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Tourpro · 9 January 2013, 10:04 AM

I was looking to purchase a new strap for my 000 to change up the look since the 380 has joined the family. My ad gives me 10 off straps does not seem like a great deal but was wondering if the oem straps are worth the hefty price tag or are the aftermarket straps just as good. Does anyone know who makes the panerai straps, surly they sell to secondary market.

rr-nyc · 9 January 2013, 10:12 AM

I like OEM and some aftermarket straps.

They have very different looks IMO. The OEM look more refined (for lack of a better word) and arguably worth the price but they are pricey none the less.

I've had ABP, Heroic, and Panatime straps and like them all but I still go back to OEM on a regular basis

advocatia · 9 January 2013, 10:17 AM

No. Not in my opinion.

HDHNTER · 9 January 2013, 10:44 AM

Other than what came w/ my PAMs every strap I have is aftermarket. I find the OEM's too short & they just don't do it for me like vintage leather handmade into a unique piece of wearable history/art by a skilled artisan. OEM's could cost half of what aftermarket does & I would still buy aftermarket.

One Ping Only · 9 January 2013, 10:51 AM

I like both, but IMO you are better off purchasing OEM lightly used for a substantial savings.

Speed · 9 January 2013, 11:43 AM

In my opinion, OEM straps are precisely made and very high quality - they should be!

You will really notice the detail on deployant straps which need superb thin 6 o'clock sides to thread the OEM buckle.

As a general rule, aftermarkets are much thicker straps with thick keepers. Many folks like this look.

advocatia · 9 January 2013, 12:51 PM

OEM are excellent quality but wayyyy overpriced. Dont get me started on what they charge for a buckle.
At the price point of 175 to 225 there are fine craftsmen and women all over the planet who will custom make you anything you want and which is equal or superior to oem. For me its the insane prices panerai charges thats a deal killer.

toulouse · 9 January 2013, 01:26 PM

I agree, the prices are too high on the OEM. I do like certain oem's though and have recently acquired some new or fairly new from 2nd hand sources at prices much more reasonable. The oem alligators are very nice and so is the assoultemente (sp? and the jv gold nubuck. There are other very nice ones too, but yes, they are a bit overpriced. I think most of us have a larger number of aftermarket straps than oem though. So many nice strap makers out there with vintage, custom one of a kind straps. I like both, but will only buy aftermarket now that I have the few oem's that I wanted.

NoVaSubowner · 9 January 2013, 02:08 PM

I would love to buy lightly used OEM straps as the prices are right 2nd hand. My problem is that you hardly ever see XL (115X95) straps on the market. The Panerai XL is the shortest length I can wear. Even then the tip just goes through the keeper at the 2nd to last hole....

wingku · 9 January 2013, 03:25 PM

Aftermarket straps have so much more varieties and so much fun in finding the right combo!!

Cru Jones · 9 January 2013, 04:39 PM

I like OEM for gators especially. However, I can't be bothered to switch the buckle from strap to strap, and since the OEM buckles are truly INSANELY priced, I don't buy OEM straps.

kilyung · 9 January 2013, 07:06 PM

I have mostly OEM

RUpanerai · 10 January 2013, 12:27 AM

Both are good, the fit on the OEM straps are great but the finish and some of the attention to detail have much to be desired.

OEM straps are NOT worth the premium, esp at the 370 price of a gator now a days. ADs only get these around 30 off so that isnt much margin on these.

masterserg · 10 January 2013, 01:49 AM

Well, if you find one you love, then it is worth it.

jvo300 · 10 January 2013, 03:07 AM

OEM gators are worth it. They are the best IMO. Getting them lightly used, second hand makes sense to me from a value perspective.

p_mcgee · 10 January 2013, 03:54 AM

I've owned aftermarket straps from about 5 different manufacturers and always end up selling them & gravitating back to OEM. I like that the OEMs are much less blocky at the buckle end and I like the width taper, just seems to fit better.

