Honest sourcing note: “Alligator” and “crocodile” are different species — true alligator is American (Alligator mississippiensis); most Indonesian/Asian straps are saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), the same luxury tier. We label species accurately and never sell embossed calf as exotic. Genuine crocodilian is CITES-regulated (typically Appendix II, farmed); international orders ship with documentation, and you are responsible for your country’s import rules — this is general information, not legal advice. Prices are indicative ranges (mid-2026); final pricing is by quote. We are an independent authority and sourcing desk and connect you to vetted makers.
A 20mm alligator watch strap is an exotic-leather band designed to fit watch cases with 20mm lug width, typically tapering to 16mm at the buckle for a balanced, dress-oriented profile. On this page we cover how 20mm alligator and crocodile straps are built, what watches they fit, how to measure correctly, and how to order an honest, correctly labelled exotic strap.
What a 20mm Alligator Watch Strap Actually Is
A 20mm strap is defined by one dimension only: the internal width between your watch lugs. If your watch spec sheet says “20mm lug width“, it will accept any correctly made 20mm strap, regardless of the material.
For alligator and crocodile:
– “Alligator” = American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), almost always CITES Appendix II, farmed.
– “Crocodile” in the luxury context typically means saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), also CITES Appendix II, farmed.
– Embossed calf with a reptile pattern is not alligator and not crocodile. We do not call it “exotic”.
At Alligator Watch Straps we label every 20mm exotic watch band by the actual species and finish. If the hide is American alligator, we write “alligator”. If it is porosus, we write “crocodile (C. porosus)”. If it’s calf, we say “calf”.
20mm Alligator vs 20mm Crocodile Strap
Both American alligator and saltwater crocodile are top-tier exotics used by high horology brands. They are very close in performance, but they are not the same species.
| Attribute | 20mm Alligator Strap (A. mississippiensis) | 20mm Crocodile Strap (C. porosus) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical marketing name | Alligator | “Crocodile”, often (incorrectly) sold as “alligator” in parts of Asia |
| Species labelling we use | “American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)” | “Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)” |
| Scale character on 20mm strap | Slightly rounder, softer transitions; belly scales with subtle “pebble” feel | More angular, some tiles with visible pores; often slightly crisper texture |
| Common cut at 20mm | Belly cut, center or semi-center; tail for more elongated tiles | Flank or tail for elongated tiles; belly for more symmetric look |
| CITES status | Appendix II, farmed skins; export/import may require CITES paperwork | Appendix II, farmed skins; similar permitting requirements |
| Typical use | Dress and “executive” sports watches | Haute horlogerie, slim dress, high-gloss colored straps |
| Approximate price tier* | High | High to very high (premium color/belly selections) |
*We quote per project; as of June 2026, 20mm alligator and 20mm crocodile straps generally fall in the same premium range for comparable grades.
Many Indonesian and broader Asian “alligator” straps are actually C. porosus crocodile. Porosus is every bit as “luxury” as alligator, but it is not the same animal. Our sourcing desk rejects any supplier that cannot produce clear species documentation for their exotic hides.
20mm → 16mm Alligator Strap: The Most Common Taper
Most 20mm exotic straps taper to 16mm at the buckle. You will see this written as “20/16”.
Why 20/16 Works So Well
– Visual balance: 20mm at the lugs fills the watch nicely; 16mm at the clasp keeps the strap from looking blocky.
– Comfort: the narrower tail and buckle side sit more comfortably at the underside of the wrist.
– Buckle compatibility: 16mm is an extremely common buckle width; odds are good you already have a 16mm pin buckle or deployant.
We also build:
– 20/18 (shallower taper; slightly sportier look).
– 20/14 (pronounced taper for very dressy builds).
– Straight 20/20 (no taper) for tool/diver cases where you want a more muscular strap.
If you do not know which taper you want, send us wrist shots and measurements; we will specify taper and length together as a system.
Which Watches Use a 20mm Lug Width?
20mm is one of the most common lug sizes in modern watchmaking, used by many sports and dress pieces. Without listing specific partnerships, here are typical categories of watches that often accept a 20mm strap:
– Classic steel sports watches in the 39–41mm range.
– Pilot and field watches around 38–40mm.
– Dive watches in the 38–40mm bracket with relatively slim lugs.
– Many dress watches between 36–40mm.
The correct way to confirm is to measure or to read the manufacturer’s spec sheet. Do not guess based on case diameter alone; several 40mm watches use 22mm or 19mm lugs instead.
How to Measure Your Watch for a 20mm Strap
You need two measurements:
- Lug width
- Measure the inside distance between the lugs, in millimetres. Use calipers; a simple ruler works if you are careful. If it reads 20mm, a 20mm strap will fit.
- Existing strap/band size
- Check the underside of your current strap; many are stamped with width and length (e.g., “20-18 115/75”). “20” is the lug end, “18” the buckle end, “115/75” the lengths in mm.
