Gaps between Hollow End links and watch case

[Speed]

I don't own any watches with hollow end links. Wondering if owners of such watches are bothered by gaps - if any - between the end links and the watch case.

Have to admit, I have never tried on a watch with HELS...but looking at many for sale photos, it appears that in many of these pics of older watches, you can see a visible gap between the curve of the hollow end link and the watch case.

I am wondering if the "gap" closes up when the watch is on wrist.

[ronbo710]

... I LOVE the vintage models but hate seeing that "daylight" between the watch and bracelet on either side. But I don't think anything short of finding the correct number code NOS hollow bracelet end pieces may cure this. I have seen some vintage Subs with the end pieces almost bent flat to try to remove the space and it is really sad. But I still like the vintage models. Cheers -Ron

[SPACE-DWELLER]

If inspect the Rolex references with SEL carefully, you will see that those endlinks have a little gap, too... it's necessary to be able to remove the bracelet.

[lhanddds]

It's part of the charm, if you check out a Mercedes Benz 300 SL from the 50s there are always some idiosyncracies that give the car it's individual character. If you have 2 people comparing their 1675s, no 2 are alike. But, have 2 people comparing their ceramic GMTs and they could swap and wouldn't know it. I'm not knocking that. I just find it a little boring. That's just me.

[Speed]

Thanks for the comments. I was looking at an Explorer I. Not a sought after vintage model tho...

I think a visible gap would bug me...

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Speed

Thanks for the comments. I was looking at an Explorer I. Not a sought after vintage model tho...

I think a visible gap would bug me...

they're adjustable with a little time.. Also, it's important that the proper, fresh, spring-bars are used..

[Speed]

Thanks Larry

That's good to know. Perhaps brand new end links AND fresh spring bars would butt up against the case and not show a gap.

[Darlinboy]

Originally Posted by Speed

Thanks Larry

That's good to know. Perhaps brand new end links AND fresh spring bars would butt up against the case and not show a gap.

Sounds like a solution that could work. Would need to make sure the case hasn't been polished/over-polished - another source of gaps.