Officine Panerai

Gaz
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Yes, it is indeed an expensive strap...

I would even wager that its Panerai's most expensive strap.  Also there are a multitude of variations in the sizing.  Having said that and best to my knowledge, the deployant for the Radiomir is 20mm at the buckle end.  Irrespective, I feel that the nicest OEM strap that Panerai produces and is extremely unique.

The deployant version is much thinner at the tip, and given some of the "fragility" issues raised by David in his post, it is a better version of the strap.  Also, for obvious reasons, the deployant helps preserve the strap too.

I understand that there are several straps that have been plauged by quality issues.  Some early versions of the JV strap has had flaying and even cracking around the holes due to wear.  However, my strap is holding up pretty well, even with the occassional splashing of water.  This is one of a few straps that Panerai seem to gravitate towards a deployant version.  The other being the Riva strap, which as I understand it had longevity issues when designed for the tang buckle.

By no means am I "defending" this particular make and I think David and yourself have raised some very good points - 1) it is a very expensive strap and 2) there is some degree of fragility.  Having said that, and raised in my review, I think the black version is a much sturdier construction.  Panerai has learnt much from its production experience with the gold version.  Perhaps you should check that version out too.

BTW, what they have offered you is a "custom" service.  I've been told that this service is no longer offered, but I think its because I keep bugging them about my straps .  Having said that, I have waited over four months for a custom hornback straps but I am fairly patient when I know something is bespoked.

Good luck with your purchase.

Cheers

Gaz