New Pam Owner!

[azrielsc]

Oh, forgot to mention in my "essay" above, you can even design how big the lug holes are on the strap!

Instead of going for the standard lug holes on the strap, you can opt for something like this, where the box stitch is placed lower on the strap.



This means that if you are using tubes, it can be a bit tricky as the lug hole area is now so big.

Ideas ideas ideas!

[Arcfire]

My thread is to help. Sharing is caring!

Tomorrow will show another strap! Hehe!

Argh.... stop.... NOOOOOOOO..........

haha

[azrielsc]

Man, you've just set off another strap frenzy with your recommendations!

My wallet is in danger.....

My thread is to help. Sharing is caring!

Tomorrow will show another strap! Hehe!

[Arcfire]

Great comments from Shuseido! Let me see if I can add on to his comments:

1. Which type of buckle is more comfortable to wear; in comparison between sewn-in straight buckles and screw-in curved types? I observed that those sewn-in straight buckles seem to protrude outwards?

I don't feel that there is a comfort difference between the different buckles designs because if you notice, the buckle does not actually touch your wrist at all. I believe it is all about the looks.

a. The curved ones will "hug" the curvature of the strap around your wrist, giving it a more flushed look. And you can get to swap the buckles to your liking!

b. For the flat-sewn in buckle, yes, it sticks out a bit since it is flat. But the cool thing is that you can customise it a bit by engraving something on the underside, like what I did for this brass buckle, my wedding anniversary date.



Like what Shuseido mentioned, the flat-sewn in buckle is permanently attached to the strap so you can't change it without destroying your strap.

2. Is it better to use metal tubes for the straps or do without? What's the pros and cons? I heard those metal tubes will scratched the inner lugs over time?

Metal tubes are great and there have been discussions about the wear and tear of NOT having any tubes vs having tubes. I generally use tubes except for certain straps that I am using spring bars instead of screws for my Pams that do not have the quick-strap release mechanisms. The reason behind it is that the spring bars are already quite fat so they cannot be inserted into the metal tubes. I don't bother if there are scratches on the inner lugs, to be honest.

3. From your experience of having owned and used so many straps of various brands, which brand(s) in particular will you recommend and why?

Hmm... tough question!

One common request that I always tell the strap maker is to not punch any holes. So when I receive the straps, I will try it out and then punch the hole myself. In this way, my strap will fit me PERFECTLY, unless I screw up my hole punching! The reason behind this is that every strap, regardless if it is from the same strapmaker, is different. Different in its thickness most of the time. So due to the thickness, the buckling hole distance from the lug end changes, if you get what I mean.

I love all the straps that I have made, but generally, there are some strapmakers that I would go for because of their particular hides that they have! Like:

a: Paneray for their exotic croc/alligator straps.
b. Distressed leather: Gunny, Malio
c. Maddog for exotic and funky skins like elephant (which I insist that it comes with its CITES cert so I know that the hides are legally bought)
d. SNPR: Some spectacular leather designs

For those that are in my collection which I did not mention, it does not mean that the other straps are of sub-standard, but I don't want to bore everyone with my entire listing (not that I have a lot though)! There are so many strapmakers out there which I really want to try but of course, money no enough!

I guess the best way is to know exactly what you want and convey it to the strapmaker. I usually have a 10+ point request template which I will inform the strapmaker:

• Type of leather/skin and colour
• Length of strap
• Padded?
• Width of strap (same width of strap or tapered
• Tail design (Long/short tapered or straight cut)
• Stitching colour
• Stitching design (open, box (closed) or stitchless)
• Edge design (Raw or burnished)
• Type of buckle (polished/bronze/brushed/PVD/etc)
• No of keepers (both floating/one fixed and one floating)/thickness and colour of keepers
• No of punched holes/no holes
• Signature or stamp of strapmaker
• And any other requisites you want in a strap

With this list, the strapmaker cannot go wrong! And if he does, usually he will redo a new one for you as a FOC replacement. This has only occurred to me once. It also makes it easy for him as your instructions will be clear and concise. And importantly, do not rush him! All of my straps take 6-8 weeks to make and deliver so being patient is definitely a virtue!

I hope my ramblings answer your questions! And happy strap hunting!

Man, you've just set off another strap frenzy with your recommendations!

My wallet is in danger.....

[azrielsc]

azrielsc have got good taste for strap

Thank you, Sir!

I always see brown/black straps on Paneristi.com and thought that loud colours do suit Pams as well!! You can put any colour strap on a Pam and it would still look great as long as you follow the universal rule of colour matching!

[Paneraii]

azrielsc have got good taste for strap

[azrielsc]

Great comments from Shuseido! Let me see if I can add on to his comments:

1. Which type of buckle is more comfortable to wear; in comparison between sewn-in straight buckles and screw-in curved types? I observed that those sewn-in straight buckles seem to protrude outwards?

I don't feel that there is a comfort difference between the different buckles designs because if you notice, the buckle does not actually touch your wrist at all. I believe it is all about the looks.

a. The curved ones will "hug" the curvature of the strap around your wrist, giving it a more flushed look. And you can get to swap the buckles to your liking!

b. For the flat-sewn in buckle, yes, it sticks out a bit since it is flat. But the cool thing is that you can customise it a bit by engraving something on the underside, like what I did for this brass buckle, my wedding anniversary date.



Like what Shuseido mentioned, the flat-sewn in buckle is permanently attached to the strap so you can't change it without destroying your strap.

2. Is it better to use metal tubes for the straps or do without? What's the pros and cons? I heard those metal tubes will scratched the inner lugs over time?

