![]() The same resource also points out that 904L is non-magnetic in all conditions, an excellent quality to have when it comes these extremely sensitive little machines! Does 904L cost more than 316L steel? Alloy 904L performs better than other austenitic stainless steels due to the higher alloying of nickel and molybdenum.” – source It also has a high resistance to pitting in chloride solutions, a high resistance to both crevice and stress corrosion cracking. However, there is limited use with hydrochloric acids. “The addition of copper to this grade gives it corrosion resistant properties superior to the conventional chrome nickel stainless steels, in particular to sulphuric, phosphoric and acetic acids. Hardness was found here and here.Īs you can see, the biggest difference when it comes to using 316L/904L for steel case and bracelet material in watches, is that 904L has a higher percentage of nickel and chromium, as well as the addition of copper.ĩ04L also has an advantage when it comes to corrosion resistance, thanks to the copper and extra molybdenum: Sources: Information was found in datasheets here and here, as well as on wikipedia here and here. We’re watch enthusiasts, not metallurgists, but the chart below sums up the main property differences between 316L and 904L steel: But is 904L really that much better? 316L VS 904L Steel Composition: Now, as brands scramble find any competitive edge in a saturated market, we’re seeing other watch companies start to jump on the 904L train. Rolex and their use of 904L steel has largely gone unchallenged in the watch industry for decades. Rolex masters in-house the entire manufacturing process for its 904L steel watch components.” – sourceĪh, so that explains how a stainless steel watch can cost over $10,000… Their excellent anti-corrosion properties are comparable to those of precious metals. “904L steels are commonly used in high-technology and in the aerospace and chemical industries. “Most commonly used in high-technology and in the aerospace and chemical industries, 904L steels are comparable to precious metals for their anti-corrosion properties and acquire an exceptional sheen once polished.” – source Like the vintage Rolex ad above, several areas of their current website (as of 4/2021) also compares 904L steel to precious metals… Their advertisements have gone as far as calling it a precious metal (gold and platinum are precious metals). To say Rolex is serious about their 904L steel is an understatement. In other words, if it is “Rolex’s own 904L alloy” then wouldn’t changing the composition mean that it is no longer pure 904L steel? Is 904L steel a precious metal? This is interesting because one would assume an alloy is determined by the properties that compose it. “Rolex’s steel watches are manufactured from Rolex’s own 904L alloy, known as “Oystersteel” from 2018.” Notice how it says it is an alloy specific to Rolex? Rolex has another blurb on their brand history page that claims they use their own alloy of 904L steel: Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, which is particularly resistant to corrosion and acquires an exceptional sheen when polished.” – source It could also be due to the verbiage around the term Oystersteel, which Rolex defines as: Perhaps Rolex deserves credit for being recognized as the first brand to sell watches with cases made out of 904L steel, but this has led many to think that 904L was a Rolex invention or a material exclusive to Rolex. Rolex chose to use this variety of steel because it takes a higher polish than other grades of steel and provides greater corrosion resistance, though it does not machine as well and requires specialized equipment to be properly modified into the required shapes.” ![]() “In 1985 Rolex became the first wristwatch manufacturer to utilize 904L grade steel in its watches. Even the Wikipedia entry for 904L stainless steel has been edited to include a Rolex mention (well done, Rolex!): ![]() In the watch community, 904L is largely regarded as being a Rolex thing. 904L steel takes the resistance to corrosion up a notch. Its popularity in these areas comes from the properties which make it resistant to rust and corrosion. ![]() You may see some watch brands refer to 316L as surgical grade steel or marine grade steel. In addition to watches, this alloy is also commonly used in the food industry, the medical field, and a wide variety of water and marine applications. The industry standard stainless steel is 316L. With watch brands like Ball starting to use 904L stainless steel, taking the bragging rights away from Rolex, we thought now is the perfect time to explore the differences between 316L and 904L – at least when it comes to watches. ![]()
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