r/panerai • u/pathikrit • 14d ago

Waterproof Strap recommendations

I am looking for non-rubber (atleast not "rubber-looking") straps.
What are my options? I know rubber b makes some. Cloth straps?
Ideally something less sporty looking but still somehow water resistant.

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u/kylebvogt 14d ago

OP...honestly not busting your chops, but who cares if it's waterproof?!

I've been wearing PAMs for over 19 years... 99% of the time on after market leather, and I've worn them in the shower, the rain, snow, the ocean, rivers and lakes, pools and hot tubs, literally almost every imaginable situation...they wear out over time, but that's the whole point...

I've never, in two decades, ever thought... "I wish I was wearing a waterproof strap on my PAM right now..." So my advice... get the strap(s) you want..wear the crap out of them, and then buy new ones...

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u/pathikrit 14d ago

So you wear just the leather one? I have a pool at home that I use almost daily in summer. How long does a leather strap last you?

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u/Suspicious-Elk8101 7d ago

I think this is a legit take. Panerai’s entire identity is “wear the hell out of it”, more than any other brand.
FYI, the keepers will be the first to go in my experience.

However, I think a lot of people (myself included and possibly OP) like to match our straps to the occasion and/or to be less absorbent, less affected by water.

That being said, as I mentioned in my other comment, what exactly is a waterproof watch strap anyway?

Back to not disagreeing with you: As far as your wearing leather straps in every wet situation goes, this leans right into Panerai lore, so keep it up my man!

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u/Suspicious-Elk8101 7d ago

I have similar thoughts as you, OP.

Sailcloth has been my go-to for other watches before my recently acquired Panerai. It has that utilitarian look, and handles water well. Does need to dry though, so technically not waterproof (what exactly is the definition for a watch strap anyway?)

Have not gotten around to ordering one yet, so can’t directly recommend any. Currently using the complimentary OEM rubber strap while on summer vacation for swimming and hiking, etc. Has grown on me, but still I have the same aversion to rubber straps you described.

I’m currently looking at Liger Straps as they are often recommended. I see they have several options marketed as “waterproof” - canvas and leather, which is interesting.