Question on exotic straps

[Miguel Alvarez]

I was checking my box of old straps and thought I could do with a nice croc/gator strap and then for some reason I wondered about the legality of buying, owning, travelling with one?

I ve had a brief google but am honestly kind of confused and have quite a few questions.

If you buy a watch new with the option for croc/gator whatever does it come with a CITE certification?

Can you retrospectively apply for one and if so how who why where?

If you buy a watch second hand should it come with a CITE?

What are the legalities of travelling with one?

Going aftermarket. How on earth would you know Larry s Leather EBay shop has the correct licences when buying one?

Not sure what made me panic and google the legalities surrounding exotic leathers but I m now massively confused and wondering how much of a real world problem this is. There are probably loads of other questions I ve not thought about so curious if anyone knows or can shed some light.

[Flying machine]

I bought a Hirsch alligator strap recently and it's really good, so much so that I'm going to order another soon. CITES all taken care of. Responsible retailers should address this I think.

Some sellers are a little vague regarding CITES and the quality (and origin) are correspondingly variable. You might see that some overseas watch sellers state that they will remove the (typically alligator) strap before shipping.

Or, just buy a non-exotic strap!

[Miguel Alvarez]

Did you get a certificate with the strap?

[catso]

I have no idea on the legality but how would a customs official know that an Alligator strap was Alligator and not leather or other, made to look like Alligator, and would they be looking anyway?

[Miguel Alvarez]

I have no idea and tbh young me wouldn’t have even given it a thought but older me is slightly less inclined to take risks.

I imagine it’s mostly a non issue and probably only likely to come up if a person is acting the fool in line but I’m kind of curious of any expert or real world advice.

[Miguel Alvarez]

To add on. It doesn’t have to apply to straps. Belts bags shoes etc same questions.

[nikaiyo2]

I think as a consumer you will have no problem wearing a watch with an exotic strap. Unless you have a huge quantity in your bags.

If you are really worried put it on a different strap when travelling.

Most croc skin comes from farms in Vietnam or Cambodia so is not wild.

Edited by nikaiyo2 on Monday 24th November 21:20