Rubber B has long decided to take on the Panerai challenge. Not only do we feel that the Panerai brand has an exceptional history of creating tremendous Italian Navy timepieces engineered for the most adventurous, but these timepieces are made for both modern men and women who want to feel the appeal of these powerful watches. It is more common today to find both men and women who love these larger than life works of mechanical motion, wearing these timepieces every day.
Even though these pieces were originally made for the elite Navy Seals, and pushed forward by action superstars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone with huge muscular physiques, many others love to wear the Panerai themselves. Partly is the exceptional design which is both Italian and Swiss in origin. The history of the Panerai even combines aspects of a traditional Rolex case (originally even made by Rolex) with features like the locking nut over the winding crown.
Many of these watches are larger than the traditional Rolex (some are as large as 47mm which is 3mm bigger than the largest Rolex at 44mm) and feel even larger due to the thickness and the locking nut. It still has scratch-resistant sapphire glass and many of the most sought-after features of a Swiss timepiece. Wearing one of these timepieces gives you a sense that you can tackle the greatest challenges of your day and become invincible (a superstar in your own right). It is easy to pick up a Panerai for a fraction of the price of a Rolex today and so you can feel free to make the Panerai your daily watch without fear that you are damaging a priceless heirloom with each wear.
Panerai watches feel stronger and larger than life – just like the action stars that have brought it to worldwide prominence.
Guide to Watch Straps for Panerai
Rubber B realized there was a problem in the market. Alligator straps and Cow Hide leather straps have been a fashion and tied to watchmaking for over a hundred years. However, in this sustainable economy, we need to understand the impact of using animal hides in manufactured products. There was no process for making a synthetic alligator strap. Rubber B, who pioneered the Rubber strap for the finest timepieces such as Panerai, decided to take on the challenge and come up with a machine process that would create watch straps for Panerai which looked like they were actually natural alligator leather with unique creases and natural distressed features.
With years of trial and error, Rubber B perfected the Swimskin Alligator band which is made from 100% pure vulcanized rubber. Not only do these bands look like true leather bands, but they are also perfect for all aquatic activities – something that true leather bands are not good at. In fact, most leather bands are destroyed almost instantly by sweat, saltwater, or pool water if you attempt to wear your timepiece at play. The Rubber B Swimskin Alligator is the only band that both looks like leather and is ready for action, both in and out of water.
Rubber B offers both Black and Brown Alligator Swimskin bands. These are the two most popular color bands used on timepieces around the world.
The Panerai Ballistic series band is also a new advancement for Rubber B and for Rubber Band design generally. Using the same technique that helped make the first Leather Lookalike band in the market, Rubber B created this strap which looks identical to the sailcloth. Yet, it is actually 100% RUBBER, and therefore waterproof for all aquatic activities. Of all the watch straps for Panerai, this is one of the most perfect bands because the Sahara Tan actually matches the tan color of the hour markers on many of the Panerai watches.
The Panerai Ballistic series band is available in Black, Tan, Green, and refreshing Caribbean Blue colors.
Recently Rubber B launched its Rubber Cuff Series, which is a Kevlar-inspired combat strap available in both Black and Blue colors. Although it has the Twill look and feels, it is actually 100% vulcanized rubber and perfect for aquatic activities including diving, swimming, and general athletics.
One of the key features of a combat strap or even a similar NATO-style strap is that it protects the skin of the wrist from the watch case. This is important especially in the sun because metal watches, including the Panerai Stainless Steel cases, can get hot in the sunlight. That heat could conduct and heat the skin or cause irritation at the very least. These combat straps are perfect to protect the skin and allow you to wear the strap with comfort and grace under fire.
Rubber B is the pioneer of the finest watchbands for Panerai timepieces. Their Classic series is a horological masterpiece that set the highest standards for rubber watch bands in the industry. Rubber B is one of the few watch band manufacturers that actually manufacture rubber bands in Switzerland. Their classic series design is also unique since it is custom fitted for each Panerai case. These classic series straps utilize “Blocked Integration” engineering for a flawless, motionless flush mount to the Panerai case.
The Rubber B Classic series watch straps for Panerai are available in 6 delightful colors and 4 dual color options. For more information on the various strap options for Panerai Timepieces visit our Panerai Strap Page.
