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topcat30093 · 17 April 2011, 05:26 PM

With the HUGE amount of companies and individuals who make straps for Panerai as well as other brands. I have become bamboozled by them all.

I recently purchased a couple from a UK strap maker.

But have become interested in getting a Heroic strap, can any member please give me their input and if possible provide some photos of their watches.

Regards
Tony

leeye · 17 April 2011, 09:55 PM

i've had a few Heroic18 straps. they are nice and well made for their price range. however comparing with higher end Simona straps you will notice differences in the strap and leather quality.

unknown · 17 April 2011, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topcat30093

With the HUGE amount of companies and individuals who make straps for Panerai as well as other brands. I have become bamboozled by them all.

I recently purchased a couple from a UK strap maker.

But have become interested in getting a Heroic strap, can any member please give me their input and if possible provide some photos of their watches.

Regards
Tony

look at your PM

mfer · 17 April 2011, 11:56 PM

Depends how much you love straps. Generally, you get what you pay for. There is a reason some straps are $50, some are $120, some are $400. You get the idea. For their price the heroics are what they are, decent. They are thick and have a big buckle.

TopNotchChach · 18 April 2011, 03:05 AM

Is oem the way to go?

esm · 18 April 2011, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TopNotchChach

Is oem the way to go?

yes and no.

yes - the OEM straps looks and feels great, but there is a greater chance of bumping into someone with a same OEM strap

no - it is great to have both OEM and aftermarket straps to change up & down when you want to

mfer · 18 April 2011, 03:30 AM

Ok, the answer won't be easy. It is a learning process and only you can make that determination yourself! If you have tons of money, you can go right to the top! ABP, Kev, Piotr.

Those are the best IMHO, but there are many others out that that are great. I don't own them all by any means.

Some people look at a Kev and are like WTF? Really, $350?????? Other are like it is the best money they've spent. I don't know yet, mines on order! But the same was said about ABP. I think the craftmanship is superb! Rivaling OEM quality with many other choices in colors, materials, etc. I'm glad I spent the money on my ABP.

That said, I have a $60 Keith Codman that I'm loving!!!!!

I've owned a Heroic and I just didn't like it. It was a decent enough build, but it just didn't sing to me. Others love H18, and have many. As long as you are happy, that is all that matters. Look around, window shop, look at pics, etc. It is just a thing you have to learn on your own.

The good news about straps is if you buy them new, you can sell them immediately for a small hit (it isn't a watch after all). I paid $350 for my Kev strap that is on order. If I don't love it, I bet I can sell it for $320 pretty quickly.

SubKing · 18 April 2011, 05:48 AM

ABP is excellent.. when I was in Paris I actually visited their shop in person and picked out my own hide and which section i wanted them to use when making my strap. I have had 3 straps made by them. Exotic skins they carry are excellent.

I mean, who else offers elephant?

as far as OEM... OEM is fine, nice solid straps, makes you feel warm inside with the panerai logo on the inside of the strap... BUT After years of owning panerai, I have become more wise... If I was to purchase or if I was in the market for an OEM panerai strap, i would not buy a modern day OEM, i would buy a DIRK strap.

For those of you who don't know who DIRK is, He made all the original OEM straps for panerai dating back to the 1930's all the way to early 1990, when richemont took over, they stopped with the DIRK straps and went else where.

DIRK was manufacturing the stitched in pre vendom logo buckles everyone loves so much.

When panerai discontinued the DIRK line, DIRK still had panerai buckles left over and with panerai’s permission, they allowed DIRK to manufacture a few straps in a limited edition with the panerai buckles until the stock was gone.

DIRK still makes straps today, but being he doesnt work for panerai anymore, he cannot put their name on the straps, so it's his name and his buckle, but everything is exactly the way the vintage OEM straps are as DIRK was the one making them originally.

I think because of the history behind DIRK and his style and methods used for making straps appeals to me much more than the standard OEM.

DIRKS straps are pricey and will run you about the same cost as a modern day OEM, but so worth it.

his shark skins are excellent and just the same as on the First Logo model ever offered by panerai to the public. DIRK straps are manufactured in Tuscany.

here are pics of original vintage panerai OEM straps back when DIRK used to make them.

mfer · 18 April 2011, 06:57 AM

+1 on everything I've heard about Dirk. I will have one one day! Just not today b/c I'm waiting on my strap to come!

