| Pick | Strap | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Dark Brown Alligator Signature | Alligator | $205 |
| Best Dressy | Black Saffiano Stitchless | Saffiano | $110 |
| Best Everyday | Navy Baranil Signature | Baranil | $110 |
| Best Minimalist | Light Grey Chèvre Slim | Chèvre | $110 |
| Best Sporty | Izmir Blue Epsom Slim | Epsom | $110 |
| Best Casual | Grigio Pueblo Slim | Pueblo | $110 |
| Wildcard | Cognac Shell Cordovan Slim | Shell Cordovan | $165 |
The King Seiko revival has been one of the most exciting developments in the watch world over the past few years, and the SPB279 (ref. SPB279) sits right at the heart of it. Seiko took the original 1965 King Seiko design language — sharp faceted lugs, that signature grammar of design — and rebuilt it for modern wrists. The result is a 37mm dress watch that punches way above its price point.
What makes the SPB279 particularly interesting for strap swapping is that silver sunray dial. The applied polished indices catch light beautifully, and the Zaratsu-polished case surfaces create a refined canvas that responds dramatically to different strap materials and colours. At 19mm lug width, you're working with a slightly unusual size that narrows your options compared to 20mm, but there's still plenty to work with.
I've been living with this watch on various straps for a while now, and the transformation from bracelet to leather is remarkable. The King Seiko on its factory bracelet is handsome — no question — but on the right strap, it becomes something more personal. Here are my seven favourite pairings.
| King Seiko SPB279 — Quick Specs | |
|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 37mm |
| Lug Width | 19mm |
| Thickness | 12.1mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 43.6mm |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Crystal | Box-shaped sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Movement | Calibre 6R31, automatic, 70-hour power reserve |
👉 Looking for straps? Try the Seiko King Seiko Strap Finder →
1. Dark Brown Alligator Signature
If I had to choose just one strap for the King Seiko, this is it. The Matte Dark Brown Alligator Signature Strap ($205) is the kind of pairing that makes you wonder why the watch wasn't sold on leather from the start.
The matte-finished alligator has a quiet sophistication that matches the King Seiko's Zaratsu-polished case surfaces perfectly. Dark brown against the silver sunray dial creates a warm contrast without competing for attention. At 4.5mm tapering to 2.2mm, the Signature profile gives the SPB279 the wrist presence it deserves — filling in the space between the lugs with structured padding that looks intentional, not bulky.
This is a board meeting strap. A dinner reservation strap. The kind of strap that makes people notice the watch on your wrist without quite understanding why. I've worn this combination with a navy suit and it looked like a piece worth ten times its price.
Also available in:
2. Black Saffiano Stitchless
The stitchless design is where modern minimalism meets Japanese refinement, and honestly, it's hard to think of a better match for the King Seiko's design philosophy. The Black Saffiano Stitchless Strap ($110) strips away every unnecessary detail, leaving nothing but clean edges and that distinctive cross-hatch texture.
Saffiano leather has a subtle geometric pattern pressed into the surface that catches the light at different angles — not unlike the King Seiko's own sunray dial. At just 2.2mm thin, it keeps the watch sitting low and elegant on the wrist. There's a reason this texture has been a staple of luxury goods for decades: it looks polished without trying too hard.
The water-resistant properties of saffiano are a bonus too. For a dress watch that you might wear in less-than-ideal conditions, having a strap that shrugs off a bit of moisture is genuinely practical. Black is the obvious formal choice, but the texture prevents it from looking flat or boring.
Also available in:
3. Navy Baranil Signature
Navy and silver is one of those colour combinations that just works, every single time. The Navy Baranil Signature Strap ($110) from Tannerie d'Annonay (Haas) brings a rich, deep navy that complements the SPB279's silver dial without matching it too closely.
Baranil is one of my favourite everyday leathers. It has a smooth, slightly matte finish that develops character with wear without falling apart. The Signature profile at 4.5mm tapering to 2.2mm gives the King Seiko a more substantial look on the wrist — useful given the 37mm case size, which can sometimes feel a bit modest on larger wrists.
