The Great Panerai Strap Caper

[Victoria]

I must say, I was rather stunned by those who had longed to see the Bob Blue Shark strap in Part 2. I had about 2-4 PMs and replies about it, both publicly and privately, and you are no writer if you don't SOMETIMES listen to the requests of your readers. Ahem.

So the sharky is back today, bumping the Strap Culture strap for another week!

Speaking of which, next week I plan to photograph a new set of straps against a background of other suits, or shirts, the better to mix things up a bit. Even I felt it was getting to be a bit repetitive, whether dear old dad's suits look spiffing or not.

(Don't worry, these togs below will see a comeback later in the year)

So stay tuned then for a sport-casual wardrobe change. Here's a hint: country gentlemen and those handy with a twelve-bore will surely want to check next week's installment.

Without further ado, I give you the Great Panerai Strap Caper, Part 3.

STRAP NUMBER 1

- "BOB Shark Strap for Breitling, cobalt blue, 24/20 mm" (For Panerai 24/22 on request/seasonally)

LEATHER MAKERS: Waccex

MERCHANTS: Waccex.com

COST: U$34.80

BANG FOR BUCK VALUE: Decent

RESALE VALUE: $15-$25 at 95% condition

SALE AVAILABILITY: Auction bids available via eBay store, or Buy it Now for U$34.99. Infrequently found on accessory sections in forums.

DESCRIPTION: I was lucky to find this strap available at the Sales section on RWI. Really, it is an one of a kind colour, not quite the described cobalt, not quite Prussian blue, or robin's egg blue -- but a combination of all three. Certainly, the Bob Blue Shark is NOT for the faint of heart. A person will see you wearing this a mile away. This is the kind of strap you wear on a motorcyle, at a yacht party, or as a good carbon strap alternative, whilst holidaying at the beach. Kids will love you, and women will give you "the eye". Note, the texture is a bit rubbery, although genuine sharkskin, but for that price it's a steal.

SIZE RANGE: Tricky since Breitling sizes are not Panerai sizes but it is listed as 120/80 mm in 24/20 mm (I have it for Panerais at 24/22). PM Christian or Markus at Waccex or RWG for more info.

BUCKLE: Logoless tang "thumbnail" springbar buckle in SS, included.

DRESS COLOURS: Denims, khakis, and just about anything in corduroy. With such a potent blue, obviously stay away from reds, browns and greens, but whites and blacks are amazing against it. Despite its summery tone, I can see a man in a turtle-neck beige sweater and the Bob blue sharky looking smashing this Christmas.

BEST PANERAI WATCH MATCH: PAM 004 (any PVD), PAM 202, PAM 252 (North Pole), PAM 199 (shown)

PHOTO COMPARISON #1 (CAMEL/TAN OVERCOAT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #2 (BLACK SUIT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #3 (GREY SUIT)

STRAP NUMBER 2

- "Mario Paci Special Edition "Allora a Ora" in Senape with new Pre-V Natural buckle"

LEATHER MAKERS: Cuoierie Meccaniche Brelli di Ciampi

MERCHANTS: Timeconnection.biz

COST: U$199.00

BANG FOR BUCK VALUE: Excellent

RESALE VALUE: $70-90 at 85-95% condition

SALE AVAILABILITY: Frequently offered for U$109.00 in Daily Specials. Sometimes offered alongside the Anacardo in other forums' specials.

DESCRIPTION: I have YET to see a Panerai watch which this strap doesn't compliment. Wow, what a versatile strap, and if you need ONE tan strap in your arsenal, this baby is it. It's got a rough craggy leather look to it that is so macho, you can imagine Gary Cooper wearing it in High Noon. If you've got tanned muscly or spindly white arms, the Senape doesn't care. It'll make you look good regardless. And take special note Titanium and Cali-dial owners! This one's special.

SIZE RANGE: 115/75 to 130/85 in 24/24 to 115/80 in 26/26

BUCKLE: Included. Sewn-in brushed Pre-V natural buckle (no logo)

DRESS COLOURS: Wear it with cowboy boots or boat shoes. I can't think of one colour which will look bad with it. I especially think white bermuda shorts, a blue polo shirt, and a sweater wrapped around the shoulders, as well as jeans and a tee, cannot fail. This is a strap you can wear with a grey business suit, and it'll still look serious.

BEST PANERAI WATCH MATCH: PAM 177, PAM 249, PAM 232/233

PHOTO COMPARISON #1 (CAMEL/TAN OVERCOAT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #2 (BLACK SUIT)

PHOTO COMPARISON #3 (GREY SUIT)

NEXT WEEK, PART FOUR (New comparison gear):

- Strap Culture's Legend Historic Brown #2

- Toscana Arruginito

[maxmilian]

The Senape is sensational I got mine yesterday and I am blown away of the look and feel.

