The Panerai Source Forums

Believe it or not, but I've never actually handled a Panerai strap - I only had a quick look at a London Panerai AD a few years ago. What's the quality like, because they always look quite thin in comparison to Breitling straps?

Also, are they more water resistant than other makes?

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Driver 8

I've handled a few OEM Panerai straps and countless OEM Breitling straps.. and my opinion is that the Breitling ones are nicer. However, the Panerai straps are very nice too. I do find the aftermarket straps available for Panerai watches are VERY good in the $100-200 range, and even in the $50-100 range they exceed the quality of the OEM straps quite often for much less money. However, that is just my perception of the straps. I am no leather expert and as I read I find there are a huge amount of Panerai strap collectors out there that are experts on vintage leathers and such. I am waiting on several straps from all over and will be doing short write-ups on them when I get them.

the panerai straps are masterpieces. they are very well consturcted and of solid feel/look. i perceive that breitling straps are more dressy (excellent quality of course) while panerai straps are more of a hard worker (IMHO) and having such perception i do not hesitat taking my Panerai on strap into watery invironment

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Time is precious, keep it with elegance!

- Alien13 -

There are many different types of Panerai Straps too.. The older ones seem to be a little more rubust from what I've seen, but the new ones that I've handled don't seem any tougher than a Breitling strap. To be quite honest, they seem less tough... Maybe its the impression I get since all the recent ones I've seen use the deployant strap.

obviously yes, as my strap is not a deployment one

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Time is precious, keep it with elegance!

- Alien13 -

As someone who also loves leather (bags, wallets, keychains etc etc) and would like to think I know something about them, I have to say Breitling straps, like their bracelets, are a cut above the rest.

They are not bad in anyway, its just that Breitling provides tough competition in that area. TC Straps seem to make some fantastic straps, they have one made out of ammo pouch leather that is very beautiful. Not cheap at 280USD but quite a stunner.

Only 'slight' problem is the ammo straps tend to stink...(of cordite)

As a response to the title of this thread, I think the Panerai straps are every bit as high quality as the Breitling ones, but then my knowledge of Breitling leather is limited to a blue croco (Chrono Evo) and the black deployant for my Navitimer World. I find the thick and they take a long time to become supple, whereas my Panerai OEM are thinner and, IMHO, more comfortable 'off the shelf'. Greg Stevens makes some marvellous thick straps for Panerai owners, and I used to own 3 or 4 until I got the 'deployant' bug and went OEM...

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Own: 219, 253, 270, 308
On order: 28 Selling: 164 OOR
Past loves: 000,176,199,240,250,251,252,288

Definately true in the Supple area... OEM Panerai straps tend to be very soft and always come very soft.. whereas Breitling straps are a bit stiffer, but I think it is due to the padding, and not the leather.. they seem to mold to a shape and stay that way... Perhaps it is a matter of personal preference.

I'm going to chime in here as well.

I only own one OEM panerai strap but so far I'm quite pleased. You can tell they are well made. Breitling OEM straps are hard to beat in terms of quality. Had an IWC on brown croco strap and that was well made but again the Breitling straps were just slightly above.

Though the panerai straps could be better able to deal with water because of the type of leather backing on the strap.

I've seen pictures and read stories of Breitling straps hold up for over a decade of constant use. Albeit disgusting, they were good testaments to the quality and durability of the straps. Most OEM straps from Breitling, Panerai, IWC, etc, are all very well made and can last for years of wear.

You only realize how well made these OEM straps are until you buy cheap crap that falls apart from the slightest of wear.

Looks like Panerai has the best aftermarket straps. No experience here though.