The Panerai Source Forums

While I don't mind OEM straps, I personally never wear any of my PAMs with the OEM straps. First thing I do is take them off! However, some of the newer 1950's style PAMs are getting more interesting in their straps and Panerai does have some interesting styles. Still, for the money I'd rather go aftermarket, especailly since I feel both the style and the price are better that way. Any thoughts?

I'm the same, oem comes off straight away. Although very nice straps I find the oem too short, the one that came on my 312 is a really nice black croc with White stitching and brushed buckle, if only it were longer!. So for me if the oem were longer I would wear them as well as aftermarket instead of leaving them sitting in the box.

I like longer tail straps as well, but not because the straps don't fit me. I have a buddy who always buys the OEM XL straps since he needs the extra length for his wrist size, but somehow Panerais don't have the same impact on OEM to me.

As much as Panerai pimps the vintage thing, their straps look geared towards noobs that demand a nice strap for their new multi-thousand dollar piece. Thing is, the OEM stuff doesn't seem to fit the history and feel that aftermarket offers and, I think, Panerai enthusiasts expect.

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PAM 210

I agree there, but at least they are starting to serve up somewhat more vintage looking fare with some of their more historically styled models now.. but only slightly.

Simona's straps are always excellent imo and ime. As an alternative, i recently i purchased a strap from Cris aka Jabba, the quality and attention to detail is simply superb.

A big thumbs up from me

I've just purchased the LE Vintage from Rich at Toshi.
Really nice and much more comfortable than the OEM Alligator.

Let me give a shout to Steve Lammert at Steve-O-Straps. I had a small issue with a strap he made that I lacked the ability to resolve. He sent me a new one within a week. Do yourself a favor and look at the options in his Photobucket account, accessible through his site. For $40 or so they're a quality hand-made alternative to Panatime or someone in the same price bracket.

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PAM 210

Steve-O-Straps does look pretty interesting. I couldn't believe how affordable his stuff is.

Just had a look at his site. I assume you have to email him with the strap type and sizing?
Does the price include the buckle and how is payment made?

You should just shoot him an email and ask - best way to get a dialogue going!

So guys, why so much 'hate' for the OEM straps? I may be new to the Panerai scene but I for one kind of like the OEM straps. So much so I even went and got a new OEM dark brown/red brown croc strap frand buckle!

I will most likely get an aftermarket one later but for now love the OEM's. But not the heafty price! LOL

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PAM 320 & 425

No hate, just find them boring and they don't do the watches justice! But I know plenty of people that like 'em fine on the OEMs.

OEM just doesn't do it for me like a history soaked vintage ammo.

I'm the same, always take the OEM off & put something else on as soon a it arrives.