One of the straps I always wanted to get and try is from an Indonesian strap maker called Peter Gunny of Gunny Straps. About a year ago, I got 2 straps from him. I decided that I will do a long term test on the straps I got from him.
I got this particular strap from Gunny, the popular Gunny 74 (officially called 74 Serie). The one I got is standard length with screw in buckle and the 'long' tail. There are other options.
The reason it is called the 74.
The strap, signed.
First impressions, great strap. Did not disappoint. Excellent workmanship, great stitching. Soft with a whiff of leather. The strap is not water resistant.
So how did the strap fare a year on?
Well I had the strap mounted on my PAM00003 (most of the time which says a lot since that is my first PAM). The watch has been in rotation and was worn both indoors and outdoors.
The strap, a year on, mounted on my PAM00003.
The long end of the strap measures 130 mm and comes with 5 round holes. The holes are 12 mm apart. As you can see, the strap has developed a patina, greenish yellowish hue. It makes the strap look more vintage or older than what it actually is.
The buckle end of the strap. It measures 75 mm (buckle not included). If you notice, there is a missing strap keeper. The strap comes with a fixed and a floating strap keeper. I removed the floating one as the fixed is sufficient. On an 8 inch wrist, you will be on the second hole from the tip.
The strap comes with a 'long' or pointed tip. This makes the strap 10 to 12 mm longer. You can opt for the normal short tip. The markings or blemish you see on the tip makes the strap looks vintage.
You can see the greenish hue near and around the box stitch. Here you can also opt for the straight stitch (parallel to the edge) or the crooked, like the original strap. Mine comes with the crooked stitching.
The famous number 74. Basically it is the numbering or catalogue referencing by the Panerai museum in Florence. All the markings are there to give the strap a vintage look much like the original.
I opted for the screw type buckle. You can opt for the sewn in type if you want. The buckle has a brushed finish. Well made with a nice finish.
The fixed keeper. Love the raw edge. Nice thickness. The loop is large enough for easy insertion of the strap tail.
The loop at the lugs. Solid and robust. It does give you confidence the strap will not break.
The triple sandwich design. Raw edge, no distressing. The straps are about 5 mm thick, yet still soft and supply. Comfortable on the wrist.
Not sure what the marking are, internal number system I guess.
The stitching is nice and is strong. No breaks after a year.
Box stitching? The signature slowly disappearing.... The bonding is also good, no signs of excess glue.
I like the stitching at the buckle, the ones that goes over the side of the strap. Helps to hold the buckle (and keeper) in place.
Beautiful construction.
The buckle and the screw that holds it and the tang in place.
I love the way the strap is ageing. The patina is lovely as is the strap. One of the most comfortable strap I have.
Even after a year, the hole is still about the same. Not much stretching or elongation. I believe it is due to the triple sandwich construction and the use of good leather.
How the strap sits in the buckle. Not much in terms of edge rubbing (against the buckle). There is also no 'cut' marks on the strap. The buckle is well made with no sharp edges. The screw/ bolt is also of the correct length. There is notch or cut-out for the tang to sit in.
The strap tail.... I like.
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