Pam buckle question.

[maxse]

So.. I am finally starting to put the pieces together for my "perfect" 001B.

I am ordering the watch now with a SS bracelet but of course I want to be able to use straps with it as well so I am ordering some extra buckles...

Here is a question for your guys. How easy is it to change straps and buckles on the watch? Do you think it is a good idea for me to get 2-3 buckles (they aren't cheap) just to have them ready in my straps so that I have less work to change them, or is it easy enough to exchange the buckle every time between straps o that IS hould not worry about it? How do you guys manage this?

Also can someone post a pic of the correct buckle that I need for the 001B. I believe it is the 22mm polished Thumbnail Vendome buckle, but would like to see a pic so that I can show it to my dealer to avoid any confusion. Thanks.

 

[JOEJOEJOE]

So.. I am finally starting to put the pieces together for my "perfect" 001B.

I am ordering the watch now with a SS bracelet but of course I want to be able to use straps with it as well so I am ordering some extra buckles...

Here is a question for your guys. How easy is it to change straps and buckles on the watch? Do you think it is a good idea for me to get 2-3 buckles (they aren't cheap) just to have them ready in my straps so that I have less work to change them, or is it easy enough to exchange the buckle every time between straps o that IS hould not worry about it? How do you guys manage this?

Also can someone post a pic of the correct buckle that I need for the 001B. I believe it is the 22mm polished Thumbnail Vendome buckle, but would like to see a pic so that I can show it to my dealer to avoid any confusion. Thanks.

First of all, while it is fairly easy to change out the buckles, it's a lot (A LOT) of hassel.

Second, the size of the buckle depends on the size(width) of the strap. If you purchase a strap that is 24X22, 22mm buckle will do. But if you purchase one with 24X24, you need a 24mm buckle.

 

[maxse]

good point. So it is a good idea fo rme to purchase say 3?

Also I spoke to babola an he mentioned that the gen buckle is 22... But of course I doubt people will notice 22 or 24mm

So... Which buckles do you guys recommend I get? I will get 3 of them and I dont think I will buy more buckles in the future so I want to make sure I make the right decision in terms of the width so that I will be able to use the best straps. What do you guys suggest?

 

[tootall]

good point. So it is a good idea fo rme to purchase say 3?

Also I spoke to babola an he mentioned that the gen buckle is 22... But of course I doubt people will notice 22 or 24mm

So... Which buckles do you guys recommend I get? I will get 3 of them and I dont think I will buy more buckles in the future so I want to make sure I make the right decision in terms of the width so that I will be able to use the best straps. What do you guys suggest?

This is a weird question. It seems that you want to convey accuracy through your buckle? If you don't ever plan to get a different type strap than OEM then a 22 thumbnail buckle would do.

But if you ever plan to get one of the hundred other straps for your pam, you will most likely need to get a different buckle. Pre-V buckles are actually kind of cheap. You can get spring bar models for around $10 a piece. And screw in models for $20. I personally would go with a 24mm brushed or polished spring bar model. It makes it super easy and quick to change out straps. Plus there is no screw to get stripped.

So if all you want is 3 buckles I would recommend. The one that comes with your watch (which should be a 22mm thumbnail) And 2 polished or brushed spring bar or screw-in, 24mm Pre-V buckles. With my vote going for spring bar.

 

[maxse]

great explanation thanks tootall. I want to convey accuracy with everything lol, but it turns out that it is common for people to have different buckles other than OEM.

I have no interest in spending the $$ on an oem strap at all. But I have every intent to buy aftermarket straps from you or anyone else... So I guess I will go for the 24mm polished spring-bar type..

My watch will not come with a buckle because I ordered it with a bracelet that's why Im asking.
Also a question. Any reason you recommend the Pre-V buckles? As IU understand those are not accurate for this watch and it is supposed to have a thumb buckle...

And finally, do you think I should still get 1 22mm and 2 24mm? Or should I just get all 3 24mm? TIA

 

[dylan]

Hey maxse...who did you source your 001b from? And how accurate is it? Price?

In terms of straps...even GEN owners go for aftermarket straps...Being completely accurate in terms of
buckle in my opinion isn't high on the priority list...I'd me much more concerned about dial font, etc...