What I appreciate about this pairing is its versatility. Navy works with chinos and an Oxford shirt just as easily as it does with a blazer. It bridges the gap between dressed-up and dressed-down without committing fully to either camp. For a one-strap-does-everything solution, this is hard to beat.
Also available in:
4. Light Grey Chèvre Slim
This pairing is subtle in the best possible way. The Light Grey Chèvre Slim Strap ($110) creates an almost monochromatic look with the silver dial — the grey leather and silver case blend together into a cohesive, understated package that whispers rather than shouts.
Chèvre (goatskin) has a beautiful natural grain that's visible up close but reads as smooth from a distance. It's lightweight, supple from day one, and ages gracefully. The Slim profile at 2.2mm keeps things clean and unobtrusive, letting the King Seiko's sharp case geometry do the talking.
I find myself reaching for this combination on days when I want the watch to feel like a natural extension of my wrist rather than a statement piece. It's the kind of pairing that a fellow watch enthusiast would appreciate, but that most people wouldn't even notice — and sometimes that's exactly the point.
Also available in:
5. Izmir Blue Epsom Slim
Epsom leather from Tannerie d'Annonay (Haas) is the practical choice that doesn't sacrifice style. The Izmir Blue Epsom Slim Strap ($110) brings a smoky, muted blue that pairs beautifully with the SPB279's silver dial and applied indices.
The defining characteristic of Epsom is its water resistance. The embossed grain creates a structured surface that repels moisture, making it the go-to for active days when you want the King Seiko on your wrist but don't want to worry about the strap. At 2.2mm, the Slim profile keeps the overall package trim and comfortable.
Izmir Blue is one of those colours that's hard to pin down — it shifts between blue and grey depending on the light, which creates an interesting interplay with the sunray-brushed dial. It's more interesting than plain navy, but still conservative enough for any setting. This is my weekend warrior strap for the King Seiko: sophisticated enough for a nice restaurant, tough enough for everything else.
Also available in:
6. Grigio Pueblo Slim
Here's where things get interesting. Pueblo leather from Badalassi Carlo is a vegetable-tanned Italian leather that develops patina unlike anything else in the Delugs lineup. The Grigio Pueblo Slim Strap ($110) starts with a chalky, matte grey surface that transforms with wear into a rich, burnished tone.
The idea of putting a raw, textured leather on a polished dress watch might sound counterintuitive, but the contrast is what makes it work. The King Seiko's sharp Zaratsu finishing against the rugged, lived-in texture of Pueblo creates a tension between formal and casual that I find irresistible. It's like wearing a fine watch with a worn-in leather jacket — the juxtaposition elevates both.
Grigio is a medium grey that complements the SPB279's silver dial while adding a tactile, earthy quality. Over time, the patina will darken and develop unique character based on how you wear it. If you enjoy watching your gear age alongside you, this is the pick.
Also available in:
7. Cognac Shell Cordovan Slim
Shell cordovan from Horween in Chicago is one of those materials that watch and leather enthusiasts obsess over for good reason. The Cognac Shell Cordovan Slim Strap ($165) brings a deep, glossy warmth that creates a striking contrast with the King Seiko's cool silver tones.
What makes shell cordovan special is the way it ages. Rather than creasing like conventional leather, it develops distinctive rolling waves and a deepening lustre over time. The cognac shade will darken gradually with wear, shifting from a bright amber to a richer, more complex brown. On the SPB279, this warm leather against the faceted steel case creates a vintage-inspired look that nods to the original 1960s King Seiko heritage.
At $165, it sits between the everyday leathers and the alligator in terms of price, but in terms of character and longevity, shell cordovan is in a league of its own. The 2.2mm Slim profile keeps things elegant. This is the connoisseur's choice — the pick that other watch people will immediately recognize and appreciate.
