Planet Ocean Lovers ATTENTION - Finally Custom New Shoes for my CrPO

[Mapman57]

Last week I made a Panerai pilgrimage to the beautiful region of Tuscany and in particular to the areas of Firenze, La Spezia and Portofino. You can read more about that in the Panerai forum.

 

 

During the trip I was able to spend some quality time with my favourite strap makers in Firenze - Distefano straps. Both Simona and Chris could not have been more helpful and accomodating, if you ever get the chance to call in then do so!

 

I was hoarding and buying far too many Panerai related straps and buckles (as it is so easy to do!) when we began to discuss my frustration with my beloved genuine Omega CrPO - in that the OEM straps and deploys were exorbitant in price and limited in style and range (IMHO). Simply put, I had not found anything quite suitable as an alternative. The CrPO is a robust sports/diver watch and needed something equally rugged, but oozing quality and finish to complement it.

 

So after too much debate and examination of many, many 22mm straps, we arrived at the following combinations, which I absolutely recommend to all PO owners - Gen and Rep alike!

 

A key aspect for me was the buckle - gen Omega Seamaster buckles are only available up to 20mm and are quite lightweight in construction. I wanted something that balanced with the lines of the Omega midcase and Simona found a perfect match for me! The finish and chamfered cuts to the surfaces are an amazing, complimentary match to the the case lugs and chamfers on the midcase.

 

As my watch was wearing the OEM black with orange stitch rubber and deploy, we started the day by mounting up an example with that same colour.

 

 

Can you see what I mean on the buckle finish and style?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the dreaded 'Panerai malaise' set in................why have one new strap when I could have several?

 

This tan version just complements the orange indices so well  - what do you think?

 

 

.....and is quite in keeping with the original Omega styling highlights.

 

 

Just cant get enough of the buckle!

 

 

 

A couple of wristies of course.

 

 

 

And just enough tail.............these DS Saddle straps can be made in a range of standard and custom sizes.

 

 

 

 

 

One of my new set of straps enjoyed its lunch in Portofino harbour - but who wouldn't?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading if you got this far!

 

And just to see if you are really paying attention............

 

[Drewgar]

Sei molto Bella!

What a beautiful addition to that stunner. Thank you for the review and enjoy your two new straps, they look great.

Edited July 14, 2015 by Drewgar

[droptopman]

Beautiful straps and great write up.

Sent from my droptop using telepathy

[jpz5142]

In general I am not a fan of anything but the bracelet on the planet ocean but I must say that those straps with that buckle are a nice combo. Now if they just sold those steel endlinks for the Omega like they do for the Rolex...

Good.rite up.and great photos, thanks for sharing.

[Hagus]

Not really an Omega man but.... God damn!

[ceejay]

Beautiful location, fantastic photos and a Man with class.

Well done you!

[Uberscreamer]

Those chamfered edges really do set off the mid-case quite nicely on that piece!  I especially like the orangish tan colored strap with the PO.

 

 It's a shame though, on the black strap, that the lug stitching is ever so slightly off between the two sides @ the 6:00 lugs.  Otherwise, spectacular leather work, as expected from Simona!