Panerai Strap Review – Hanzoku Leatherworks Custom Strap

Introduction

In my quest to find the new and unique straps I came across a up and comer into the strap making game. I was taking a stroll through the world of Instagram when I noticed a strap that just caught my eye in a pleasant way. It was different, unique, and I had to have one. After a search to find the maker of these straps I finally found their contact info on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/hanzokuleatherworks) and reached out to them so I could witness their straps in person. I mentioned to them that I would love to review a couple of straps that were not like the rest on the market. I think I could see a sparkle in their eyes through the computer as if they had been waiting to be asked that forever. I didn’t want to bring my readers the same old Ammo strap review that you can find all over the net. I am lucky enough to have two straps from Hanzoku to review and this is the first of that series.

Looks

When I first laid eyes on this particular strap I was in love. It was the original one I had seen online in a different color that caught my attention and made me contact these amazing strap makers. The deep burgundy, semi smooth texture on this strap is truly something to admire and has a cross stitching pattern on one side of the strap that just stood out from across the room and is sure to turn heads. The stitch is done so precisely, as if a master craftsman put this together.

No one would ever guess that this strap maker has been on the market for only a few short months. Another plus to Hanzoku is that they only use classic hand tools to create all of their straps down to the stitching itself.

If the cross-stitch pattern on one side of the strap wasn’t enough to peak your interest in this unique strap, the off centered buckle will surely give you that feeling of individuality. Gone are the days of a traditional buckle location when it comes to this Hanzuku strap. They really do live up to their billing as something unique when you look at this strap. The strap itself is a nice thick strap, which I have come to love on Panerai’s. It is very clear they have put a lot of time and effort into assembling the layers of leather because you will only notice how clean and precise the edges of the strap are.

The strap features something I am a big fan of which is a single thicker keeper. I have larger wrists and having this single keepers looks much better than the standard ones that have a floating keeper. One thing you will notice on all of their straps is what they call their signature corset stitching on the keeper, which you will notice in the pictures. I personally love it so much that I think I might wear it on the outside to show it off a bit.

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Comfort

When I first saw this strap I was ready to feel the stiff unbroken in leather as I always have when it comes to thicker straps such as this. I want to say that I was completely blown away by how soft this leather is. There is no need at all to have a breaking in period with this strap. I can’t say enough about how soft and comfortable this strap really is. It’s as if they have taken the leather and beat it down and broke it in before making this wonderful strap. Did I mention already that this strap is S-O-F-T. If wasn’t in love with the looks of it to begin with, I would have been obsessed with this strap just for the sheer sake of how comfortable and malleable the strap is. Every other strap that I have received has needed a breaking in period for it to be comfortable on the wrist, but that is not the case with this Hanzoku strap. From the moment I put this strap on it had felt as if it was on my hands for years getting to this great state.

Hanzoku Straps pride themselves in not using Veg Dyed leather that tends to get hard and need time to break in. They search far and wide for Dyed Aniline leather which is on another level in terms of comfort. Imagine a thick strap such as this feeling as soft and flexible as one thin layer of the finest Italian leather. The underside of the strap is a soft natural suede material that is easy on the wrists. I would have to give this a 10/10 when it comes to comfort.

One of best moments was when Hanzou Straps (Randi & Karlo), met me up since they are based in Southern California, and punched a single hole for me to complete the truly custom experience on both of the straps I had received.

Durability

As I mentioned previously the workmanship on this strap is superb. I would have never guessed in a million years that someone who started this out as a hobby a few short months ago created this strap. It proves that if you have a passion for something you will go above and beyond to put out something that is truly worthy of your name. I have no doubts based on the quality of the stitching, gluing, and build that this strap is made for the long haul.

Good

• Incredibly soft leather despite the thickness of the strap.
• Ultra comfortable from day 1, no break in period needed.
• Completely unique look
• Expert stitching and craftsmanship
• Price point is great for the quality of the strap

 

Bad

• I didn’t get one of these straps sooner!
• Doesn’t come with tubes (This will be changing soon and I couldn’t say this strap was perfect even though it was in my eyes)

Availability

Hanzoku makes one of a kind straps and they are always getting in new leathers daily. The best thing would be to contact them via Facebook or email. You can also follow their Instagram to see some of their latest creations. Hanzoku assured me that they are in the strap making business to bring something fresh, new, and unique to the market. If there is a special request they will find a way to create it down to the stitching style and color. Straps are not limited to Panerai watches; they can make a strap for practically any watch on the market.

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/hanzokuleatherworks

Instagram – Hanzoku

Email: [email protected]

Strap size 24/24:

• Custom Sizes Available
• 139/77mm