Personally I like 24x24 straps for my 44 mm pams....
Also I don't think buckle swaps are that annoying if you're using screws...I guess springbar ones might
get annoying...

 

[maxse]

Dylan I have not sourced it yet. I will believe when I have it in my hands... I will take pics of everything so you guys can hudge how accurate it is...

I decided to go with a 24mm pin model.. Still want to know what you guys htink of a Pre-V or a thumbnail buckle....

Also how accurate are the current thumbnail buckles?

 

[JOEJOEJOE]

Dylan I have not sourced it yet. I will believe when I have it in my hands... I will take pics of everything so you guys can hudge how accurate it is...

I decided to go with a 24mm pin model.. Still want to know what you guys htink of a Pre-V or a thumbnail buckle....

Also how accurate are the current thumbnail buckles?

Maxse,

Don't worry about trying to get a "Panerai" engraved buckles. Most Panerisitis don't even wear theirs. Just go for aftermarket. Also remember you 001B will come with a buckle (22mm).

rep Thumbnail buckles are pretty accurate, but Panerisitis seem to call them out pretty well.

 

[tootall]

great explanation thanks tootall. I want to convey accuracy with everything lol, but it turns out that it is common for people to have different buckles other than OEM.

I have no interest in spending the $$ on an oem strap at all. But I have every intent to buy aftermarket straps from you or anyone else... So I guess I will go for the 24mm polished spring-bar type..

My watch will not come with a buckle because I ordered it with a bracelet that's why Im asking.
Also a question. Any reason you recommend the Pre-V buckles? As IU understand those are not accurate for this watch and it is supposed to have a thumb buckle...

And finally, do you think I should still get 1 22mm and 2 24mm? Or should I just get all 3 24mm? TIA

Well to answer your question first, yes, 1 22mm and 2 24mm. Here is why.

Most custom strap makers are usually doing 24/24 so you will need a 24mm buckle. it never hurts to switch around those. Get one polished and get one brushed. The reason for the 22mm is for exotics. Most exotics are 24/22, and a thumbnail buckle looks better with those.

Furthermore, other makers such as pawmarker, strapculture, etc. usually come with buckles, so if you buy one of those, you won't need an extra buckle.

The only reason your 001 comes with a thumbnail is because from Panerai it comes stock with a 24/22 strap. So if you plan to get a 24/22 OEM strap it would be accurate to have a 22mm thumbnail. Otherwise wear whatever buckle will fit your strap.

 

[crick]

yea max,

i've seen some gen pannies around the city and most if not all have just swapped out their OEM strap for hi-quality aftermarkets.

Ones like Mario Paci have a sewn in buckle.

People also love to buy custom made straps, so they usually pick up a pre-v buckle GPF style for something like 30 bux. I got mine i believe for 20? screw base, not spring, cuz screw's are easier for me to interchange.

I have one at 22 and one at 20 for my panerai. But most of my straps are 22/22 so my 20mm ones just sit around.

If you are going for a watch that has 24mm lugwidght, then probably a 24mm buckle will suffice. I dont care for tapered straps so all my straps are like 22/22 (or 24/24 or 20/20).

OR just buy straps with a sewn in buckle. Get a Mario Paci ~ 200 dollars

yeah dont worry bout accuracy... since everyone swaps out their straps anyways (and that's the beauty of pams - go ask Horologie, he's got a zillion straps).

 

[maxse]

Thanks guys! I believe the 001B has 24mm lug width correct? It seems to be the same stadnard case as the 111h. Its just that I prefer polished buckles and I haven't seen too many aftermarket polished ones...

I guess you ugys are right though. I will get one polished 22mm and one 24mm and thats it...
I plan to have at least one gen alligator strap (honey/brown) like the oem one so the i guess I will need a 22mm buckle for that..

My watch will not ocme with any buckles because I am getting it with a SS bracelet.
Also crick, why do epople seem to go with a pre-V buckle? I think the polished thumb looks better. and did you mean you have one that is not labeled "Panerai"? I just dont want to have a problem in the future finding buckles. Especially since I prefer the spring bar type because I dont want to strip threads.

I hope horologie unitas can jump in and tell us how he manages the buckles for his enourmous collection.