I'm keeping one GSD Horween strap that was made in my hometown, other than that its an OEM rotation: Assolutamente, a couple of calfs, a gator & maybe an eventual JV. If you buy the OEMs second-hand they are not ridiculously priced. Don't think I'd buy from an AD.

Capvvc · 13 January 2013, 11:43 AM

I like wearing a high end watch, with a super quality strap. If I have cheaper out on the strap, than I cheapen the watch, IMO. I buy the XL straps, and use them in rotation with all my Panerai's. I hate spending the money, but like the quality!

TopNotchChach · 13 January 2013, 05:38 PM

Someone recommend a black gator with contrast stitching. Thanks

Shade · 13 January 2013, 05:49 PM

Yes, all Panerai OEM gators IMHO are worth the premium.

The non gators one are not really...

B. Doggy · 14 January 2013, 01:59 AM

I've really been liking OEM as of late. They are spendy though.

toulouse · 14 January 2013, 02:01 AM

Does anyone know if the oem gators stretch at all? I just got the brown but it fits a bit too snug (and the next hole makes it too loose). Should I wear it a couple days and see if it stretches or just sell it? (while we're on the topic of oem gators).

lsavoldi · 14 January 2013, 02:03 AM

Hi guys,
First post on this forum.
Long time vintage Rolex collector, who have recently fell in love with Panerai.
I am looking to purchase my first one and I am a bit concerned about size.
I have a rather small wrist, 6.25, and believe the 40mm model is the most suitable.
Anyone with small wrists wearing 42/44 models ? It would be great to see some pics.
Many thanks in advance
Luciano

lsavoldi · 14 January 2013, 02:04 AM

Sorry, posted on the wrong thread

JBBI · 14 January 2013, 10:51 AM

I LIKE THE AFTERMARKET AMMO STRAPS ON MY PAM'S. KEEP THE OEM'S IN NEW CONDITION FOR RE-SALE

gregvisser · 14 January 2013, 11:07 AM

Just ordered a black OEM gator for my 190. Coughing up US$440 to get it here in New Zealand. Are you feeling my pain yet?

Greg

advocatia · 14 January 2013, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregvisser

Just ordered a black OEM gator for my 190. Coughing up US$440 to get it here in New Zealand. Are you feeling my pain yet?

Greg

Good thing you didn't need a buckle. I think they are in the $300 USD range these days. Simona = half the price = equal or better quality = more custom choices. The same can be said for a half dozen other quality makers out there. I simply would not pay Panerai what they want for straps and for me it's a matter of sensibility not budget.

p_mcgee · 14 January 2013, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by advocatia

Simona = half the price = equal or better quality = more custom choices.

I flipped my Simona vintage gator, still expensive & not even close to OEM quality IMO. I hear her rolled edge gators are nice but only come in 2 colors and cost the same as OEM.

rr-nyc · 14 January 2013, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by advocatia

Good thing you didn't need a buckle. I think they are in the $300 USD range these days. Simona = half the price = equal or better quality = more custom choices. The same can be said for a half dozen other quality makers out there. I simply would not pay Panerai what they want for straps and for me it's a matter of sensibility not budget.

In leather, i think there are some excellent aftermarket straps out there that provide a different look vs oem however, I've never seen an after market gator strap that even comes close in quality to OEM.

OEM gator straps cost $390 in the us

masterkiller · 14 January 2013, 05:10 PM

They are pricey, but the gators a nice!

malik713 · 15 January 2013, 09:35 AM

OEM Gator I got is really nice. Paid $100 used. Definitely worth it.

$300+ is way too much.

9 January 2013, 10:04 AM	#1
Tourpro "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Laredo Posts: 68	Are panerai oem straps worth the premium I was looking to purchase a new strap for my 000 to change up the look since the 380 has joined the family. My ad gives me 10 off straps does not seem like a great deal but was wondering if the oem straps are worth the hefty price tag or are the aftermarket straps just as good. Does anyone know who makes the panerai straps, surly they sell to secondary market.

