New Watch Enthusiast-what to expect?

Welcome to WC. Unfortunately, you could be faced with that regularly. My wrist is only 6.75" (170mm), and I typically have to remove anywhere from 2-4 links, which accounts for just over an inch or so.

Welcome to WC! Most watch bracelets are between 7.5” and 8”, so you will likely have to have a solid AD that will have extra links on hand for you. For cheaper watches, it could be tough. I will let others with first hand experience weigh in.

As far as leather goes; You can get a number of custom made straps for not too much (less than $100) that should let you get what you want at the length required.

It could be tough (at least financially) for more expensive watches as well. Extra SS links for a Rolex Oyster bracelet, for example, will likely be over $100 each.

1. Welcome to "The Game"

2. Congratulations on the wrist size, most guys complain about watch to big for their. You have the opposite, which lead to..

3. Strap game is part of watch game. There plenty of websites that sell straps of all material and sizes. @AllTheWatches is absolutely right about ADs. But if you're looking for something other than extra links try Crown & Buckle, Strapcode, Zuludiver or if you're really fancy, Artem

I have the same challenge. Stock bracelets and straps from macros (e.g. Hamilton, Longines and Tudor) are going to let you down most of the time. Build a relationship with an AD who can get you a few extra links if you're a bracelet guy (I have had mixed results). I wouldn't spend the money on an XL leather strap from the watch brand. I usually go a third party route. Nice options from $50 - $135 in my experience.

My wrist measures a little smaller than yours but I buy watches with bracelets or straps that fit more or less from the factory. I have discovered that straps fitted to clasps or metal extension buckles allow some flexibility. You are not going to find sellers with extra links since bracelets fitted for customers who need links removed take them with them, some are willing to ordering them for you depends on the brand. Items were less expensive but my older brother who had a thick wrist that also became swollen actually ordered a second bracelet for extra links with the benefit of switching entire bracelets except for a few links when he had his watch serviced since he preferred his watches looking new. He did that with his Rolex jubilee and oyster style metal bracelets. Extra links for his Breitling metal bracelets were available from the agent here in Toronto. Some brands have extra long leather straps that can be ordered at little or no extra cost if you special order the watch from ads. As mentioned there is an active marketplace these days selling after market straps that can be purchased XL.

Not as dressy as leather or steel, but ZuluAlpha, Zane's Handmade, and Erikas Originals are all nylon based straps that will be plenty long enough.

Expect disappointment and non complacency

Some watches are made for larger wrists. Selection might be limited, but they're out there.

I believe this one here was an MB&F, if I'm not mistaken.

Strapsco and hirsch straps have extra long watch bands, looks for leather straps that equal at least 220mm without the watch. If you look for nato straps look for ones that are at or over 290mm but yeah a lot of stock bracelets max out at 8 inches