have started looking at straps and see that the OEMs are pretty darn expensive. Can you guys help me in the strap area? I have a few questions:

1. What is the OEM price for both leather and alligator straps for both buckle types?

2. I notice some other companies selling straps, both leather and alligator, and they look just as good as Panerai, but the prices are SIGNIFICANTLY less?

3. Is there a major difference in quality (fit, feel and finish) between buying a panerai oem strap and an aftermarket one?

Thanks for your help...

[bcacncnc]

Hi there and congrats on your PAM.

I've noticed that OEM strap prices vary quite a bit in different parts of the world. For example, the OEM gator straps in HK cost USD$306.

I am a big fan of the OEM gators as they tend to be exceptionally well made and have the choicest cuts/scaling.

You will see some aftermarket "gators" which are not truly gator skin, but maybe calf leather with embossed gator scaling. I don't own one of these but I think they would look the part and most people would not know the difference just looking at them.

For calf leather and the like, I think the aftermarket makers hv managed to secure some really good quality leather. But for gator, my recommendation would be to go for OEM - if they fit you well. The do tend to have a short tail for those with large wrists. OEM gators also tend to hold their price well in case you wish to sell it at a later date. Good luck!

[princeton3]

Thank you, bcacncnc!

I agree, the OEM alligator straps do look very nice and the used ones I have seen for sale appear to be very close in price to the new ones I see advertised for sale. I will take your advice to heart and purchase OEM for the alligators and the leathers are cheap enough to test the waters to see what's out there other than OEM.

I appreciate your help...

[drtooth73]

Yes, OEM gators are awesome! new ones are around $300.
Take a look at some vintage style aftermarket straps, a beauty of owning a Pam is the ability to have various straps.

[MP5]

The only straps to get are the oem crocs, the oem cashmere and oem absolumente. The rest are better in the aftermarket

[ExpII]

I emailed the boutique in NYC in advance of a planned trip so see if they could get me an assolutamente and they said no, all sold out. Is that one in limited production?

[Cru Jones]

simona gators seem quite nice and are a tad slightly less expensive than OEM, but, i haven't handled them personally.