If your measurement is 19.5–20.2mm, choose a 20mm strap. Alligator and crocodile have minimal stretch when properly lined; we cut to a clean 20.0mm unless we are building for a known tight-fitting case.
Length Options for a 20mm Exotic Watch Band
Width is only half of the fit story. Length matters more for comfort.
Standard lengths (approximate) for a 20mm strap:
– Short: 105/65mm or 105/70mm
– Regular: 115/75mm
– Long: 120/80mm or 125/80mm
– Extra-long: 130/85mm+
These numbers split into:
– Long side (with holes) – usually 105–130mm.
– Short side (with buckle) – usually 60–85mm.
How to Choose Length for Your Wrist
1. Measure your wrist circumference, snug but not tight.
2. Note your watch case size (lug-to-lug distance can also matter for very long cases).
3. As a starting rule of thumb:
– ~15–16cm wrist: Short.
– ~16–18cm wrist: Regular.
– ~18–19.5cm wrist: Long.
– 19.5cm+ wrist: Extra-long, ideally custom.
If you wear your watch very loose, size up one step. If you use a deployant clasp instead of a pin buckle, the distribution of lengths may change slightly; we sometimes shorten the buckle side for deployants to centre the clasp.
For precise guidance, send us wrist shots plus measurements via email or WhatsApp through plan your trip to the right strap. We respond with a spec sheet (width, taper, length, thickness, lining) before any build starts.
Thickness: Getting a 20mm Alligator Strap to Sit Right
Thickness affects both comfort and aesthetics. For a 20mm exotic strap, we commonly specify:
– 2.0–2.5mm: very slim dress, often for thin watches under ~10mm.
– 2.8–3.2mm: balanced all-round thickness suitable for most 20mm watches.
– 3.5–4.0mm: for taller sports cases or when you want more presence.
We avoid overbuilding alligator and crocodile at 20mm. Excess bulk makes the strap feel stiff and can introduce stress near the spring bars if the lug geometry is tight.
Species, Cuts and Grading – What You Actually Get
There is no global standard grading label that all tanneries share, so we describe what we select in plain terms instead of relying on “Grade A/AAA/Prime” marketing.
Species We Use at 20mm
– American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
– Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
– Calf (as lining; occasionally top leather if a user wants non-exotic)
Every build sheet from our sourcing desk lists species for both top leather and lining.
Common Cuts at 20mm Width
– Belly (central): large, relatively rectangular tiles across the strap. Ideal for a dressy, symmetrical look.
– Semi-belly / flank: slightly smaller, more varied tiles; a bit more character without feeling wild.
– Tail: elongated tiles; often used to emphasise direction and flow on sportier builds.
We typically avoid very irregular back/neck cuts at 20mm unless a client explicitly requests a more rugged pattern.
How We Talk About Grade
We use three working categories, based on selection:
– Premium selection: even tile layout, minimal visible scars, clean dye or classic hand-patina. This is our default for 20mm alligator and crocodile sold as “dress” or “executive sports”.
– Character selection: structurally sound skin with visible healed marks or more irregular tile layout, intentionally used for a more organic or vintage look.
– OEM-equivalent selection: high uniformity, usually chosen for wholesale runs that must be consistent across dozens or hundreds of straps.
We do not charge extra for “named” grades on the retail side; instead we discuss visual preference (clean vs character) and quote accordingly.
Construction Details That Matter on a 20mm Exotic Strap
Several construction variables make a noticeable difference on wrist:
Build Methods
– Fully stitched: stitching runs the length of the strap edges. Strong, traditional, recommended for exotics.
– Partially stitched: tip and near lugs only; more minimal look, adequate for dress use.
– Edge paint vs. turned edge:
– Edge paint: the alligator/crocodile edge is sanded and painted. Clean, slightly more modern.
– Turned edge: top leather is folded around the core and under the lining, so you see only the top leather at the edge. More labour intensive; more “high horology” in feel.
Lining Choices
For 20mm straps, common linings we source:
– Calf (vegetable or chrome-tanned, depending on application).
– “Zermatt-style” watch calf (sweat-resistant leathers in that category; we use generic terminology only).
– Anti-allergy synthetics by request (for customers with leather sensitivities).
We label lining species and tanning type where known. Lining thickness and stiffness affect break-in; a 2.8–3.0mm 20mm exotic strap with a soft lining will usually contour rapidly.
Hardware
Most 20mm → 16mm straps expect a 16mm buckle or deployant:
– Tang (pin) buckle: lighter, works well on thinner dress builds.
– Deployant clasp: adds thickness but improves donning/removal and can reduce wear on the leather. For deployants, we may distribute length differently so that the clasp sits centered.
We can cut 20/18 or 20/20 if your existing clasp requires it; send photos and measurements with your RFQ.
Honest Species Labelling and CITES Context
Alligator and crocodile are regulated under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). In practice:
– American alligator and saltwater crocodile used in watch straps are overwhelmingly farmed, not wild-caught.