B. Doggy · 18 April 2011, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfer

+1 on everything I've heard about Dirk. I will have one one day! Just not today b/c I'm waiting on my strap to come!

I'm curious to know your thoughts on the Kev, Mik. You certainly know how I feel.

Now I just need to get that ABP on my 312.

dddrees · 18 April 2011, 10:44 AM

Good info guys, thanks.

Since I'm a newby I'm still just checking things out, but don't want to make to many mistakes.

topcat30093 · 18 April 2011, 04:54 PM

Thank you to every one who contributed, and gave advice

I have recently bought a couple from a UK strapmaker.

Being very new to this side of watch accessories, I am still very much learning.

But though the OEM straps are excellent quality, what I do like about some of the aftremarket straps is the thickness, suppleness and their rugged apperance.

topcat30093 · 19 April 2011, 02:18 AM

What about the Kain Heritage range?
How do they compare against the other brands that have been mentioned?
Regards
Tony

ocwatching · 19 April 2011, 03:58 AM

Hey Tony..I just wanted to drop by and say..your Patek is just AWESOME!

regarding straps..I am in agreement with the others above...

you get what you paid for and I personally love GSD, Simona, Rob Montana for my calfs/ammos and OEM on the crocs...

enjoy!

topcat30093 · 19 April 2011, 04:32 AM

Thanks Phil.

I do have to say, that it gave me that warm feeling in my stomach when I first saw it last year.

I shall check out the Rob Montana.

Regards
Tony

PS have I seen your name on another well known forum?

tkc324 · 19 April 2011, 05:00 AM

Very nice info guys... thanks!

bcacncnc · 19 April 2011, 03:57 PM

I have a Heroic which I find too thick - which detracts from the look of the watch as well as making it not so comfy on the wrist. So I never use it any more. From experience, buying off the internet can be hit or miss - wrt to the coloring, fit, the "right" length", the comfort of the leather etc. And given that the straps can be some USD$100+, its a really bad investment to buy something you end up not liking. So - best to *really* do your research well before committing.

topcat30093 · 19 April 2011, 05:01 PM

Thank you Bryan, I fully agree with your views, this is probably why I have been so hesitant in going ahead.

Though I do like the straps to be quite thick as they appeal to me more, especially on such a large and chunky watch.

17 April 2011, 05:26 PM	#1
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,425	Heroric Straps With the HUGE amount of companies and individuals who make straps for Panerai as well as other brands. I have become bamboozled by them all. I recently purchased a couple from a UK strap maker. But have become interested in getting a Heroic strap, can any member please give me their input and if possible provide some photos of their watches. Regards Tony __________________

17 April 2011, 09:55 PM	#2
leeye "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Lee Location: Singapore Watch: Too many...... Posts: 689	i've had a few Heroic18 straps. they are nice and well made for their price range. however comparing with higher end Simona straps you will notice differences in the strap and leather quality. __________________ Lee, Singapore - Shanghai Submersibles - PAM 64, 87, 187, 243, 382 Luminor - PAM 366, 367, 372, 390, 420 Radiomir - PAM 410

18 April 2011, 03:30 AM	#7
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,723	Ok, the answer won't be easy. It is a learning process and only you can make that determination yourself! If you have tons of money, you can go right to the top! ABP, Kev, Piotr. Those are the best IMHO, but there are many others out that that are great. I don't own them all by any means. Some people look at a Kev and are like WTF? Really, $350?????? Other are like it is the best money they've spent. I don't know yet, mines on order! But the same was said about ABP. I think the craftmanship is superb! Rivaling OEM quality with many other choices in colors, materials, etc. I'm glad I spent the money on my ABP. That said, I have a $60 Keith Codman that I'm loving!!!!! I've owned a Heroic and I just didn't like it. It was a decent enough build, but it just didn't sing to me. Others love H18, and have many. As long as you are happy, that is all that matters. Look around, window shop, look at pics, etc. It is just a thing you have to learn on your own. The good news about straps is if you buy them new, you can sell them immediately for a small hit (it isn't a watch after all). I paid $350 for my Kev strap that is on order. If I don't love it, I bet I can sell it for $320 pretty quickly. __________________ member#3242

18 April 2011, 06:57 AM	#9
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,723	+1 on everything I've heard about Dirk. I will have one one day! Just not today b/c I'm waiting on my strap to come! __________________ member#3242

18 April 2011, 10:44 AM	#11
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,251	Good info guys, thanks. Since I'm a newby I'm still just checking things out, but don't want to make to many mistakes. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

17 April 2011, 11:56 PM	#4
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,723	Depends how much you love straps. Generally, you get what you pay for. There is a reason some straps are $50, some are $120, some are $400. You get the idea. For their price the heroics are what they are, decent. They are thick and have a big buckle.

