Everest Band & Glide Lock Experiment - Results

[Armyguy03]

Well TRF as promised, a full 30 days of wearing the Everest Band & DLC Glide Lock clasp has elapsed. To note, when I first began this journey I identified that because "I missed wearing a rubber watch in uniform (I wore a Suunto for 8 years daily), that I would wear the Everest Band, and their DLC glide lock clasp for a full 30 calendar days. At the end of the 30 days I will rate the following qualities of the band and clasp on a scale of 1 - 10, with 1 being poor, and 10 being excellent. Six qualities will be rated: Fit, Comfort, Durability, Scratch Resistance (Band & DLC Clasp), Odor Resistance, and Appearance."

So here it goes (pics follow):

Fit: 10 - If you can remember, I gave a quick update a few weeks ago where I stated that I was having issues getting the clasp centered. However, when I was able to, the fit was perfect, offering me pinky space between clasp and wrist. When I put the watch on, it doesn’t move, unless I move it, and that is something I enjoy. Also, this is a feature that I cannot enjoy with the oyster bracelet on. Moreover, my watch stays hidden beneath my uniform, unless I pull it out.

Comfort: 10 - I wish there could be a higher number here, but 10 is a high as this scale can go. Wearing the Everest Band was very reminiscent of my Suunto watch days. I get a very comfortable watch band with a Rolex face. Who can ask for more? I found myself wearing my watch a lot longer, and doing more things, such as morning exercise runs, a polar dip, and just lounging around the house. When my wrist would swell the rubber compensated and did not require adjustment of the DLC glide lock clasp at all. In fact, once I got the watch set, there was no readjusting, ever. This is not a feature I can say I enjoy with my oyster bracelet. Depending on the day, or workout I perform I have to use the micro adjustments on the oyster. In the Everest Band, the rubber flexes perfectly with my wrist, while still leaving breathing room (this is likely due to the slightly oval shape of the band when connected to the watch).

Durability: 10 - I was worried a bit about the connecting point from the DLC Glide Lock clasp to the band, however, after wear, and many torques I am confident that the band will hold under extreme pressure. Although the connecting point is about 3mm narrower than the rest of the band, it is just as thick. Moreover, due to the fact that its rubber, it can take more twisting pressure than an oyster before being permanently damaged.

Scratch Resistance (Band & DLC Clasp): 10 - The band and DLC glide lock clasp still look brand new. I've banged my wrist around like crazy during these last 30 days and the clasp shows ZERO signs of wear. To be honest, I've, on purpose banged my wrist on all sorts of objects to see if I could scratch it, not too hard, but you know, in passing, and nothing happened. Not too smart, but hey, it IS a test right?

Odor Resistance: 10 - I've worn the watch band daily, and given it only one bath and there are no odors. This is something I could not say about my Suunto watch band. After a few days sweat build up, it would smell, but not the Everest Band. This might be due to the materials used to construct the band. I don't know all the scientific words, but it's all available on the Everest website, and you can read all about it there. No odor and it washes well with some dish soap and finger scrub.

Appearance: 10 - I chose the Everest Band so my Rolex would blend in well with my military uniform and the non-WIS wouldn't know I had on a Rolex while at work. I have to say that it is uniform, falls under Army clothing regulations, and just looks damn good. The DLC clasp really seals the deal too, because with a SS clasp, it wouldn't be uniform in its entirety.

Well TRF, there you have it. I have decided that the Everest Band & Glide Lock will be my official Army Combat Uniform set up. I am satisfied with its overall feel and look, and am confident that even during rigorous training exercises I will have nothing to worry about. Thanks for reading.

Armyguy03