Submariner Links - How Many?

[bezler]

Hello all. I've been looking at pictures of subs (mostly 16610) for sale here and on other websites, and I notice that the number of links and their placement seem to vary quite a bit. My basic question: what is the standard number of links included when the watch was new? I notice that sellers simply don't mention the missing links. I've got an 8 inch wrist, so if I'm not careful I'm going to wind up with a watch sized for a 7 inch wrist and without the needed links.

Another problem is that I'm unfamiliar with the terminology for the bracelets - but I believe that I"m referring to the "extension links", and that the others are more or less fixed in advance. If anyone has a reference to bracelet structure, that would be much appreciated.

So, a few questions:

• What is the standard number of links for a 16610 sub?
• Does a new-in-box sub come with extra links?
• Does this all vary by the type of bracelet (surely bracelets have changed over time)?
• Why don't sellers discuss links?
• Is it just expected that sellers don't send the links with the watches?
• Is there a reference somewhere that describes this in detail?

I'm sure that other people have had the same questions back when they were newbies (like me).

Thanks in advance for all your help!