Aftermarket Panerai Strap Review

Orijinworks Straps Review

Orijinworks Panerai Straps

Origin: Indonesia
Construction: Lock-Stitched
Materials: New and Vintage Leathers
Buckles & Tubes: Buckles Extra
Price Range: $50+
Website: Click Here
Date of Review: March 20th, 2012

Orijinworks is another Asian Strapmaker based in Indonesia, who boasts 100% Human Made. While this is not uncommon, what is uncommon is the combination of hand-dyed leather and no-filler construction at a bargain price of roughly $50-60 a strap. Orijinworks straps, at least the one I have, are very well made and have that element of handcraftmanship that often are missing from mass-marketed Asian straps. The level of care that is taken in the dying and color selection of the materials is outstanding. Even most American or European makers don't hand dye their straps... the only other that comes to mind immediately is Dangerous 9 and his prices are much higher but the straps also boasts a higher level of finish and is USA made.

The finish on this strap is called "Choco", which appears to be a standard Orijinworks color. You can tell by the unique variation in the finish that it is hand-dyed and gives it a very cool and unique look. I really am a fan of the hand-dyed process.

Here is a shot of the back of the strap. It looks very similar to the front as it is a simple foldover leather construction with no filler - the only giveaway is the seam. Stitching was done in a yellow color, which really looks good with the Choco strap. The stitchwork itself is very tight and also very straight. An excellent job. The strap is provided with two floating keepers.

The leather doesn't have that strong italian tannery smell, but I have found that hand dyed straps usually have less smell in general. This strap does have a hint of tannery smell - Orijinworks tells me it is vegetable tanned leather. The strap is very pliable and the leather feels like it is of a good quality. I would certainly have no problem strapping this $50 strap onto a $5000 Panerai!

The edge finish is raw and burnished, which is an appropriate finish for the style. Many thick straps that have filler in them have to have the edges painted in order to hide the mid-layer - not so here. I like the fact that there are seven sizing holes provided, all quite close minimizing the chance of being in-between holes in sizing.

All-in-all, a very satisfying strap that really increases my respect for small Asian strapmakers. The combination of price, craftsmanship, and hand-dyed color make these an obvious go-to for those buyers looking for a value oriented strap that doesn't look value-oriented on the wrist!

Specs As Reviewed:
Width: 26x26mm
Length: 130x80mm
Strap Color: Hand-Dyed Choco With Black
Stitch: Yellow Waxed Linen
Buckle: Polished Bent Buckle (extra cost)