9 January 2013, 10:51 AM	#5
One Ping Only "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Real Name: Ken Location: WI Watch: several Posts: 1,639	I like both, but IMO you are better off purchasing OEM lightly used for a substantial savings. __________________ I have far too many expensive hobbies to even consider another one.

10 January 2013, 01:49 AM	#14
masterserg "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Serg Location: US of A Watch: AP Posts: 7,425	Well, if you find one you love, then it is worth it. __________________ How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat????

13 January 2013, 05:49 PM	#19
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Yes, all Panerai OEM gators IMHO are worth the premium. The non gators one are not really... __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

14 January 2013, 01:59 AM	#20
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	I've really been liking OEM as of late. They are spendy though. __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

9 January 2013, 10:12 AM	#2
rr-nyc Liar & Ratbag Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Renato Location: NYC / Miami Beach Watch: Rolex Daytona Posts: 5,344	I like OEM and some aftermarket straps. They have very different looks IMO. The OEM look more refined (for lack of a better word) and arguably worth the price but they are pricey none the less. I've had ABP, Heroic, and Panatime straps and like them all but I still go back to OEM on a regular basis

9 January 2013, 10:17 AM	#3
advocatia Banned Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Andy Location: Florida USA Watch: PAM 422 GMTIIC Posts: 868	No. Not in my opinion.

9 January 2013, 10:44 AM	#4
HDHNTER "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Allen Location: SC Posts: 2,766	Other than what came w/ my PAMs every strap I have is aftermarket. I find the OEM's too short & they just don't do it for me like vintage leather handmade into a unique piece of wearable history/art by a skilled artisan. OEM's could cost half of what aftermarket does & I would still buy aftermarket.

9 January 2013, 11:43 AM	#6
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,695	In my opinion, OEM straps are precisely made and very high quality - they should be! You will really notice the detail on deployant straps which need superb thin 6 o'clock sides to thread the OEM buckle. As a general rule, aftermarkets are much thicker straps with thick keepers. Many folks like this look.

9 January 2013, 12:51 PM	#7
advocatia Banned Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Andy Location: Florida USA Watch: PAM 422 GMTIIC Posts: 868	OEM are excellent quality but wayyyy overpriced. Dont get me started on what they charge for a buckle. At the price point of 175 to 225 there are fine craftsmen and women all over the planet who will custom make you anything you want and which is equal or superior to oem. For me its the insane prices panerai charges thats a deal killer.

9 January 2013, 01:26 PM	#8
toulouse Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Tony Location: USA Watch: 210, GMT2C Posts: 499	I agree, the prices are too high on the OEM. I do like certain oem's though and have recently acquired some new or fairly new from 2nd hand sources at prices much more reasonable. The oem alligators are very nice and so is the assoultemente (sp? and the jv gold nubuck. There are other very nice ones too, but yes, they are a bit overpriced. I think most of us have a larger number of aftermarket straps than oem though. So many nice strap makers out there with vintage, custom one of a kind straps. I like both, but will only buy aftermarket now that I have the few oem's that I wanted.

9 January 2013, 02:08 PM	#9
NoVaSubowner "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Alexandria, VA Watch: Love them. Posts: 1,087	I would love to buy lightly used OEM straps as the prices are right 2nd hand. My problem is that you hardly ever see XL (115X95) straps on the market. The Panerai XL is the shortest length I can wear. Even then the tip just goes through the keeper at the 2nd to last hole....

9 January 2013, 03:25 PM	#10
wingku "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Wing Location: Calgary,AB,Canada Watch: the World unfold Posts: 1,019	Aftermarket straps have so much more varieties and so much fun in finding the right combo!!

