Your 904L Steel Rolex

[subgmt]

Dear Rolex Lovers,

Some info to share with the type of steel Rolex use,

Typical Watches out there uses 316L steel and Rolex uses 904L steel. These steel are corrosion resistance which means your rolex still corrode over time. But Chromium and Nickel makes your watch more resistance to corrosion. Learn this from my chemistry class. Check Periodic table if you cannot rem the chem symb.

Info from Wikipedia:

Stainless steel designations[12]
SAE designation % Cr % Ni % C % Mn % Si % P % S % N Other

304 18–20 8–10.50 0.08 2 0.75 0.045 0.03 0.1 -
316 16–18 10–14 0.08 2 0.75 0.045 0.03 0.10 2.0–3.0Mo
316L 16–18 10–14 0.03 2 0.75 0.045 0.03 0.10 2.0–3.0Mo
904L 19-23 23-28 0.02 2 1 0.045 0.035 - Mo 4-5,Cu 1-2
Our Submariner is using 904L which has higher Chromium and Nickel which makes it more corrosion resistance than all other diver 316L steel watches. This makes it superior and you are paying the extra for the crown and this.

Vintage Rolex uses 316L steel. So they corrode faster but you still paying more for Vintage like Steve McQueen 1655

[Oceanklassik]

Tx for sharing.

[edsonchan]

I appreciate my Rolex bracelet more now...
hee hee

[116520]

Good post! Thanks!

[a1vin1981]

[mwwong]

Rolex is now an jewellery rather a watch now.

[Oceanklassik]

Allow me to correct this sentence. "Watches" are now a jewellery item..

[wolfeyes1974]

Rolex is now an jewellery rather a watch now.

more of accessories....not jewellery unless you like those bling bling ones...

[psee]

more of accessories....not jewellery unless you like those bling bling ones...

Agree

[lthg25]

Thanks for the information

But seriously you are paying a lot no matter what steel they are using!

[rotan]

I don't see vintage rolexes getting corroded....

[feilong108]

becoz not many ppl soak their rolexes 24/7 in salt water?

[rotan]

Can imagine that.... That would require a LARGE amount of salt....

[zidaneong]

thanks for sharing.

[subgmt]

I don't see vintage rolexes getting corroded....

Some more info to share:

Background (referenced from azom with compliments)

Although one of the main reasons why stainless steels are used is corrosion resistance, they do in fact suffer from certain types of corrosion in some environments and care must be taken to select a grade which will be suitable for the application. In our case the 904L for Rolex. Corrosion can cause a variety of problems, depending on the applications:

· Perforation such as of watch cases over time for a 60s Rolex, which allows leakage of fluids or gases, maybe your submariner leaks now.
· Loss of strength where the cross section of structural members is reduced by corrosion, leading to a loss of strength of the structure and subsequent failure, (like when man get old, need viagra)
· Degradation of appearance, where corrosion products or pitting can detract from a decorative surface finish, worn Rolex etc.
· Finally, corrosion can produce scale or rust which can contaminate the material being handled; this particularly applies in the case of watch industry
Corrosion of stainless steels can be categorised as one of:-

· General Corrosion (aging like you)
· Pitting Corrosion (no harsh environment etc. if you stand beside a speeding F1)
· Crevice Corrosion (aging like you)
· Stress Corrosion Cracking ( dun press your rolex too hard in bed)
· Sulphide Stress Corrosion Cracking ( dun soak them with chemicals)
· Intergranular Corrosion (aging like you)
· Galvanic Corrosion (if you dont pass current through you)
· Contact Corrosion ( dun contact your rolex with XMM )

Enjoy Reading about Rolex Steel Structure....for entertainment and some facts.

Would you choose a Rolex 904L Steel or a Omega (316L)? check out the good report from John - Rolex reference page.

The Material Expert.