Lifetime of a 18k gold bracelet?

[Olyckan]

Some of us dream about owning an 18k watch - for example, a DD with a Presidential bracelet. But I worry about the lifetime of the bracelet - I remember reading somewhere (was it you JJ?) that the author of the post had a friend with a ten year old President in which you could drive a truck between the links...

If you wear a gold bracelet daily, somewhat snug and keep it clean, how long will it last?

And what will you do then? Can an old bracelet be restored or do you have to buy a new one? That's quite an investment when it's 18k...