This Everest Bands strap was reviewed on 5 different criteria. The review is for this specific strap, other straps may perform differently. Evaluation is based on my wrist size, personal opinions, experiences, and preferences. If you would like to submit your product for a review, please contact me.
If you have been searching for a rubber strap for your Rolex, there are two brands that you are probably familiar with – Everest and Rubber B. In this review, we will take a close look at a rubber strap from Everest that fits the GMT-Master II. You can also read about my Rubber B strap review. A comparison review where I will be putting the Everest and Rubber B straps head-to-head to see who reigns supreme in the Rolex Aftermarket Rubber Strap Division (a first for Life of a WIS!).
Overall Design | 17 out of 20
This black Everest vulcanized Swiss rubber strap with tang buckle is attractive, comfortable, and versatile. According to Everest, this same strap will fit many other Rolex models (including the Submariner, Explorer II, Daytona, Sea-Dweller, Yacht-Master, and many others), which is an added benefit for choosing Everest. The strap has a raised middle section that runs across the entire strap, reminiscent of the polished center links on the Rolex Oyster bracelet. I like this particular design aspect on the strap, but in my opinion, the edges of the raised middle section are not prominent or sharp enough. This makes the strap look worn or old, when it is in fact brand new. Everest also offers this rubber strap in deployant buckle form (in various sizes for that perfect fit), where the Rolex clasp can be attached to the rubber strap. Both versions are also available in orange, blue, and dark green... a color for everyone! The screw-in brushed 316L stainless steel tang buckle is simple, elegant, and well-designed. An engraving of the Everest logo or brand name on the buckle would have been a nice touch, but I can certainly understand the less is more appeal in this case by leaving it blank. It is important to note that the design of the strap creates a noticeable natural arc when wearing the watch, which helps the strap mold to your wrist (wraps around the wrist). This is an important design feature to consider, since you may or may not like this particular look.
Quality and Durability | 20 out of 20
The quality on this Everest rubber strap is excellent. It is soft and pliable, but also sturdy and dependable. A close inspection of the strap revealed no imperfections or flaws. I also appreciate the fact that Everest used a screw-in tang buckle, instead of the cheaper spring bar alternative. Everest claims that the strap is also UV, dust, water, and chemical resistant. For this review, I wore the strap for several days and can attest to the dust resistant claims. Unlike cheap rubbers straps that easily attract dust particles like magnets, this Everest rubber strap was still dust free after several days of use. If the other claims are also true, then this strap will deliver happiness for many years to come.
Operation and Fitment | 17 out of 20
Installing the strap on the watch was a breeze. The dimensions on the strap are spot on and it fits between the lugs perfectly once installed, no gaps. In addition, the spring bar placement on the strap is also flawless, eliminating any potential misalignment issues between the spring bar and the lug holes (which is a major pain in the ass during installation if there is any misalignment, even a slight one)… which is actually surprising considering that the strap is made to fit several Rolex sport models. The strap comes with nine properly spaced holes. With my 6.5” wrist, I have to use the second hole from the top, which means that the tang buckle is significantly off centered on my wrist (which is not a deal breaker). In my opinion, the strap is slightly too long for my wrist... 10-15mm shorter would have been "perfect" for my small wrist (the strap is 125mm x 85mm long). The excess strap or tongue sticks out a bit, affecting the overall look of the strap. This is completely an aesthetic issue that is based on person preference. People with larger wrists will not have this issue. Manufacturing a one size fits all strap can be quite challenging, perhaps impossible. Unfortunately, it seems that most watch brands struggle with this same issue… resulting with straps that are too long for the small wristed person (like me) or too short for the large wristed person. The only way to address this is to have at least two different length straps, which some watch manufacturers do offer (IWC, AP, Panerai, etc.). It should be noted that Everest does offer different sized rubber straps for their deployant buckle variant. Finally, the free moving keeper is slightly too loose. During normal wear, the keeper does move around and it requires the user to adjust it frequently, which is undesirable. No issues when strapping the watch on the wrist or when removing it.
Comfort | 19 out of 20
As mentioned earlier, this Everest rubber strap is soft and pliable, making it quite comfortable on the wrist. Moreover, the design of the tang buckle is pretty flat, which also maximizes comfort. When tang buckles are too curvy, they dig into the wrist, causing significant discomfort and at times even pain. The edges around the tang buckle are also satisfactory, not sharp like many tang buckles I see nowadays. Combine these pluses with the properly spaced nine holes on the strap and achieving the ideal fit should not be an issue for most. I commend Everest for this detail. Finally, the design on the back side helps the strap and the user stay cool and dry even on hot days.
Value | 17 out of 20
With a retail price of $225, the Everest rubber strap is not exactly cheap. For comparison purposes, an OEM Audemars Piguet rubber strap for the Royal Oak Offshore is about $260. To many, the over $200 price tag is hard to justify on a rubber strap, especially if the strap is aftermarket. Unfortunately, you have to pay to play. The good news is that the strap is worth every penny… Your Rolex will look great with this rubber strap, thank me later.
TOTAL SCORE: 90 out of 100
The perfect way to customize your favorite Rolex.
If you would like to submit your product for a review, please contact me.