Did Rolex Reduce the Number of Links on the All Gold Sub?

[LovesRolexes123]

Hi All. Just purchased an M series brand new 16618 all gold sub, blue dial, from my trusty AD. I am counting the number of links in it, and it appears that there are 14 fuill links (counting the Solid End Links) My AD told me that Rolex has reduced the number of links by one on all the recent gold models in a cost-saving measure. I have no reason to not believe this to be the case (he has been my AD for many many years), but I am just curious if anyone else was aware of this? (I usuall have 2 links removed when the bracelet is sized, this time I only needed 1 removed, which is how the issue came up to begin with). Was anyone else aware of this? (It's probably "old news" I realize). Thanks!

[Wolfgang427]

I think that's ridiculous as 1-gold link will not make a dent in the price of a $30k watch. Me thinks your AD might be do a little cost savings of his own.

[nektar]

photos pleazeeee

[Speed]

PHOTOS!!!

please

[mic6]

your dealer is now richer by one link

that's horrible

[mic6]

this pic shows the correct number of links on a 16618
however i think i have removed a link from one side to the other but the total should be same

[LovesRolexes123]

actually i think that my AD may be incorrect and my wrist may just be fatter than the last time I owned a sub! i used to have 2 out and then have it set on the largest size with the 2 out. now I have one out and have it set to the next to smallest size. i am counting the links and it seems to square with what everyone says is the correct number. mic how many links are tucked under your clasp? in the pic it looks like there are 12 1/2 links showing (counting the SEL's).

[mic6]

Originally Posted by LovesRolexes123

actually i think that my AD may be incorrect and my wrist may just be fatter than the last time I owned a sub! i used to have 2 out and then have it set on the largest size with the 2 out. now I have one out and have it set to the next to smallest size. i am counting the links and it seems to square with what everyone says is the correct number. mic how many links are tucked under your clasp? in the pic it looks like there are 12 1/2 links showing (counting the SEL's).

leave the half links, the hidden links, the divers extension and the solid endlinks aside

there should be TEN FULL LINKS showing on your sub when you wear it

i dont own the 16618 anymore so i cant remember how many links are under the clasp..but you should be able to count 10 full links

[LovesRolexes123]

ok, so with 1 link taken out of mine, i have 9 showing. therefore, i assume it is the same as 10 if all the links were in. thanks mic. i think i have it figured out now!

[mic6]

Originally Posted by LovesRolexes123

ok, so with 1 link taken out of mine, i have 9 showing. therefore, i assume it is the same as 10 if all the links were in. thanks mic. i think i have it figured out now!

yes your sub is perfect

[rolexsubdate]

Originally Posted by wolfgang427

Me thinks your AD might be do a little cost savings of his own.

Well said !!!

[LovesRolexes123]

Redux: Ok, to put finality to this issue -- my AD was in fact incorrect about the extra link being taken out by Rolex, but my watch has the correct number of links in it. (I went into another AD to have the watch adjusted and double checked it -- for those who are interested, there are a total of 16 links (counting the hidden link, half link, and link with the clipping groove in it) on the 16618) -- Or 15 and a half, depending on how you count them. I think that all modern pre-ceramic subs have the same number of links.