Aftermarket Panerai Review

Shane Delaurian Watch Straps Review

Shane Delaurian Panerai Straps

Origin: South of France
Construction: Lock-Stitched
Materials: New Leathers
Buckles & Tubes: Includes Tubes but Varies
Price Range: $200US+
Website: Click Here
Date of Review: December 26th, 2011

Shane Delaurian is possibly the most talented and creative custom strapmaker producing straps today. His work is unique, and infinitely creative, paving the way for some of the most funky watch strap designs I've ever seen from him. He has a very interesting upbrining and history as you can read about on his about me page, with 50% of his sales going to orphans of the world.

Delaurian straps are generally considered to be among the best handmade straps that you can buy. The specimen that I am reviewing today is an Original Easy Glide strap from 2007. Its a beautifully crafted strap with all of the little things done right.

I picked this strap up pre-owned, so I can't say for sure it was like this from the get-go, but it is very soft and pliable, but not that kind of pliable you get when there is a spongey filler inside. This is top-grain leather folded over itself, nothing more, nothing less. The leather has a nice hand to it, and still has the aroma of quality tanned Italian leather. The previous owner did not wear this strap much.

Notice the lightly burnished edges on the keeper. A very small, but nice finishing touch that gives it a bit of a border. Also notice the hand signed "Delaurian" signature on the side of the strap.

Stitching on the Easy Glide is superb, and the way Mr. Delaurian did the tip folded over really makes the strap glide easily into the keeper. Not sure if that's why he called it the Easy Glide. The folded over tip combined with stitching at the tip gives it just a hint of originality without being too obvious. Very nice. Its a style that while several years old is still relevent today

Ah.. the hand signed back - the cherry on top. I love hand signed straps. They just give off this pride of craftsmanship that a maker's stamp doesn't achieve. Just in case you cannot read it: "100% Handmade by Shane Delaurian" is written on the tail end, and "The Original Easy Glide" is written on the tang end.

Overall a very well executed basic strap from Shane Delaurian. I would love to one day own one of his more complex pieces, and hopefully that days comes soon! The Original Easy Glide from Shane Delaurian is a joy to wear, and is extremely comfortable and looks fantastic. Hope you enjoyed the review!