Rolex President 18038 Bracelet - 55B vs 55 end links

[lupasst]

Hi guys,

I would like to ask you about the real differences between the 8385 president bracelets that have 55 or 55B end links. I know that 55 are made for 18038 and 55b for 18238, but are they interchangeable ?

I found a good bracelet 8385 - 55B end links and would like to put it on my 18038 watch. Would there be a problem ? Any slight difference would annoy me since I'm quite a perfectionist.

I've seen an 1803 slow set with a 55 bracelet instead of 53 and it looked horrible. Is it the same difference ?

Thanks a lot!
Regards
Stef

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by lupasst

Hi guys,

I would like to ask you about the real differences between the 8385 president bracelets that have 55 or 55B end links. I know that 55 are made for 18038 and 55b for 18238, but are they interchangeable ?

I found a good bracelet 8385 - 55B end links and would like to put it on my 18038 watch. Would there be a problem ? Any slight difference would annoy me since I'm quite a perfectionist.

I've seen an 1803 slow set with a 55 bracelet instead of 53 and it looked horrible. Is it the same difference ?

Thanks a lot!
Regards
Stef

see post 2, only difference appears to be the double quick set vs quick set date

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=349949

[lupasst]

Thanks a lot! I know people say 18238 is a little thinner and thought the end links would not be at the same levels with the lugs.
It would be great if someone posts a picture with an 18038 with 55B end links. I know that's a rare thing, but I'm sure someone tried it :)

Thanks a lot guys!

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by lupasst

Hi guys,

I would like to ask you about the real differences between the 8385 president bracelets that have 55 or 55B end links. I know that 55 are made for 18038 and 55b for 18238, but are they interchangeable ?

I found a good bracelet 8385 - 55B end links and would like to put it on my 18038 watch. Would there be a problem ? Any slight difference would annoy me since I'm quite a perfectionist.

I've seen an 1803 slow set with a 55 bracelet instead of 53 and it looked horrible. Is it the same difference ?

Thanks a lot!
Regards
Stef

Hello-

I'm afraid you are going to have to take my word for it but I have a 18038 from 1985 that needed to have its bracelet replaced after the 55 end links were out of production. So, it is fitted with an 8385 bracelet with 55B end links. This was all done through an AD and the fit is absolutely perfect. I know folks here say "no photo, it didn't happen," but I really do not want to pop my bracelet off just to show you because I do not have the proper Bergeon spring bar tool to do it.

Trust me, you are well advised to go ahead with it; I'm a perfectionist, too!

[lupasst]

Thank You very much for your input!
I found a well preserved 8385 bracelet with no stretch that would complete my watch nicely. I have an 18038 from 1987.

Cheers!

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by lupasst

Thank You very much for your input!
I found a well preserved 8385 bracelet with no stretch that would complete my watch nicely. I have an 18038 from 1987.

Cheers!

You'll be fine with the 55B end links!

[WaterLemon]

pictures on the end result?