Leather watch straps: Alligator, Crocodile, Caiman, the 3 stars of watch straps...

Leather Watch Straps: Alligator, Crocodile, Caiman, the 3 Stars of Watch Straps...

Which leather to choose for your watch strap? Some will say that alligator and crocodile... are almost the same thing!!!

Nevertheless, how do you distinguish them?

Alligators and crocodiles are two reptiles from the same family, the crocodilians (twenty-three species divided among alligators, crocodiles, gharials, and caimans). They are distinguished by their morphology and their geographical origin…

Alligator watch strap with special honey tanning on Panerai Radiomir.

Alligators are found in North America (Louisiana and Florida), as well as in Asia (China). Alligators are generally smaller than crocodiles. Their tail, which is proportionally wider, is relatively rectangular, their snout is oval and short, and their dorsal scales are less prominent. For leather watch straps and leather goods, the most commonly used alligator is the American alligator (alligator mississipiensis).

Hornback alligator strap on Patek Philippe Nautilus watch.

Crocodiles are found on almost every continent. Africa, of course, but also South America, Central America, Asia, and Australia. Crocodiles are generally more massive than alligators. Their snout is long and triangular, their tail is more arched, and their dorsal scales are more prominent than those of alligators. For watch straps and leather goods, the Nile crocodile (crocodylus niloticus) and the saltwater crocodile (crocodylus porosus) are mainly used, the latter being the largest and most prized of crocodiles (up to 7 meters long).

Alligator watch straps on a collection of Hanhart watches.

Caimans are found almost exclusively in Central and South America. The animal is much smaller than its cousins, and its scales are stiffer and more prominent, making its leather less prized than that of alligator or crocodile. However, it will pair wonderfully with vintage watches, which lend themselves more than modern ones to leathers with character.

A Caiman skin.

In truth, while it is relatively easy for a professional to distinguish an alligator skin from a crocodile skin, it becomes very difficult when the skin is reduced to the surface of a watch strap.

Nevertheless, here are some expert tips to help you distinguish an alligator watch strap from a crocodile watch strap.

The Alligator:
- Small, round scales.
- Very angular belly, tail, and head scales.

An alligator skin.

The Crocodile:
- Large, round scales.
- Very slightly rounded (but really very slightly) belly, tail, and head scales.
- On the belly scales, there is sometimes a tiny dot no larger than a pinhead.

A crocodile skin.

Everyone knows that alligator leather is one of the most expensive leathers in the world, but what is not necessarily known is that it is the belly scales (square) of the animal that are costly. The flank scales, which are round, are much cheaper.

It is well known that alligator (and crocodile) is the most widely used leather in high-end Swiss and international watchmaking.

Its imagery, its small square scales, the multitude of tanning and finishing options that can enhance its appearance.
All of this contributes to its absolute hegemony, not only in leather goods in general, but in the watch strap industry in particular.
From the most classic to the most technical watch, from the most virile to the most sensual, from the most vintage to the most modern, nothing prevents an alligator (or crocodile) strap from embracing both the form and the spirit of a watch.

The case of hornback alligator and crocodile:

How to distinguish a classic alligator skin from a hornback alligator skin? Contrary to popular belief, it is the same animal. But in the first case, the animal's skin is cut along the center of the back. The horns are removed, and the skin is therefore smooth, with the square belly scales in the middle and the round flank scales on the sides.

A gray hornback alligator skin.

Color charts by tanning and colors:

Matte alligator with square scales...

Shiny alligator with square scales...

Special tanned alligator with square scales...

Hornback alligator...

Matte alligator with round scales...

Shiny alligator with round scales...

Special tanned alligator with round scales...