RubberB Failure

[Stx]

My Rolex fell off today onto the concrete. Fortunately it wasn't in the ocean. I noticed it hit and I found it. The RubberB strap failed where it joins the Rolex clasp. I called support. They don't offer a warranty and don't expect a strap to last more than a few years. I've worn it daily for about 18 months.

They look good, RubberB talks the talk. But, the products are unreliable and I suggest no one use one on an expensive watch - or replace it annually.

Any Nato or other recommendations? I like wearing a rubber strap on my Explorer.

[epc2]

Ouccch!! , Thank God it didn't happen in the ocean.

[FrontHeadlock]

Looks like Rubber B might now be Rubber D(one here)

[shaunylw]

THat is highly disappointing, hows the damage to the watch?

[Stx]

The watch is fine, fortunately it seems to have landed strap first :) But, I'm already looking forward to wearing it again.

[doubleosullivan]

As someone what was about to get one and wear it in the ocean, thanks for posting!!!!

[georgekart]

You can find here on forum someone put Oysterflex on Explorer, so you can look into that. Maybe you have better luck with Everest.

NATO should be the safest option as it can hold the watch even if one spring bar breaks/is somehow removed, but it won't look anywhere as good as RubberB/Everest/OF.

I have personally never seen that happen to a RubberB though, so it is very weird. Also, were the tears noticeable before it failed? I would imagine with that kind of tearing either the force must be really strong or you would see the microtearing way before it actually failed.

[SearChart]

Ouch! Hopefully no internal damage to the watch either...

[samson66]

Wow, glad you didn't lose it. If nothing else good lesson for all of use to inspect the rubber straps we are using. I'm betting the strap showed stress marks prior to this happening. Really surprised to see this after 18 months of use!

[smym18]

As a Sub on a Rubber B user, this is a bit concerning. Now I might put it back on the oyster for my vacation.

[azs.77]

That’s tough. Need to think twice before taking a rubber b or Everest in the ocean.


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[Stx]

A few weeks ago I noticed slight wear at one of the unused length adjustment holes. It was minor. I should have regularly looked carefully where the strap joins the clasp, rotating it and so on. I just didn't think to give it careful frequent exams.

I think it tore gradually and inspection would have seen it. I live in the tropics and wear it in the ocean. I rinse it daily when I shower. Maybe a combination of UV, sweat, and salt water hurt the rubber. It fell off as I got out of my car so I think it was gradual wear not a big jolt.

[Flyer737]

Aren’t the straps reinforced with metal to stop this from happening?

[Bob the brush]

I've been thinking of getting a rubber strap (Everest or Rubber B ) but exactly this situation has been a concern. I am definitely not getting one after seeing this. Thanks.

[Dsmith1974]

If not a bracelet then I would only trust a nato or an oysterflex. RubberB/Everest I would inspect regularly. Having said that I have to inspect bracelets regularly for undone screws so it’s not a bad habit to get into regardless.

[lovetherolex]

Originally Posted by Stx

The watch is fine, fortunately it seems to have landed strap first :) But, I'm already looking forward to wearing it again.

You could not be luckier

[DonBateman]

Welp, there goes my plan of buying a rubber strap.

[116710er]

Yeah, I'm not a rubber strap fan, especially at the prices that RubberB & Everest charge. I'll take a much more durable/secure NATO strap over rubber any day due to the fast rate of deterioration of rubber.

[Stx]

No metal reinforcement, design could be better.

[DonBateman]

Originally Posted by Stx

No metal reinforcement, design could be better.

Yeah for $200+ you would think they would put a little metal piping where the spring bar goes.

[AK797]

Just got an aftermarket strap for my AP and good reminder not to wear it other than in safe areas.

[mbrown55]

unfortunately Everest doesnt make a rubber strap for the current Explorer II. I constantly tug at my Polar/RubberB setup to make sure that it if fails its because I'm testing it.

[coleburns]

We need pics of the watch..... Just because

Glad to hear it's so good

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[Jay knowles]

Originally Posted by Bob the brush

I've been thinking of getting a rubber strap (Everest or Rubber B ) but exactly this situation has been a concern. I am definitely not getting one after seeing this. Thanks.

Been looking into them for a while also, this has made my mind up just to leave them on the bracelet. Thanks for the heads up. Jay

[Maxy]

That's unfortunate but I feel you can't buy a 3rd party rubber strap and put in on your Rolex and then expect it to fly. Also, wearing it 18 months nonstop will have its wear and tear. Folks who have such aftermarket use it for summer or few days here and there to change the original look but I don't expect any 3rd party addition to a watch to perform as perfect as the watch is intended. That 18 months daily use is like average person's 6 year use. I don't expect any rubber strap to withstand that much wear.

[Chadridv]

how old is that strap? Can you give us some more info? Any chance you bought a fake? I've always preferred Everest, but find the quality of rubber b to be on par. I can't even imagine it cracking like that unless the strap was 10+ years old and horribly mistreated.

I've had a couple Everest Bands almost 5 years old that still look and function as new.

[Chadridv]

oh and if you want 100% Rolex (aside from the end links), there's only one...

[Stx]

I think Maxy sums it up - rubber doesn't compare to Rolex quality. This is an every day, whatever I do watch. Rubber just doesn't stand up, which is why the watch came with steel. I like the laid back, un-Rolexy look with RubberB but will go back to the bracelet.

I purchased directly from RubberB so it was authentic.

[Blansky]

I have a number of rubber straps on various rather expensive watches including an Everest on a SeaDweller. I don't use the Rolex clasp but instead the tang buckle.

With rubber it makes sense to inspect it pretty regularly to see if it has the kind of cracks the OP has on his which should have sent up a warning sign.

That being said I'd use a Rubber B or Everest any day over a NATO and be pretty confident in its durability. Lets face it, as someone else said, even leather fails and so do bracelets, if you don't keep an eye on the links.

[Swiss Mad!]

Originally Posted by DonBateman

Yeah for $200+ you would think they would put a little metal piping where the spring bar goes.

I don’t think that would’ve stopped the rubber perishing over time.

The issue here appears to be the climate/conditions the OP is subjecting his watch/strap to.

Lives in the tropics - hot/humid temperatures coupled with constant exposure to salt water... it’s not rocket science, everyone on here panicking saying they’re not buying Rubber B.

I don’t think the climate here in rainy & mainly cold England would produce the same results over a similar time period.


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