18 April 2011, 03:05 AM	#5
TopNotchChach "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Near the Ocean! Watch: 116610 Posts: 1,253	Is oem the way to go?

18 April 2011, 05:48 AM	#8
SubKing "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Watch: where do i start?? Posts: 3,254	ABP is excellent.. when I was in Paris I actually visited their shop in person and picked out my own hide and which section i wanted them to use when making my strap. I have had 3 straps made by them. Exotic skins they carry are excellent. I mean, who else offers elephant? as far as OEM... OEM is fine, nice solid straps, makes you feel warm inside with the panerai logo on the inside of the strap... BUT After years of owning panerai, I have become more wise... If I was to purchase or if I was in the market for an OEM panerai strap, i would not buy a modern day OEM, i would buy a DIRK strap. For those of you who don't know who DIRK is, He made all the original OEM straps for panerai dating back to the 1930's all the way to early 1990, when richemont took over, they stopped with the DIRK straps and went else where. DIRK was manufacturing the stitched in pre vendom logo buckles everyone loves so much. When panerai discontinued the DIRK line, DIRK still had panerai buckles left over and with panerai’s permission, they allowed DIRK to manufacture a few straps in a limited edition with the panerai buckles until the stock was gone. DIRK still makes straps today, but being he doesnt work for panerai anymore, he cannot put their name on the straps, so it's his name and his buckle, but everything is exactly the way the vintage OEM straps are as DIRK was the one making them originally. I think because of the history behind DIRK and his style and methods used for making straps appeals to me much more than the standard OEM. DIRKS straps are pricey and will run you about the same cost as a modern day OEM, but so worth it. his shark skins are excellent and just the same as on the First Logo model ever offered by panerai to the public. DIRK straps are manufactured in Tuscany. here are pics of original vintage panerai OEM straps back when DIRK used to make them.

18 April 2011, 04:54 PM	#12
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,425	Thank you to every one who contributed, and gave advice I have recently bought a couple from a UK strapmaker. Being very new to this side of watch accessories, I am still very much learning. But though the OEM straps are excellent quality, what I do like about some of the aftremarket straps is the thickness, suppleness and their rugged apperance. __________________

19 April 2011, 02:18 AM	#13
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,425	What about the Kain Heritage range? How do they compare against the other brands that have been mentioned? Regards Tony __________________

19 April 2011, 03:58 AM	#14
ocwatching "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Phil Location: CA Posts: 5,374	Hey Tony..I just wanted to drop by and say..your Patek is just AWESOME! regarding straps..I am in agreement with the others above... you get what you paid for and I personally love GSD, Simona, Rob Montana for my calfs/ammos and OEM on the crocs... enjoy! __________________ too much into watches...

19 April 2011, 04:32 AM	#15
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,425	Thanks Phil. I do have to say, that it gave me that warm feeling in my stomach when I first saw it last year. I shall check out the Rob Montana. Regards Tony PS have I seen your name on another well known forum? __________________

19 April 2011, 05:00 AM	#16
tkc324 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Tom Location: Chi town Watch: Daytona AP DD Sub Posts: 3,717	Very nice info guys... thanks!

19 April 2011, 03:57 PM	#17
bcacncnc "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Bryan Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,577	I have a Heroic which I find too thick - which detracts from the look of the watch as well as making it not so comfy on the wrist. So I never use it any more. From experience, buying off the internet can be hit or miss - wrt to the coloring, fit, the "right" length", the comfort of the leather etc. And given that the straps can be some USD$100+, its a really bad investment to buy something you end up not liking. So - best to really do your research well before committing. __________________ Omega Panerai Chopard Grand Seiko

19 April 2011, 05:01 PM	#18
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,425	Thank you Bryan, I fully agree with your views, this is probably why I have been so hesitant in going ahead. Though I do like the straps to be quite thick as they appeal to me more, especially on such a large and chunky watch. __________________

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