Also available in:
A Note on Buckle Colour
The King Seiko SPB279 has a stainless steel case, so you'll want to match with a silver (polished) buckle for a cohesive look. All Delugs straps come with quick-release spring bars pre-installed, and you can select your preferred buckle colour at checkout.
For a more refined closure, consider upgrading to the Spring Deployant Clasp ($95). It distributes pressure evenly across the wrist and makes the strap easier to put on one-handed — a genuine quality-of-life upgrade for daily wear.
How to Change the Strap on the King Seiko SPB279
Swapping straps on the King Seiko is straightforward, though you'll need to remove the factory bracelet first. Here's the process:
- Remove the factory bracelet. You'll need a spring bar tool or dedicated bracelet removal tool. If you're new to this, the Delugs Bracelet Removal Tool ($195) makes the job significantly easier and safer for both the watch and your fingertips.
- Locate the quick-release tabs. All Delugs straps come with quick-release spring bars pre-installed. Look for the small lever on the back of each spring bar end.
- Slide the quick-release tab to compress the spring bar, and insert one end into the lug hole. Release to secure.
- Repeat for the other side. Make sure both spring bars click firmly into place.
- Check the fit. Give the strap a gentle tug to confirm it's seated properly. The watch should feel secure on your wrist without any play.
Once the bracelet is off and your first Delugs strap is on, swapping between straps takes about 30 seconds thanks to the quick-release mechanism. No tools required after the initial bracelet removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What lug width is the King Seiko SPB279?
The King Seiko SPB279 uses a 19mm lug width. Make sure to select 19mm when ordering your strap. All seven straps recommended above are available in 19mm.
What is the reference number for the King Seiko SPB279?
The Seiko reference number is SPB279 (international) or SDKS001 (Japanese domestic market). The SPB281 is the blue-dial variant in the same family.
Can I use a 20mm strap on the King Seiko SPB279?
The King Seiko SPB279 has 19mm lugs, so a 20mm strap would need to be squeezed in and may not sit properly. I'd recommend sticking with a properly sized 19mm strap for the best fit and appearance.
Will a leather strap damage my King Seiko?
Not at all. All Delugs straps use quick-release spring bars that slide into place without any contact with the case or lugs. There's no risk of scratching from installation or removal. The 100m water resistance rating applies to the case — just be mindful of leather straps in wet conditions (or opt for Epsom or Saffiano for better water resistance).
What colour buckle should I choose?
The King Seiko SPB279 has a stainless steel case, so a silver (polished) buckle will match best. You can select your buckle colour at checkout on any Delugs strap.
Is the King Seiko SPB279 too dressy for casual straps?
Absolutely not. While the SPB279 is a dress watch at heart, the 100m water resistance and robust 6R31 movement make it perfectly capable as a daily wearer. Casual straps like Pueblo or shell cordovan give it a more relaxed personality without diminishing its quality.
How thick should my strap be for the King Seiko?
At 12.1mm case thickness, the King Seiko works well with both the padded Signature profile (4.5mm tapering to 2.2mm) and the thinner Slim profile (2.2mm). The Signature adds presence, while the Slim keeps the overall stack height low and sleek.
Finding Your Strap
Not sure which strap is right for your King Seiko? The quickest way to browse all compatible options is the Seiko King Seiko Strap Finder, which filters by your exact lug width and shows every strap available in 19mm.
You can also explore by material:
Not sure which strap to choose? Our team is available 24/7 via live chat on delugs.com to help you find the perfect match for your King Seiko.
About Delugs
Delugs is a Singapore-based watch strap maker specialising in handcrafted leather and rubber straps. Every strap is made with premium materials sourced from the world's finest tanneries — including Haas (Epsom, Baranil), Badalassi Carlo (Pueblo), Horween (Shell Cordovan), and Conceria Walpier (Buttero). All straps come with quick-release spring bars pre-installed for effortless swapping, and the team is available 24/7 via live chat for personalised recommendations.
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— Marcus
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