Metal tubes are great and there have been discussions about the wear and tear of NOT having any tubes vs having tubes. I generally use tubes except for certain straps that I am using spring bars instead of screws for my Pams that do not have the quick-strap release mechanisms. The reason behind it is that the spring bars are already quite fat so they cannot be inserted into the metal tubes. I don't bother if there are scratches on the inner lugs, to be honest.

3. From your experience of having owned and used so many straps of various brands, which brand(s) in particular will you recommend and why?

Hmm... tough question!

One common request that I always tell the strap maker is to not punch any holes. So when I receive the straps, I will try it out and then punch the hole myself. In this way, my strap will fit me PERFECTLY, unless I screw up my hole punching! The reason behind this is that every strap, regardless if it is from the same strapmaker, is different. Different in its thickness most of the time. So due to the thickness, the buckling hole distance from the lug end changes, if you get what I mean.

I love all the straps that I have made, but generally, there are some strapmakers that I would go for because of their particular hides that they have! Like:

a: Paneray for their exotic croc/alligator straps.
b. Distressed leather: Gunny, Malio
c. Maddog for exotic and funky skins like elephant (which I insist that it comes with its CITES cert so I know that the hides are legally bought)
d. SNPR: Some spectacular leather designs

For those that are in my collection which I did not mention, it does not mean that the other straps are of sub-standard, but I don't want to bore everyone with my entire listing (not that I have a lot though)! There are so many strapmakers out there which I really want to try but of course, money no enough!

I guess the best way is to know exactly what you want and convey it to the strapmaker. I usually have a 10+ point request template which I will inform the strapmaker:

• Type of leather/skin and colour
• Length of strap
• Padded?
• Width of strap (same width of strap or tapered
• Tail design (Long/short tapered or straight cut)
• Stitching colour
• Stitching design (open, box (closed) or stitchless)
• Edge design (Raw or burnished)
• Type of buckle (polished/bronze/brushed/PVD/etc)
• No of keepers (both floating/one fixed and one floating)/thickness and colour of keepers
• No of punched holes/no holes
• Signature or stamp of strapmaker
• And any other requisites you want in a strap

With this list, the strapmaker cannot go wrong! And if he does, usually he will redo a new one for you as a FOC replacement. This has only occurred to me once. It also makes it easy for him as your instructions will be clear and concise. And importantly, do not rush him! All of my straps take 6-8 weeks to make and deliver so being patient is definitely a virtue!

I hope my ramblings answer your questions! And happy strap hunting!

[shuseido]

Ocean bro, let's see if I can help abit.

1. Which type of buckle is more comfortable to wear; in comparison between sewn-in straight buckles and screw-in curved types? I observed that those sewn-in straight buckles seem to protrude outwards?

I prefer screw-in buckles anytime. So, can change if I wish. There are many interesting buckles out there with different designs. With sewn-in buckle, your strap have to stick with it till end of it's life. LOL...

If just to answer your question, comfortable to wear, both not much difference. You are right that sewn-in straight buckles will protrude outwards more, much more. Hee hee… But it gives more vintage feel. My personal opinion. Will see if I can take the picture of the protruding part tonight.

2. Is it better to use metal tubes for the straps or do without? What's the pros and cons? I heard those metal tubes will scratched the inner lugs over time?

Tubes may not be used on certain Radiomir models due to the lug’s design. Better or not to be used, sometime depends on the strap also. For Pam models without quick release, the strap without tubes might get un-screwed unknowingly due to the narrow hole. It happened to me once! Luckily I noticed it before the screw totally dropped off.

Another pro is, easier for the screws to get thru the strap. You might accidentally “injured” the inner strap while pushing the screws thru if the hole is too narrow.
Normally, tubes are designed with 0.5mm shorter, so to avoid scratching the inner lugs. However, your concern above is true. Inner lugs might still get scratched.

3. From your experience of having owned and used so many straps of various brands, which brand(s) in particular will you recommend and why?

74 serie from Malio.. lovely! :P

[Arcfire]

Strap that was bought during the black friday sales.

[Arcfire]

Awaiting strap god's comments! haha

[Oceanklassik]

Hi azrielsc, I can see that you are a connoisseur of leather watch straps. May I seek your advice, pls?

Some queries on Panerai-related watch straps:

1. Which type of buckle is more comfortable to wear; in comparison between sewn-in straight buckles and screw-in curved types? I observed that those sewn-in straight buckles seem to protrude outwards?

2. Is it better to use metal tubes for the straps or do without? What's the pros and cons? I heard those metal tubes will scratched the inner lugs over time?

3. From your experience of having owned and used so many straps of various brands, which brand(s) in particular will you recommend and why?

Hope to receive some invaluable advice from you

Thank you.

[azrielsc]

And since I had the camera out.. decided to take some photos of the straps that my other Pams are currently wearing!





Have a great week people!

[azrielsc]

Finally got around to taking out the other strap from storage. She wanted to wear my Pam 512 so I had to get a 22/20, 98 x 68mm strap and it must be PINK!

So here's the 2nd strap from Panerai Florence...

Shiny Dark Pink Alligator Strap
22/20, 98x68mm

[ngokyc]

Nice looking straps. I'm looking for straps for my wife too.

[azrielsc]

It has been a while since I last updated my Strap adventure thread so here goes!

I just returned from Italy and I visited the Florence store (unfortunately, the original store was under renovation so I couldn't enter that part) and I had to get something from there so I came back with 3 new straps, a free 2014-2015 catalog and a Panerai Exclusive Guide 2013 to the Hotspots around Florence!

Here is the 1st one for my wife's Pam 219...





It is a dark blue alligator strap, 24/22, 98x68mm!

Cheers!