What is the difference between 518 end links and 18 end looks?

[oldthings]

They look the same in pictures, but I have never seen the 518 in person nor seen both in the same picture. Is the 518 by chance a bit wider? I have 1040 with 18 end links on my Constellation, but the end links seem a bit too narrow, but not so narrow I don't know that isn't just decades of wear.

 

[Davidt]

I don’t know about the 518’s, but other links such as 16/516 and 30/530, the added 5 is just an update to the numbering system. There might be very slight manufacturing variations but a 16 was fitted to a flat link bracelet for 20mm speedmasters and the 516 was the updated version with the same specs.

 

[kaplan]

As @Davidt said, I don't think 18/518 has different looks, but 518's have different looks and shapes within their own, some are longer, I'd say 518's are more commonly longer

But the difference in length is 0.3mm

 

[oldthings]

kaplan

As @Davidt said, I don't think 18/518 has different looks, but 518's have different looks and shapes within their own, some are longer, I'd say 518's are more commonly longer

But the difference in length is 0.3mm

Ah, ok, that makes sense...I mean, it doesn't, why would they use the same number for different lengths, but that's the gap I'm looking at. If someone has a longer 518 and wants to trade and sees this.....lol.