Seiko Alpinst SPB121 geniune croc strap?
After a long time of waiting I finally picked one up
From YouTube reviews, I was under the impression this watch shipped with a genuine croc strap but my strap is labeled “Seiko Calf”
Is this normal?
Thanks, ya’ll
UPDATE
Seiko site says calf skin 🤷🏻♂️
https://www.seikowatches.com/us-en/products/prospex/spb121j1
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Carlos
Filthy Youtuber Photographer Watch Enthusiast
Austin Texas
Member since
Last active: 5 days ago
19.05 cm
You don't get a genuine croc strap at that price point and majority of the manufacturers ship a normal calf leather with embossed croc pattern. Pretty common practice.
A genuine alligator/croc strap costs upwards of $150 and you usually find it at the higher price points. Seiko does ship few high end Presage models with genuine croc strap.
The other issue with croc straps is the restrictions in some countries which have strict policy about watches getting shipped with alligator or croc leather straps. Usually the straps are shipped separately from the watch to deal with customs and with current cut down on use of exotic leathers, you start to see less use of these straps unless in very higher end of watches.
Croc and gator also need care and frequent application of a reptile-specific leather conditioner if they're to remain looking good in my experience. Calf is more practical, I find.
The strap competents the gilt hands and indices. Nice.
Thank you all for the feed back 🤙🏼