9 January 2013, 04:39 PM	#11
Cru Jones 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 34,501	I like OEM for gators especially. However, I can't be bothered to switch the buckle from strap to strap, and since the OEM buckles are truly INSANELY priced, I don't buy OEM straps.

9 January 2013, 07:06 PM	#12
kilyung 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,870	I have mostly OEM

10 January 2013, 12:27 AM	#13
RUpanerai "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Brian Location: NJ Watch: Pam Patek Rolex AP Posts: 794	Both are good, the fit on the OEM straps are great but the finish and some of the attention to detail have much to be desired. OEM straps are NOT worth the premium, esp at the 370 price of a gator now a days. ADs only get these around 30 off so that isnt much margin on these.

10 January 2013, 03:07 AM	#15
jvo300 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TX Posts: 1,897	OEM gators are worth it. They are the best IMO. Getting them lightly used, second hand makes sense to me from a value perspective.

10 January 2013, 03:54 AM	#16
p_mcgee "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,149	I've owned aftermarket straps from about 5 different manufacturers and always end up selling them & gravitating back to OEM. I like that the OEMs are much less blocky at the buckle end and I like the width taper, just seems to fit better. I'm keeping one GSD Horween strap that was made in my hometown, other than that its an OEM rotation: Assolutamente, a couple of calfs, a gator & maybe an eventual JV. If you buy the OEMs second-hand they are not ridiculously priced. Don't think I'd buy from an AD.

13 January 2013, 11:43 AM	#17
Capvvc "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Chris Location: DC Metro Watch: Sky D and family Posts: 243	I like wearing a high end watch, with a super quality strap. If I have cheaper out on the strap, than I cheapen the watch, IMO. I buy the XL straps, and use them in rotation with all my Panerai's. I hate spending the money, but like the quality!

13 January 2013, 05:38 PM	#18
TopNotchChach "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Near the Ocean! Watch: 116610 Posts: 1,253	Someone recommend a black gator with contrast stitching. Thanks

14 January 2013, 02:01 AM	#21
toulouse Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Tony Location: USA Watch: 210, GMT2C Posts: 499	Does anyone know if the oem gators stretch at all? I just got the brown but it fits a bit too snug (and the next hole makes it too loose). Should I wear it a couple days and see if it stretches or just sell it? (while we're on the topic of oem gators).

14 January 2013, 02:03 AM	#22
lsavoldi "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: brazil Posts: 196	Panerai and wrist size Hi guys, First post on this forum. Long time vintage Rolex collector, who have recently fell in love with Panerai. I am looking to purchase my first one and I am a bit concerned about size. I have a rather small wrist, 6.25, and believe the 40mm model is the most suitable. Anyone with small wrists wearing 42/44 models ? It would be great to see some pics. Many thanks in advance Luciano

14 January 2013, 02:04 AM	#23
lsavoldi "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: brazil Posts: 196	Sorry, posted on the wrong thread

14 January 2013, 10:51 AM	#24
JBBI Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: orlando Posts: 1	I LIKE THE AFTERMARKET AMMO STRAPS ON MY PAM'S. KEEP THE OEM'S IN NEW CONDITION FOR RE-SALE

14 January 2013, 11:07 AM	#25
gregvisser "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Greg Visser Location: New Zealand Posts: 543	Just ordered a black OEM gator for my 190. Coughing up US$440 to get it here in New Zealand. Are you feeling my pain yet? Greg

14 January 2013, 05:10 PM	#29
masterkiller "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sweden Watch: Rolex, AP & PAM... Posts: 1,403	They are pricey, but the gators a nice! __________________ Rolex - SubC... AP - Diver... Panerai - PAM380 Omega - Speedy PRO

15 January 2013, 09:35 AM	#30
malik713 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Khalid Location: Sugarland,TX Watch: PAM 111 Posts: 164	OEM Gator I got is really nice. Paid $100 used. Definitely worth it. $300+ is way too much. __________________ ____________________________ Panerai 1316 Swatch Sistem 51 (red)

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