To date, I have owned and tried straps from 3 different strapmakers.
Cheergiant of Taiwan, Peter Gunny of Indonesia and Simona of Italy.
So it's only logical that I would compare them.
The 3 straps that I will be comparing is:-
1. Saree Series Strap by Peter Gunny. USD89.90 shipping not included. (USD25 for shipping)
2. Ultrasoft Brown Calf Strap by Cheergiant. USD75.00 shipping included.
3. Toscano Honey Strap by Simona. USD131.85 (EUR100.00) shipping not included. (EUR35 for shipping)
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1st up will be the Gunny Saree Series Strap.
Taupe colour, 24mm no taper with sewn in flat brushed buckle.
The colour is very nice.
Matches the look of the watch.
Could be just me but when mounted on this strap, the watch markers look a tad cream... like patina.
The strap is 4mm thick, 3 layers.
Lug end part is thin.
Which causes a gap when strap is mounted on.
I don't like this at all.
Stitching work is uniform and clean.
Heavy duty thread. Should be able to last a long time.
Sewn in brushed flat buckle is comfortable.
As I have mentioned, strap is made up of 3 layers.
2 thin layers sandwiching a thicker middle layer.
Raw finishing makes this strap looks tough and vintage.
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Next up is the Cheergiant ultrasoft calf strap.
Dark brown in colour, 24mm taper to 22mm using OEM buckle.
The darker more uniform colour gives this watch a more subdued look. Less brutal.
Strap is 4mm thick, 2 layers.
The lugend part of the strap is thicker thus the fit does not reveal a huge gap when mounted.
Stitching work is very uniform.
Thread is not waxed enough though and after some use, will start to go hairy.
Strap is fitted with the OEM Panerai Buckle.
Edges of the strap is sealed.
A very clean look.
You can notice some of the threads getting hairy.
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Last will be the Simona Toscano.
Honey colour, 24mm no taper with sewn in brushed curved buckle.
The honey miele colour is nice paired with the watch.
Strap is 4mm thick.
Very thick at the lugends so there are no gaps when mounted.
I find the stitching abit uneven.
The tip is also slightly misaligned.
Brushed curved buckle is nice.
Buckle is signed.
The edges are sealed.
I find the seals not as clean as the ones done by Cheergiant as you can see the contact point between the layers clearly.
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Conclusion.
I find the 3 straps comes with pros and cons.
Cheergiant is the cheapest and also most well made.
Gunny strap is the softest and most comfortable to wear.
Toscano is the thickest and I especially loved the thick lugends.
In my opinion.
The perfect strap would have the cost of the Cheergiant strap, the comfortable wear of the Gunny strap and the thickness of the Toscano strap.
But if I had to pick one.
Cheergiant will be it. (Close 2nd would be Gunny)
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