16520 Daytona strap gap. An SEL thing?

[magnaton]

Hey all --

I've been on the hunt for a 16520 for a bit and have noticed that there's sometimes a gap that shows between the end of the strap and the watch face. Almost like the end link can flap up?

I assumed this was something only seen with hollow end links but have now now seen it on SEL 16520s too. What causes this? Are SEL bracelets better than others? Seems quite unsightly.

Thanks!

[omar-rye]

It’s the wrong size spring bar that causes this. It’s either 1.8mm or 2mm diameter for this reference

[1665fan]

The one in the bottom is not SEL watch…..it’s an inverted 6 watch….early 90s

[Fred_Tan]

Not SEL.
Tends to happen if the watch head/links were “overstretched” or “overpolished” or “both”.
Can also happen if the watch head/links has been dropped from heights

[karleone]

On non SEL watch it’s pretty common and I have seen this a lot (still bothers me and it’s a pass). It happens as well on SEL watches (live your first pic) and I have mainly seen this on 16520 and saphir SDs (16660 16600). If a watch is in very good condition sharp and mint it shouldn’t have this gap.

[Alan111]

This happens even on SEL watches... even modern ones still coming out of the factory new.