Aftermarket Panerai Review

Mario Paci Watch Straps Review #2

Mario Paci Panerai Straps #2

Origin: Italy
Construction: Lock-Stitched
Materials: New Leathers
Buckles & Tubes: Includes Tubes and Usually Buckles (Unless for OEM)
Price Range: $209US+
Website: Click Here
Date of Review: October 21st, 2014

I picked up this strap from TimeConnection straps, the parent company of Mario Paci Straps. One of the more unique features that Mario Paci straps offers are the 100% Waterproof Kodiak leather, like this PAV 98 strap that I am reviewing today. Their claim to fame is that the Mario Paci straps are made in the same factory that produced the original OEM Panerai straps from 1938 to 1997 in Castellorentino, Italy - how's that for pedigree!

The strap features two keepers, one fixed one floating. It is a standard black, with foldover construction and thinly painted edges.

One of the reasons I picked this PAV 98 strap was the combination of the Black Kodiak Waterproof leather and the cool tan/brown stitching that isn't often paired up with black leather. Its a simple combination but so purposefully discreet - I love it. Great job in general with the stitching and construction, as with all Mario Paci straps that I have handled and owned before. Their look and overall craftsmanship is elegant, understated and quintessentially Italian.

The back is stamped as all Mario Paci straps are, with the "Cuoierie Meccaniche Ciampi Brelli Castelfiorentino" on the short side, designating the factory of manufacture and with the MP Firenze logo on the short side. The strap itself has a wonderful smell, like quality tanned Italian leather but adds another element, perhaps the waterproofing treatment. The feel of the leather does have a "waterproof" feel to it that regular Mario Paci straps do not, and smells different.

The back of the stainless steel sewn-in buckle is proudly stamped "Italy" to designate the country of manufacture, and the front of the buckle proudly bears the MP Mario Paci Logo.

A nice final shot of the MP Logo on the sewn-in buckle, which has an interesting "stone wash" type of finish to it. Its not hard to see why these straps are so popular. The combination of quality Italian construction and certified Panerai heritage makes them a very attractive choice for those that wish to have an Aftermarket strap but do not want to stray too far from the Panerai brand. Mario Paci straps are like OEM but not at the same time and in some ways even more OEM than OEM factory straps.

Strap As Reviewed:
Model: MP PAV 98 Kodiak waterproof leather
Buckle: MP New Natrual Pre-V buckle
Lug Width: 24/22mm
Thickness: 4.2mm
Keeper Type: 1 Fixed, 1 Floating
Stitch Color: Tan
Edge Finish: Painted
Price: $239