ordred a 512 - need strap advice

[DR3M3L]

hi to all,
tough never thought i'd be interested in a pam, i saw this and liked it so i just ordered one and let's see if i like it.

i usually wear SS bracelets and heard most reps come with cardboard straps so
1. how's the croc strap on these?
2. where would be a good place for me to find a nice 22mm croc strap for this?

 

[Legger]

I have a dark brown Orloff strap on my 513 and it is awesome. Completely changes the feel of the watch.

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[Kronop]

Strap is crap as per usual, even a inexpensive Hirsh crocograin is way better

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[P4GTR]

The rep strap will need to be replaced, you are smart to be working on it immediately.

Alligator is one of my specialties. I do not take custom orders but I am certainly glad to help you with your hunt and answer any questions.

 

[DreadPirateRobert]

[MENTION=9347]P4GTR[/MENTION] is tops. Easily one of the most knowledgeable strap makers here. Don't be afraid to ask him anything, he'll do you right.

 

[seiko5]

Go gen gator. Or even something like ostrich. Brown or black will look good.

 

[iamdudi]

thanks for the tips.
I think I'd go for these two:
http://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/Bracelet-Vintage-Brown-Marine-Officer,876.html
http://www.hirschstraps.com/collect...-alligator-embossed-leather-watch-strap-black

gen gators are expensive little sh**s arent they? $400 for a strap gets me thinking about another rep.

 

[hughesj]

A nice tan colored shell cordovan with matching stitching would look good on a 512 IMO

 

[P4GTR]

thanks for the tips.
I think I'd go for these two:
http://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/Bracelet-Vintage-Brown-Marine-Officer,876.html
http://www.hirschstraps.com/collect...-alligator-embossed-leather-watch-strap-black

gen gators are expensive little sh**s arent they? $400 for a strap gets me thinking about another rep.

If you want a good asso strap (the steinhart link) you actually want to hunt down a Hirsch strap. The "Terra" model is literally the exact same thing as a genuine OP OEM Assolutamente save for minor buckle hole and tip contour shape. Hirsch makes the assolutamente strap for Panerai. They also produce some of OP's other strap lines. I have an account if you are interested in something from Hirsch.

Alligator is expensive indeed. It's the most sought after exotic leather on Earth. You mentioned you are after a genuine Panerai looking strap. I have access to grade 1 alligator straps from a European facility that produces OEM Swiss luxury brand watch straps. Something like that you're looking at just under $200 to your door for a strap on par or better than OEM Panerai. You don't have to go with an exotic hide for a good looking strap. You can get a cowhide strap from the very same EU OEM factory, and it will only set you back about $50.

Also worth noting is that unlike the cheap stuff, high quality watch straps have tangible value. Many online watch communities have a section dedicated to trading/selling straps.

 

[P4GTR]

@P4GTR is tops. Easily one of the most knowledgeable strap makers here. Don't be afraid to ask him anything, he'll do you right.

Thanks for that. :blush:

 

[Ciocc60]

The Asso strap I got on my 512 Rep is actually pretty good. BUT, the nice thing is that 22mm straps are SO easy to find that there are lots of options at all price points, vs. 24 or 26mm straps, which are more limited.