I have tried it on both my 111 and 177 but right now it sits on my 111 mainly coz a Toscana Capretto tan is hard to beat on a Ti Pam.

Thanks for the writeup Vic.

[Victoria]

The Senape is sensational I got mine yesterday and I am blown away of the look and feel.

Wow! What great timing, Maximilian. I'm so happy you can relate to the strap.

Certain straps can be hard to describe, both in texture and look. But the Senape reminds me...of Iron Eyes Cody. What? Don't remember him? Sure, you do! He was that crying indian chief in the "Keep America Beautiful" adverts, recently reseen on TVLand.

His exact complexion colour and craggy, mottled skin is reflected in this amazing strap.

I have tried it on both my 111 and 177 but right now it sits on my 111 mainly coz a Toscana Capretto tan is hard to beat on a Ti Pam.

EXACTAMUNDO. Versatile, but Titanium = Senape = match made in heaven.

Thanks for the writeup Vic.

Thank you for taking the time to read it!

ADDED: Ooh, Youtube!

[hambone]

Actually Iron Eyes Cody in fact donated his hyde to make watch straps. Good call VB

[rolexsandwich]

Great review !

I like your strap reviews a lot..... it helps when it comes to picking one (or more) from the abundance of nice straps out there.

Especially for people who have a hard time deciding... like me.

I have spent hours & days on a certain site, when the 50% off sale was on and had about 10 different tabs open.....

I was becoming short breathed and hotheaded, squinting my eyes, bringing out the loupe and trying to decide on which strap to pick.

.... MP 3646 Noce or GeF Valdarno Valdarno Cammelo Scuro , Toscana Fiero in Vintage, mp4 submercitore, "Allora a Ora" in Anacardo or Senape.... there are just SO many options..... and I dont even have the watch yet !

By the time I was ready to order something..... the sale was over (and that sale went like 2 1/2 days).

Its hard to judge these straps just by the one pic on the site.......so I find your write up and your comparison shots (with the clothing) very helpful and informative.

I also like the previews to the next episode..... really would like to hear about that legend straps since opinions on strapculture seem to differ.

Keep up the good work !!!

PS: The straps I am looking for are for my just ordered ..... DSN fiddy ..... I hope it will be as "tomato picking good" as volkers.

[sssurfer]

I'll have to keep out from these reviews of yours, V.

I can definitely feel that MP is going to grow up in me up to the point I will not be able to furtherly resist.

[dluddy]

Thanks for Part 3 Vic. I have to say I am not a Blue strap guy - even though I'm sure it would look smashing with my blue eyes

I am really liking that Senape and am anxiously awaiting Elliot's next special sale to grab one

Thanks for sharing and teaching

[tmg]

- "Mario Paci Special Edition "Allora a Ora" in Senape with new Pre-V Natural buckle"

Great Post Vic!

My PAM strap collection is very humble in comparison to yours, but this is a personal favorite of mine, the color, fit and just the feel all come together.

[professor_yaffle1]

Well Miss B, another set of great reviews, (where on earth do you find the time?) and another set of excuses that I'll need to come up with to justify purchasing that MP

[Victoria]

Actually Iron Eyes Cody in fact donated his hyde to make watch straps. Good call VB

I'm still laughing, Hambone. That was so wrong on so many levels.

@Rolexsandwich: Thanks for your wonderful, comprehensive reply! I'm utterly shocked that you let that 50% off sale pass you by. That was criminal! I'm slapping the handcuffs on you as I type. I will PM you in case I see any of your cited straps on sale on other forums.

@Sssurfer: Grazie, caro! Tell me, for Paneristi IN ITALY, is Mario Paci the big name he seems to be here in the US? I understand what you said in my thread about watch appreciation in different countries -- that Italians could care less about watches; but surely in the land of quality leather, Mario Paci is known and respected?

@Dluddy: Mmm, blues eyes, very nice. Unfortunately, I prefer big soulful Romanian brown eyes, but beggar's can't be choosers!

@Tmg: You can't fool me, TMG. I've seen some of your straps and they never fail to dazzle me. Okay, not the Pigskin, though.

@Prof: I don't work, and I'm not married, thus have no kids. My boyfriend lives 3000 miles away. Capiche? Soon, when I marry, this will come to an end, but until then, you're stuck with my Capers!

[sssurfer]

Tell me, for Paneristi IN ITALY, is Mario Paci the big name he seems to be here in the US? I understand what you said in my thread about watch appreciation in different countries -- that Italians could care less about watches; but surely in the land of quality leather, Mario Paci is known and respected?

Well, Mario Paci is hold in the highest esteem by Italian Paneristi (on what I can see on their site at least) and PAM geeks like me, and he is completely unknown to anyone else.

[maxmilian]

Shot some quick pics of the Senape last night under very poor lightning conditions.

But I was thinking maybe tou like to see it on a pam ?

Not with a nice suit like Vics though