Panerai Watch Service & Repair Overview

Key Points from the Discussion

• Straps can age and degrade even when unworn and stored, with some 'new' straps being 5-10 years old by the time they reach a customer, leading to premature failure.
• Many Panerai owners historically removed original straps immediately to preserve them, opting for aftermarket alternatives due to perceived quality issues and sloppy workmanship of OEM straps, despite the material quality often being superior.
• Panerai's strap quality has reportedly improved only in the last 5-6 years, with older straps being more prone to tearing and coming apart.
• There's a recollection that Panerai previously sourced straps from a lower-cost Austrian supplier, possibly Hirsch, which was later acquired by Richemont, potentially explaining past quality inconsistencies.
• While current Panerai strap prices remain high, the quality has significantly improved compared to the past, especially for 'vintage' models like Assolutamente and Pontevecchio.
• For a lasting repair, it's often better to replace a torn strap or opt for an aftermarket one where the buckle end is properly sewn in, rather than relying on glue.