Strap Guide: Panerai Submersible 42mm PAM00959

Strap Guide written by @gingin_watches. Thank you Mateusz!

Introduction

Not a big fan of Panerai watches but I like this one.

That was my initial reaction to this watch. I’m not a Panerai guy, but this one is unusual. I like unusual things. So I assumed that 959 is the right PAM for me. Not too big, not too thick and the colorway is interesting.
But there is a drawback. It’s not that easy to match a strap. Which probably was the sole reason for lack of love between us, as I find the OEM rubber strap simply awful. Fortunately things have changed, thanks to the straps mentioned below. Having the right strap can make all the difference.

Let’s take a look at the watch. 42mm in diameter, 13mm thickness, 52mm lug to lug and 22mm lug width in a regular Luminor Submersible case. Panerai for smaller wrists, as they say.

The most distinctive features are the matte blue ceramic bezel, light grey textured dial and turquoise blue seconds hand. These colors and textures will play a big factor in pairing the strap.

Blue Waxed Canvas Chunky Strap

My first and perhaps the easiest choice was Blue Waxed Canvas strap for Panerai watches. It checks all the boxes. Color is right, rough canvas surface matches the dial texture and the higher durability fits the nature of the watch. It just looks like a tool watch ready for adventure.

Natural Buttero Chunky Strap

My second pick from Panerai Straps collection was Natural Buttero, which lightens up the overall look of the watch, while maintaining that iconic look of a chunky tool watch. Pairs perfectly with denim. Buttero leather is soft and supple providing a great comfort on the wrist.

Black Barenil Signature Strap

The Most Versatile Strap Award goes to Barenil Signature from the regular collection.
The leather is incredibly soft right off the bat, and strap tapers from 22 to 18mm, which for me elevates the whole wearing experience to another level. Don’t get me wrong, I like that bold Panerai style, that is why I bought this watch in first place. But comfort also matters, and this strap is a comfort king.
It also looks great! Matt black leather is always a safe choice. Works with almost all colors and textures. If you want use your 959 as a daily watch you should consider this one.

Glossy Grey Crocodile Signature Strap

I’m not a Paneristi, but I’ve been following this community for a long time. One thing that was always surprising to me was pairing crocodile and alligator straps with such a sporty watches. I wanted to understand it, but failed. So I had to try it myself, wear a croc strap for a while and feel the vibe. Still can’t explain why it works, but who cares? It’s so fun to wear! Glossy surface and very prominent structure of crocodile leather makes the watch looks even bolder. I love this combo.

Pastel Blue Nubuck Row-Stitch Strap

And the last but not least is my personal favourite Nubuck Row-Stitch.
I wanted to create fun and colorful combo. To choose the right shade of blue I supported myself with Color Wheel tool. It can be really helpful, especially if your watch is not a strap monster, like my PAM00959. Luckily there is a lot of colors to choose in Delugs store, so it wasn’t that hard.
Pastel blue strap that plays well with turquoise seconds hand and classic blue bezel, creating very balanced analogous color scheme, toned down a little by cool grey dial.
Nubuck is also very soft, easy to wear. Perfect for summer days.