Shoe change

Firstly I never understood why they (collectors) call it a shoe change. Maybe it is because the straps are made of leather just like shoes? Anyway I decided to change the leather straps on my Panerai PAM00111 to a rubber strap. The reason being the rubber strap is more versatile as compared to the leather straps which is not water resistant. 

My PAM00111 with the black Banda strap. The buckle is also not original.

The well used Banda signed strap.

It is genuine leather. The Banda strap is well made.

The new rubber strap from Panerai. 

The reference number MX0011QQ for pin buckle. The reference number for the deployment buckle rubber strap is MX00312X. These reference numbers are for the 44 mm Panerai models with the 24 mm lug width.

The straps measures 24 mm and tapers down to 22. It is 115 mm on one side and 75 mm on the buckle side.

The strap, buckle side. The strap is well made.

The straps. 

I do like the fact that the straps comes with the tubes. 

The screws to hold the straps in place. All my Panerai do not come with the new strap change system.

The Pre-V type pin buckle. This not original and the tang is held in place by a spring bar. I prefer the Pre-V design as compared to the Thumbnail pin buckle of the original.

The strap ready to be fitted to the watch.

The PAM00111 with the new rubber strap. Looks good. 

So what to do with the Banda? Well I decided to change the shoes on my PAM0003 to the Banda. It is currently fitted with a generic leather strap. I am looking to pick up some ammo strap for the PAM0003 after the Chinese New Year.

The leather strap (fake crocodile design) comes with a Pre-V pin buckle as well.

With the Banda fitted. Looks like new.