Everest Leather Strap System for Rolex: First Impressions

[Pattyb69]

The Rolex Oyster Bracelet is one of the most comfortable bracelets around but being a Panerai fan has turned me into a bit of a strap fiend. I immediately felt giddy when I found out about Everest launching a Kickstarter campaign for Rolex-specific leather straps. Long story short, I blacked out momentarily and the end result was that I backed them for four straps . After what felt like a LIFETIME of waiting (I'm very impatient when I get excited), the straps are finally here!

(All images were taken by Kevin Farrelly @ Kevin Farrelly Graphic Design)





Just like many of the owners in the "Incoming!" threads, I was exploding with excitement when I saw the package waiting for me in my mailbox. I shred through the envelope like Wolverines claws (cue in Hugh Jackman) and was immediately impressed with what I found inside.The quality of the entire leather strap system is top notch. The Rolex specific endlinks are Swiss made, finished beautifully, and fit seamlessly into the case. Unlike other straps, the endlinks completely fill the gap between the lugs to give the watch a bit of squared look. I personally love the look and it kind of reminds me of a leather strapped Daytona.







While on the topic of hardware, I wanted to add that the buckles are also Swiss made and finished just as nicely as the endinks




The straps are absolutely stunning in the flesh. People always say things like "pictures don't really do it/them justice" and I have to say that this is certainly the case with the Everest straps. The calf straps are made in Switzerland from vegetable tanned Italian leather, and the alligator straps are sourced and made in the USA.

Black Calf:









Brown Calf with contrast stitching:











Tan Calf with contrast stitching:









Alligator:









Final thoughts: The Everest system is a great option for anyone looking to give their watch a different look while maintaining the quality that has come to be synonymous with Rolex.

[1st amg]

Thanks for the review, I'm have been wondering about this, they do look fabulous. I will have to check them out, I loved your description of receiving the package, made me laugh.

[Pattyb69]

Originally Posted by 1st amg

Thanks for the review, I'm have been wondering about this, they do look fabulous. I will have to check them out, I loved your description of receiving the package, made me laugh.

No problem. I do a ton of research and like to know everything about a product before I buy it. I figured that I cant be the only OCD person on here and thought this would help anyone looking for strap options for their watch

[jkyrolex]

ThNks for the pics, I was looking at their site recently and wanted more pics. Very helpful.

[Gerry62]

I like it ......

[M4rkg4rd3n]

Lovely straps if there are any you dont like let me know i would love to purchase one.

[The Joker]

Look great

[franzy]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing. Think I'll check them out.

[Porsche]

They look great!

[sandysandy8888]

Look great!

[Gretsch]

Any idea how these would fit someone with slim wrists?

[Pattyb69]

Originally Posted by Gretsch

Any idea how these would fit someone with slim wrists?

I dont think you would have any issues wearing these with a slimmer wrist. I've seen a few shots of these on people with smaller wrists than mine (7.25) and it looked fine.

[d-rock]

Looks great.
Do the custom SEL's take the 2mm spring bar ?

[sea-dweller]

Looks great!

[Pattyb69]

Originally Posted by d-rock

Looks great.
Do the custom SEL's take the 2mm spring bar ?

They come with spring bars pre-installed

[bswanson]

Thinking about these, thanks for the post!

[Frosty]

Nice straps and pictures!

[TimeBandit]

Looks like it seamlessly integrates into the case. Love the brown and tan with the Sub...

Appreciate the info/photos!

[Bigguy]

They look great...i really wanted some for my SD4k, im emailed them to find out if they were planning on releasing one to fit but they never replied! This makes me sad

[Dr.Teatime]

I agree these are great products. As a word of caution, one should look at the specifications for strap length. I have small wrists and the Leather strap was big for me.

[maxbaris]

The black calf looks AMAZING!

[SeeDweller]

I thought they don't make the 21mm lug width for the Explorer II (216570)? But you've got the supervises with the brown leather - - exactly what I'm looking for. Is there something I'm missing?
Thanks for the guidance!

[SeeDweller]

Sorry, that was rather intelligible ;-)
Your pictures appear to show the Everest straps on a "Supercase", that is . . . 21mm lug size. But Everest tells me that they don't make them yet for the larger case size! So, what am I missing here?

Also, I want a really nice brown leather strap for my older Sub 5512 and black for my older SeaDweller 1665. Both have 20mm lug width, but Everest says their straps won't fit these "4 digit" pieces.

Anyone have suggestions? Thank you!!

[Ls1mtz]

Any reason why you didn't pick up a curved end leather without the endlinks? I love the look of the endlinks but for my 16610 I'm thinking about getting a curved end leather without endlinks for simple look to match the thinner lugs of a 5 digit Sub. I have a 6 digit Sub as well if I want the squared off look but since you got so many straps I was just wondering why you didn't get one with curved leather ends instead of endlinks?

[Pattyb69]

Originally Posted by BobMiller

Sorry, that was rather intelligible ;-)
Your pictures appear to show the Everest straps on a "Supercase", that is . . . 21mm lug size. But Everest tells me that they don't make them yet for the larger case size! So, what am I missing here?

Also, I want a really nice brown leather strap for my older Sub 5512 and black for my older SeaDweller 1665. Both have 20mm lug width, but Everest says their straps won't fit these "4 digit" pieces.

Anyone have suggestions? Thank you!!

The straps are 20mm.

Everest doesn't make anything for your 5512 or 1665 SD yet. I've heard from a few friends that they plan to make a vintage collection sometime this year though.

Originally Posted by Ls1mtz

Any reason why you didn't pick up a curved end leather without the endlinks? I love the look of the endlinks but for my 16610 I'm thinking about getting a curved end leather without endlinks for simple look to match the thinner lugs of a 5 digit Sub. I have a 6 digit Sub as well if I want the squared off look but since you got so many straps I was just wondering why you didn't get one with curved leather ends instead of endlinks?

The curved end leather straps were not released yet when I bought all these steel end link straps. I got these from the initial kickstarter fund when they decided to expand into a leather collection. I do own both styles now and I will say that I like them both for different reasons. The curved end wraps around your wrists a bit more naturally while the end link versions require a bit of a break in but offer a nice finished look. Cant go wrong either way.

[Douglas9700]

Just an fyi - the 16610 with the Everest leather/metal strap is my daily wearer and so far holding up terrific, as well it should for the price. I also have a set of the regular endlinks that hide the gap that can be used with any strap but think on either side where the metal touches the lug-the Everest is longer than the other endlinks-kind of gives it just a little more continuity/hefty look (now that's really nit-picky I know). Actually had bought another 16610 to have one for the leather strap and one to keep the metal strap on as I'm definitely not talented at switching them back and forth, but found I don't wear the metal one anymore-knowing my fickle taste that may change at some point. It's amazing how the same watch can look and feel so different depending on the strap. It's all 100% personal preference.