Croc-embossed leather or alligator?

[TheLino]

So I just purchased an alligator strap from TheWatchBoys in Canada and now I'm wondering if it's the real mccoy.

They've had excellent reviews (5900+ reviews @ 99.5%) so I'm pretty sure it's the real deal but ... Here's the question:

Is there any sure-fire way of testing whether it's alligator or just a reallyreally high-quality embossed strap?

Thanks!

[mfer]

It's real. They are a really big seller to get caught selling fake alligator.

Do know that there are different grades of alligator. You most of the times get what you pay for. Not saying they are bad or anything like that, but there is a reason they are $100 as opposed to $300.

[TheLino]

Yeah, I figured as much when I picked it up for $109 (DELIVERED, no less). Guess I was hopin' I was wrong. But what's the point of having an "alligator" strap when it feels/looks like embossed leather?!

It's nowhere NEAR the quality of the OEM Panerai straps, unfortunately. I may go OEM from now on, if only for 'gator. A pricey proposition for sure.

[Speed]

I learned a lot about PAMs and Straps from Mik / Mfer.

My biggest takeaway is that nothing beats the OEM. Nothing. Especially if you are doing deployant. Unfortunately at $320 MSRP, thats a pricey proposition.

[Shade]

There are some great strap makers for alligator skin, waiting for one to arrive in a week and I will let you guys know.

[mfer]

Originally Posted by Speed

I learned a lot about PAMs and Straps from Mik / Mfer.

My biggest takeaway is that nothing beats the OEM. Nothing. Especially if you are doing deployant. Unfortunately at $320 MSRP, thats a pricey proposition.

Thanks for the compliment Bill.
Also, you hit the nail on the head regarding deployants! That is an advanced strap making technique to get that tapered thickness just right.

It is just a matter of preference. Some people want 42 different straps. I'm not strap crazy, b/c when I find one I really love, I don't want to change it so frequently. I'd rather have 4 really good straps than 10 decent ones.

I'm not saying anything bad about the strap maker in question, but I have seen one age on my friends IWC, and it didn't age that well IMHO. They are good for the price however. If you want 42 straps, then go for it. You won't wear it enough to wear it out with all those other straps.

[bcacncnc]

I'm also a big fan of the OEM croc straps. Quite expensive but like mfer I find just a few that I really like.

[Wisconsin Proud]

OEM gator on a PAM 048. This strap seems very thin for this watch:













A convincing Panantime fake gator on my PAM 210