– Both are typically listed on CITES Appendix II, which allows trade under permit and quota management.
– Exporting a strap across borders may require CITES documentation depending on origin, destination country, and shipment structure.
We are not a tannery and do not issue CITES permits ourselves. Instead, our sourcing desk works only with tanneries and strap makers able to document legal origin and CITES compliance for their hides at the point of export.
This page is not legal advice. If you plan to import or export a 20mm alligator or crocodile strap, you must check your own country’s rules and confirm documentation requirements with your seller and, if necessary, your local authorities.
Pricing, Lead Times and MOQ (Indicative)
We do not publish single fixed prices because species, grade, construction and destination all change the total. The ranges below are indicative and were last verified June 2026.
For a single custom 20mm strap (alligator or porosus crocodile):
– Typical finished retail price band (exotic top, calf lining, hand-stitched, 20/16 taper, non-precious buckle): mid–upper three figures in USD equivalent per strap.
– Premium constructions (turned edge, complex padding, hand-dyed or rare colors): can run higher.
For wholesale or OEM runs of 20mm exotic straps:
– MOQs: often start around low double-digit units per spec (color/spec combination), rising for better unit economics.
– Unit pricing: can drop significantly from custom retail levels on volume, depending on complexity and grade.
Lead times:
– Custom single strap: typically several weeks from final spec confirmation, depending on workshop load and shipping.
– Wholesale runs: often measured in multiple weeks to a few months, especially if specific hides or colors must be sourced.
For a precise quote, species confirmation and lead time window, use our sourcing desk via plan your trip to a finished strap. You can share photos and specifications over WhatsApp; no one can pay to change what we publish, and if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
How to Order a 20mm Alligator or Crocodile Strap Through Us
We operate as an independent, specialist content site with a sourcing desk. We do not run our own tannery; we curate and connect collectors and brands with vetted makers.
For custom one-off builds:
1. Send us:
– Watch model and lug width.
– Wrist size.
– Desired width/taper: e.g. 20/16 20mm to 16mm alligator strap, or 20/18, etc.
– Preferred species: American alligator or porosus crocodile.
– Finish: matte, semi-matte, gloss.
– Color family.
2. We respond with:
– Confirmed measurements (width, taper, lengths, thickness).
– Species and cut recommendation (belly vs flank vs tail).
– Construction details (lining, stitch, edge).
– Indicative price range and lead time.
3. If you approve, we introduce a suitable maker. You complete payment and final admin with them directly.
For wholesale:
– We clarify your case geometry, volumes, brand positioning and markets (important for CITES/export).
– We propose one or more manufacturing partners with relevant capabilities.
– You work with the maker on sampling, QC criteria and production; we remain available for spec clarification.
Start via plan your trip to the right 20mm exotic strap; WhatsApp is often the fastest for sharing photos and quick measurements.
FAQ – 20mm Alligator and Crocodile Straps
Which watches will a 20mm alligator watch strap fit?
Any watch with a 20mm lug width can accept a correctly made 20mm strap, regardless of case brand or diameter. Confirm the size by measuring the distance between the lugs or checking the manufacturer’s specifications; if it reads 20mm, a 20mm alligator or crocodile strap will fit as long as the thickness clears the case and spring bar geometry.
Is a 20mm to 16mm alligator strap better than a straight 20mm?
For most dress and sport-dress watches, yes. A 20/16 taper gives a more refined profile and better comfort at the buckle side, and it matches many existing 16mm buckles and deployants. Straight 20/20 straps can work well for tool and dive watches where a more robust strap matches the case design. The choice is aesthetic and ergonomic, not structural.
How do I measure my wrist for the right 20mm strap length?
Measure your wrist circumference with a soft tape, snug but not tight. Combine that with your watch’s case size to select a length: typically short for ~15–16cm wrists, regular for ~16–18cm, long for ~18–19.5cm, and extra-long above that. If you are unsure, contact us with your wrist measurement and wrist shots; we will recommend exact long/short lengths and hole placement.
Are your 20mm crocodile straps actually alligator?
No. We label species accurately. If the strap is made from American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) we say “alligator”. If it is saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) we say “crocodile (C. porosus)”. Many regional sellers loosely describe porosus as “alligator”, but we do not. Embossed calf is always labelled as calf, not exotic.
Can I travel internationally with an alligator or crocodile strap on my watch?
That depends on the countries involved and their enforcement practices. Alligator and porosus crocodile are CITES Appendix II species, so new straps traded across borders may require documentation. Personal-use items already owned by the traveller are treated differently in many jurisdictions, but rules and enforcement vary. We cannot give legal advice; check current regulations for your route and, if needed, consult your local authorities before travelling.
For specification help, species questions or a project quote, you can plan your trip to the right 20mm exotic strap build with us; sharing photos via WhatsApp makes it easier to get the details right.