Aftermarket Panerai Review

Nubostraps Watch Straps Review

Nubostraps Panerai Straps

Origin: Canada
Construction: Hand-Stitched
Materials: Ammo Leathers & New Leathers
Buckles & Tubes: Buckles Optional
Price Range: $100-150
Website: Click Here
Date of Review: July 24th, 2008
Review Updated: July 25th, 2010

Review Update - July 25th, 2010

I've probably owned about 4-5 Nubo Straps in the past, and this is the third one I've reviewed here. This one is pretty different from the rest, and while Norman usually sticks to Ammo style straps, his flexibilty on customizing straps to suit his customers lead me to ask him if he would butcher an old Gucci bag and make matching straps for my wife and I... he was more than happy to do this! What a guy!

The main portion of the strap is made with the vinyl material from a very old Gucci handbag, and the keepers are made from the navy blue leather strap from that same handbag at my request. In retrospect, I think it would have looked better with the matching Gucci Print Vinyl for the keeper, but this was my idea, not Norman's.

As you can see, the strap is backed with soft brown leather since the vinyl isn't too comfortable on the wrist. The strap is punched with oblong holes and fits me perfectly on the middle hole. Stiching as always is saddle-stitched by hand.

I fitted this Nubo Gucci Strap with a Kain Heritage buckle that I had kicking around, just to try something different than the usual generic buckles. I think it might be too big, however. This strap would probably suit a brushed standard bent buckle more than anything else.

Overall, the construction of strap is very good, as always is with Nubo Straps. Norman does a great job of combining a professional finish an old-world feel his straps, and this one is no exception. He lined up the edges of both GG logos to the stitching and are centered well. These kind of details make the strap all the more satisfying and much better looking.

There's the money shot. The light blue interlocking Gucci logos might look a bit more on the feminine side with this one, but I think they look pretty good. I've seen other straps made with LV and Gucci vinyl before and I think they often look better than this one I had made because the material wasn't as faded. This one was in pretty rough shape when I sent it to Norman. I still totally dig this strap though, and will probably enjoy it quite well.



Original Review Update - July 24th, 2008

Probably my favourite source for authentic Ammo-Leather straps is Nubostrap. A relative newcomer to the game, Norman at Nubostrap is a true gent to deal with and offers a level of customer service among the best. I have ordered a few straps from him and communication and customizations were never a problem. He carries a wide range of vintage leathers from both new and used holsters and ammo pouches, very nice stuff.

The best thing about Nubostrap are the prices. Some of the best value in ammo leather straps, and easy to get custom stuff done. Choices of thick or thin thread. Every strap is handstitched and prepared by Norman in his workshop. The ammo pouch keepers are a nice touch, and are an slightly extra cost option, but well worth it in my opinion. He also does a keeper with a removable screw in it that looks very cool in a vintage way. I like that he leaves some of the guide lines from the ammo pouches on the straps so there is some character to them.

Nubostraps tend to lean towards the thicker end of the spectrum, with most of the straps firmly in the 5mm+ thickness department. The come with or without painted edges. I decided to try some with and some without, and like the look both have to offer. This lighter strap here has an extremely long tail, which I do like for more casual situations.

The straps I have received from him have been both on the stiff side as well as supple. As he explained it to me, the lighter straps cannot be oiled as much to soften them so they tend to be thicker. I have found however thant he ammo leather tends to bend and mould very easily and does not feel uncomfortable. The darker brown strap here has a normal length tail so it can be dressed up a little bit more. It is a beautiful dark chocolate brown.

His straps come optional with a buckle, and he said he was also working on a custom sewn-in buckle, which should be a nice addition. I really enjoy the innovative keepers that he has, and he also has a "buckle-less" design that he showed me, though I have not purchased one myself. It looks nice and it is very nice to see innovation and old world quality together in the strap industry. I highly recommend Nubostrap.