crocodile watch straps?

[nick h]

i have apart from my Rolex collection an old Omega Seamaster dress watch inherited from my late father

its probably at least thirty years old and in the 'rectangular' style - nothing like the later Seamaster divers watch types

so i want i new strap and reading about the very best is saltwater crocodile made from the small 'belly scales'

many straps sold as 'crocodile' are from inferior species such as the US alligator and the South American Caiman

the only true saltwater crocodile leather is available from the farms in Australia particularly the NT - unfortunately the best skins are sold to Europe and Asia for very high prices - so the domestic market can only offer third rate straps

and the high end croc leather is used for handbags

so where can i buy a good quality crocodile watch strap?

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by nick h

i have apart from my Rolex collection an old Omega Seamaster dress watch inherited from my late father

its probably at least thirty years old and in the 'rectangular' style - nothing like the later Seamaster divers watch types

so i want i new strap and reading about the very best is saltwater crocodile made from the small 'belly scales'

many straps sold as 'crocodile' are from inferior species such as the US alligator and the South American Caiman

the only true saltwater crocodile leather is available from the farms in Australia particularly the NT - unfortunately the best skins are sold to Europe and Asia for very high prices - so the domestic market can only offer third rate straps

and the high end croc leather is used for handbags

so where can i buy a good quality crocodile watch strap?

You have it backwards, alligator is the superior leather. The pores are closed and it is far more durable than croc.

[1William]

A simple answer is go to an Omega AD and order through them. They make high quality straps and they look very nice and are of high quality. The down side is that they cost a fortune. I would do a simple Google search on custom straps and see what you get. There are a lot of folks making straps and you can pick. My experience is you get what you pay for in the strap game.

[Abdullah71601]

Take a look at these. http://dangerous9straps.blogspot.ae/

[yannis]

Hello Nick,
Hirsch make some alligator water resistant straps but i am not sure they have the particular crocodile leather you are after. Check their website in case they have something you like.

[breitlings]

Is this a question or a statement thread. Ha! Breitling used to make shark leather straps which were waterproof. They show up NOS on the bay now and then.

[JasH]

What about Shell Cordovan?

I understood that to be the best watch strap leather of all.

[bradj]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

You have it backwards, alligator is the superior leather. The pores are closed and it is far more durable than croc.

This...

[nick h]

this alligator v crocodile debate with go on for ever

many swear by the small belly scales of SALTWATER crocodiles (not Nile Crocodiles etc)

and some swear by Alligator - so take your pick

i had a look at Camille Fournet - Paris

they do some superb Alligator straps offering a full custom build including hand stitching and gold buckles

price is just under £200 which though high does offer you the chance to have a totally unique strap so i think i will get one

thanks for all other advice/suggestions which are much appreciated

mind you i have a thirteen foot long Rock Python skin - totally legal

[bondtoys]

I was just about recommending Camille Fournet.

When I was working at an AD, they had the best straps, but 50% or them where horrible and had to be returned. Not sure if that changed.

But if you are getting a good one, they are wonderful!

[OmegaJJH]

Personally, i'd buy direct from Omega.

Get a branded gold buckle too (if you haven't already got one) to finish it off.

Perhaps not the standard that you're looking for but works a treat for me. Mine's direct from Omega and from memory not too expensive either.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by nick h

this alligator v crocodile debate with go on for ever

many swear by the small belly scales of SALTWATER crocodiles (not Nile Crocodiles etc)

and some swear by Alligator - so take your pick

i had a look at Camille Fournet - Paris

they do some superb Alligator straps offering a full custom build including hand stitching and gold buckles

price is just under £200 which though high does offer you the chance to have a totally unique strap so i think i will get one

thanks for all other advice/suggestions which are much appreciated

mind you i have a thirteen foot long Rock Python skin - totally legal

For small scales you can also look at Ostrich leg leather. The scale pattern is reptilian. It makes beautiful watch straps and there are no CITES restrictions.

There's no debate about alligator amongst leather tanners and purveyors. It's technical properties make it a much more durable leather. Aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder, as you say.

Be careful of the crocodilian you buy. Alligator is usually more expensive and is substituted with cheaper caiman and croc species. The rarer (expensive) croc species are substituted with cheaper species as well.

[Yamazaki]

So whats the verdict? Is alligator or croc more durable? Im in the process of ordering from camille fournet.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Yamazaki

So whats the verdict? Is alligator or croc more durable? Im in the process of ordering from camille fournet.

Alligator is better.

Here is an old thread on this topic. Scroll down to post 15 for details.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=288603

[nick h]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Alligator is better.

Here is an old thread on this topic. Scroll down to post 15 for details.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=288603

thanks - interesting thread but one large error!

there are several Saltwater Crocodile farms in Australia

potentially dangerous salties caught particularly in the Northern Territory (eg Darwin Harbour) are sold to the farms as they are considered too dangerous to release and wild numbers are not at threat

[JohnAndrew]

http://www.abp-paris.com/

http://www.stonecreekstraps.com/

[Widows Son]

Originally Posted by OmegaJJH

Personally, i'd buy direct from Omega.

Get a branded gold buckle too (if you haven't already got one) to finish it off.

Perhaps not the standard that you're looking for but works a treat for me. Mine's direct from Omega and from memory not too expensive either.

Beautiful watch and strap, but why do you have the strap on upside down? The buckle goes on top.

[OmegaJJH]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

Beautiful watch and strap, but why do you have the strap on upside down? The buckle goes on top.

Good spot!

The watch didn't sit flush with my wrist and by having the strap the other way gives a much better fit. I must have odd sized wrists.


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