Dark Blue Crocodile Strap for a Seiko 6138 Panda
The Seiko 6138-8020 is a 1970s automatic chronograph with a panda dial, and like most watches of its age it long ago outlived its original strap. This owner in Ontario wanted a dark blue crocodile strap to bring a little color to the black-and-white dial, built at a length and width that suit the vintage case. None of that comes off a peg, so it was cut to order.
Strap specifications
| Leather | Dark blue crocodile |
|---|---|
| Strap length | 80/130 mm (about 3.1/5.1 in) |
| Buckle width | 16 mm |
| Buckle | Classic, stainless steel |
| Spring bar | Regular, tool removal |
| Stitching | Side stitching, matching thread |
| Padding | Padded |
| Tip end | Tapered |
Why these choices
A panda dial is high-contrast black and white, which means it can carry a strap with some color. Dark blue crocodile reads almost as a neutral from a distance but warms up close, giving the watch a lift without turning it into a statement piece. Matching thread keeps the seam quiet so the leather and the dial do the talking. Crocodile also softens with wear and takes a hand-rubbed patina, which suits a watch that already wears its history.
The 16 mm buckle width keeps the proportions period-correct: vintage Seiko chronographs run narrower than modern divers, and a wider buckle would look out of place. A classic pin buckle matches that era, and regular spring bars keep the strap as easy to service as the watch.
The 80/130 mm length was cut to the owner's wrist, with a padded build and tapered tip to give a chunky 1970s case the body it wants while keeping the tip end tidy. The padding also helps a stiff exotic strap hold its curve over the lugs.
★★★★★
“This navy crocodile leather strap exceeded my expectations. The color is rich and deep, and the texture adds a refined touch without being too flashy. It's also very soft and comfortable on the wrist.”
Jonette M. · Verified purchase · Navy crocodile strap
FAQ
What strap suits a vintage Seiko 6138 Panda chronograph?
A dark blue crocodile strap adds color to the black-and-white panda dial while staying versatile. Keep the buckle width narrow, around 16 mm, so the proportions match the period case.
Can you make a strap for a 1970s Seiko with no current factory band?
Yes. We cut to your lug width, wrist size and tip shape from scratch, which is how a discontinued watch gets a strap that actually fits.
Browse more blue leather watch straps, this dark blue crocodile strap, or the full custom leather watch strap range. Made to order, allow 2–3 weeks to delivery.
Working out the width for a different Seiko? The Seiko watch straps page lists lug widths across the range.