Preventing stretch on a Presidential bracelet (8385) when the fit isn't perfect

[TomWambsgans]

I recently acquired a 18238 with a bracelet in great condition, but my wrist is between sizes on the bracelet. With one link added, it works but fits a bit loosely. With all links removed, it's sufficiently tight that it's pretty much unwearable. So one link it is.

I read in previous threads that wearing the bracelet loosely contributes to bracelet stretch. Is there anything I can do to minimize this effect? Frequent washing of the bracelet?

Any advice much appreciated, as usual. (I don't have this issue on my 14060M, which fits like a dream.)

[KY..]

My 2 cents…
There is a 1.25 link available for the 118238 president bracelet.
Maybe you can find one and get it fitted to your bracelet by a jeweler.
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[TomWambsgans]

Originally Posted by KY..

My 2 cents…
There is a 1.25 link available for the 118238 president bracelet.
Maybe you can find one and get it fitted to your bracelet by a jeweler.
Attachment 1465673

Thanks.

So, if I buy that does it replace one of the sections on my bracelet? I don't know anything about bracelets. Are only certain sections replaceable, or can any section be replaced?


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[KY..]

I have no comment on keeping the bracelet washed because I don’t wear day-dates daily or enough for them to get dirty or have stretch concerns.

Is it true about what you originally said, that you either have all the removable screw links out of your bracelet or you have one link added?
If this is true then adding a 1.25 (125%) link will obviously make the bracelet larger than having one regular link added.
If you misspoke then finding a 1.25 link to fit where two regular screwed links are may work for you.

The caveat is the 1.25 link is for the 118238 president bracelet which has smaller screws/holes (about 1.4mm vs 1.55mm screws).
So the 1.25 link would have to be modified by opening the hole enough so the normal 18238 screw can fit through it.
Which is why I said you’d want a jeweler or watch maker to help with modifying the link if you can find one.

[TomWambsgans]

Originally Posted by KY..

I have no comment on keeping the bracelet washed because I don’t wear day-dates daily or enough for them to get dirty or have stretch concerns.

Is it true about what you originally said, that you either have all the removable screw links out of your bracelet or you have one link added?
If this is true then adding a 1.25 (125%) link will obviously make the bracelet larger than having one regular link added.
If you misspoke then finding a 1.25 link to fit where two regular screwed links are may work for you.

The caveat is the 1.25 link is for the 118238 president bracelet which has smaller screws/holes (about 1.4mm vs 1.55mm screws).
So the 1.25 link would have to be modified by opening the hole enough so the normal 18238 screw can fit through it.
Which is why I said you’d want a jeweler or watch maker to help with modifying the link if you can find one.

It is true: My only options (from what my AD told me) are either bracelet plus no additional links, or bracelet plus one link. I figured a 1.25 link would not work--unless my understanding of links was off. Hence my question.

So I am pretty much stuck here, right? :)


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[KY..]

To me you have several options, some invasive for bracelet mods, some pricey, some not.
It’s your watch so you can do whatever you like to make it most comfortable for your wear.
Examples:
1. Wear as is.
2. Wear it on strap.
3. Remove a permanent link and add a 1.25 link.
4. Find an older president bracelet with micro adjustment clasp.
5. Have a regular sized screw link customized by a jeweler to be a half link size.
Totally up to you…

[TomWambsgans]

Originally Posted by KY..

To me you have several options, some invasive for bracelet mods, some pricey, some not.
It’s your watch so you can do whatever you like to make it most comfortable for your wear.
Examples:
1. Wear as is.
2. Wear it on strap.
3. Remove a permanent link and add a 1.25 link.
4. Find an older president bracelet with micro adjustment clasp.
5. Have a regular sized screw link customized by a jeweler to be a half link size.
Totally up to you…

Thanks for the helpful options.

I am interested in 3 and 5. Both involve destructive changes that can't be undone, right? 3 seems like it might be a reversible operation.


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[KY..]

I would be in the 1, 2 or 5 camp.
I would not remove a permanently link unless I’m desperate and positive it could be put back down the road if I decide to let it go.
And 4 is expensive.
On the other hand, you are in the Bay Area and there are tons of jewelers around that should be able to do 5 if you really want it done.
Just don’t use one of your original links as there are plenty of spare links around you can buy and modify.
My 2 cents only…

[TomWambsgans]

Originally Posted by KY..

I would be in the 1, 2 or 5 camp.
I would not remove a permanently link unless I’m desperate and positive it could be put back down the road if I decide to let it go.
And 4 is expensive.
On the other hand, you are in the Bay Area and there are tons of jewelers around that should be able to do 5 if you really want it done.
Just don’t use one of your original links as there are plenty of spare links around you can buy and modify.
My 2 cents only…

Interesting. So 5 is basically asking a jeweler to file down a link to make it smaller, right?


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[KY..]

Not necessarily…
How about you go talk to a few custom capable jewelers/watchmakers in town and find out what they are willing to do without hurting the integrity and functionality of your bracelet?
Asking doesn’t hurt anything.
Or you can just wear it as is if it’s too complicated.