Deployment Buckle Websites

[polskicowboy]

Hello Everyone,

Last posts I found on this are over 2 years old so maybe this will help a person or two.

Buystrap.com has Panerai deployment buckles but they are a faulty design. They use a flathead screw connect the the release button. The locking pins like to have a flat surface so when you press the side release buttons the buckle opens. I got one on Ebay for $25 bucks that is flawless but it is a random seller seller that sold random items.

Topstraps.com has an option and looks more Gen too. The end has the center screw so I will carefully carve a notch in my original VSF buckle pin or buy some extras etc. that have the notch. Will probably buy those pins. And the inside of the buckle has Panerai etched all inside where the two teeth go into the strap hole.

Will post pics of the buckle from topstraps.com when I get it.

Flying away....

 

[marcsp2675]

Hello Everyone,

Last posts I found on this are over 2 years old so maybe this will help a person or two.

Buystrap.com has Panerai deployment buckles but they are a faulty design. They use a flathead screw connect the the release button. The locking pins like to have a flat surface so when you press the side release buttons the buckle opens. I got one on Ebay for $25 bucks that is flawless but it is a random seller seller that sold random items.

Topstraps.com has an option and looks more Gen too. The end has the center screw so I will carefully carve a notch in my original VSF buckle pin or buy some extras etc. that have the notch. Will probably buy those pins. And the inside of the buckle has Panerai etched all inside where the two teeth go into the strap hole.

Will post pics of the buckle from topstraps.com when I get it.

Flying away....

I’m interested in progress on this project. Please post when you have something new.

 

[polskicowboy]

I’m interested in progress on this project. Please post when you have something new.

You got it. Ordered an extra pin buckle from Panatime as there is a high chance I will damage the screw while creating a middle notch and cutting or shaving the ends off. I have not looked super hard for the Gen screw/pin with the notch in the middle but excited I found such a good replica buckle (will see if it works when I get it and update here). All the rest out there (ebay etc.) screw into the middle from both sides. Gen has a tiny screw in the middle that holds in place. As long as it works...but closer to Gen is good with me.

Out of town for a few days so there will be some radio silence and then updates to come.

Project #2 will be servicing my super noisy 42mm Pam Titanio Luna Rossa (myself) and most likely replacing crown gasket (myself) after a pressure test (bet it will fail). The lever on the crown barely pushes in. Super loose. My other 42mm Bronzo pushes/holds in great and super waterproof. Had in ocean and water slides etc.. You can feel the gasket getting compressed.

Flying away for now....

 

[polskicowboy]

Update: Purchased a deployment buckle from https://topstraps.com. Functions fine and a decent build quality.

It is not like in the picture but Panerai branded only on the outside. It does not have the tiny center screw. Each end screws into itself.

Dislikes about Pam deployments. Press into my wrist and no micro adjustments. If you are between sizes on regular buckle then probably better for you (if anyone is reading this).

Dislike #2 = This needs wider center cutout. The deployment is wider then the 4mm pin on a buckle (44mm & 42mm case Pam's). Since my straps are rubber they worked. If on leather then you would want to cut a wider center "U" shape or tell a strap maker the exact dimensions.

Conclusion: I like deployment clasps. Like snapping them off and sliding watch off. But...Not comfortable for me. Bites into my wrist and the first strap securing loop is in the way unless you have a super long leather strap (many Pam owners do since they were meant to go over a dry diving suit). I will switch back to original buckle due to comfort.

Pics

 

[polskicowboy]

Update: Purchased a deployment buckle from https://topstraps.com. Functions fine and a decent build quality.

It is not like in the picture but Panerai branded only on the outside. It does not have the tiny center screw. Each end screws into itself.

Dislikes about Pam deployments. Press into my wrist and no micro adjustments. If you are between sizes on regular buckle then probably better for you (if anyone is reading this).

Dislike #2 = This needs wider center cutout. The deployment is wider then the 4mm pin on a buckle (44mm & 42mm case Pam's). Since my straps are rubber they worked. If on leather then you would want to cut a wider center "U" shape or tell a strap maker the exact dimensions.

Conclusion: I like deployment clasps. Like snapping them off and sliding watch off. But...Not comfortable for me. Bites into my wrist and the first strap securing loop is in the way unless you have a super long leather strap (many Pam owners do since they were meant to go over a dry diving suit). I will switch back to original buckle due to comfort.

Pics

...And the center Titanium Pam does not have a crown gasket. VSF skipped that detail. I will be adding one soon and maybe checking if the rotor is tightened down.