Hey guys. I recently bought a PAM 372 and it's quickly become my favorite watch. I don't have any straps that fit it other than the rep strap, which is decent, but the threads are starting to fall apart. I've tried some cheaper straps (under $80) with my other watches and have always been unsatisfied with them. I'm looking for a thick, VERY soft leather strap for it under $200. Any suggestions? Thanks!
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Strap for PAM 372
- Thread starter Teris
- Start date
Man...you're really close to gen strap prices. Have you looked into what a gen 372 strap costs? I just ordered a oem 531 from my AD for $249
You could try kallenleatherworks on instagram, Landcruze as a user here he could probably make one for you and his workmanship and service is quite good. I just bought 3 leather straps from him and they are quite good, soft and supple (elephant, hippo and bison leather over 100 usd for the elephant and hippo and I believe 70 usd for the bison).
Aside from Gen, the price you are willing to spend is well within the range of custom strap legends like Rob Montana or Greg Stevens Designs not to mention the Custom strap makers listed as dealers on this great forum.
For $175 or less you have an abundance of high end quality craftsmanship and leather options. If you would like further details on who I have used send me a PM. I have worked with many strap makers over the years and happy to share my experiences. Good luck.
For $175 or less you have an abundance of high end quality craftsmanship and leather options. If you would like further details on who I have used send me a PM. I have worked with many strap makers over the years and happy to share my experiences. Good luck.
- 9/9/07
- 3,460
- 3
- 0
+1 to these guys above. The budget you've allotted pretty much allows you anything you want. OEM straps are nice, and there are many strap makers that can take what you want and turn it into the perfect strap for you. Stay away from veg tan if you want very soft. Another option could be to consider having the upper however you wish, then lining it with something really soft and luxurious.
How are you defining "very soft". I think this is a misnomer. As the longest active strap maker on RWI, I have seen this claimed many times, but most of the time "very soft" means something different to each person.
Literal soft leather is not good for a strap. It will stretch out over time, making all sorts of problems. Pliable leather is what I think most people mean when they talk about "soft" leather. There are a number of good strap makers on the board who are trusted and can custom make you a very well made strap for under $100.
If you have any questions, please ask. I will try my best not to just recommend a strap because of the name, or it looks cool, but I like to help members fully understand what they get. So you will get a product you love and is functional.
Literal soft leather is not good for a strap. It will stretch out over time, making all sorts of problems. Pliable leather is what I think most people mean when they talk about "soft" leather. There are a number of good strap makers on the board who are trusted and can custom make you a very well made strap for under $100.
If you have any questions, please ask. I will try my best not to just recommend a strap because of the name, or it looks cool, but I like to help members fully understand what they get. So you will get a product you love and is functional.
I have a Di Stefano Bruno on my 372 and love it. Super soft and the tan color matches the dial indices perfectly.
As Tootall, the strap master said, check out our strap makers here for a custom job or hit Paneristi for an OEM.
Let us know what you get.
As Tootall, the strap master said, check out our strap makers here for a custom job or hit Paneristi for an OEM.
Let us know what you get.
Thanks for all the great ideas, guys! I'll let you know what I wind up buying.
Tootall, when I say "soft," I mean supple and soft to the touch. Some describe it as "buttery." I'm simply talking about top quality leather. I've bought some straps recently that look good, but feel a notch better than cardboard. I now want a top of the line strap made from excellent quality leather.
Tootall, when I say "soft," I mean supple and soft to the touch. Some describe it as "buttery." I'm simply talking about top quality leather. I've bought some straps recently that look good, but feel a notch better than cardboard. I now want a top of the line strap made from excellent quality leather.
I have a gunny caitlin, it is soft to the touch, and very pliable, since it is not too thick. I think the color will match the 372 nicely.
Quite a few high quality leathers require a break-in period. The more you wear it the more supple and buttery it becomes. Some leathers are "pull-up leathers" that are very oily and change color as they are bent. These leathers usually feel more supple when new, and get softer and more pliable the more you wear the strap. Other leathers require a fair amount of time to break in and develop a patina and soften the more you wear it. English Bridle leathers are a good example of a really high quality leather that improves with time, but they may not impress you when new.....A good strap craftsmen can tell you the different properties of the various leather options. They know how each leather ages, which are pull-up leathers, and which leathers develop a patina with time...Choose a good craftsmen and they will guide you based on your requirements. Best of luck
Thank you for the explanation. Please be aware that just because something costs more, does not mean it's going to be of better quality, especially in the strap world. There are $200 straps that look great, but are machine punched, stitched and finished. That makes them no different than the <$50 versions found from Panatime, DON or BOB.
Let us know what you go with. And your thoughts on it.