Why Does Rolex Use 904l Stainless Steel?
Noble metal wristwatches such as gold or platinum watches do not have corrosion points, however base metallic does. Until the widespread use of stainless steel, older watches utilized primitive stainless casebacks and a few kind of base-steel case. Unlike the rest of the trade, Rolex utilizes 904L stainless-steel for qualities that Rolex believes surpasses the trade standard SA240 316 Stainless steel plate. Rolex calls 904L stainless-steel a “corrosion-resistant superalloy.” 904L differs from 316L due to extra Chromium, Molybdenum, Nickel, and Copper that offers it improved resistance to acids. 316L is taken into account a harder, more durable, “marine grade” steel, however it does not have luster and acid resistance of Rolex’s 904L stainless-steel.
Rolex aficionados have commented that some people sweat more acidic than others as demonstrated by discovering pits in 316L wrist watches making 904L stainless extra fascinating. The two grades of stainless-steel most referenced in relation to outdoor environments are 304 and 316L, also called marine-grade chrome steel. Their numbers are decided by their alloy composition.
After casting and inspection, the steel is then re-melted in a vacuum to purify it and eliminate any inclusions that may diminish its corrosion resistance and result in issues in sharpening. Nowadays, most stainless steel wristwatches are made from 316L stainless steel, and for a time, so was Rolex.
- 316L is considered a tougher, harder, “marine grade” metal, however it doesn’t have luster and acid resistance of Rolex’s 904L chrome steel.
- Rolex calls 904L stainless-steel a “corrosion-resistant superalloy.” 904L differs from 316L due to additional Chromium, Molybdenum, Nickel, and Copper that offers it improved resistance to acids.
- Noble metal wristwatches similar to gold or platinum watches wouldn’t have corrosion points, but base metallic does.
- Unlike the rest of the trade, Rolex utilizes 904L stainless-steel for qualities that Rolex believes surpasses the trade commonplace.
- Until the widespread use of stainless steel, older watches utilized primitive stainless casebacks and some kind of base-metal case.
Additional alloys typically embrace nickel, titanium, aluminum, copper, nitrogen, phosphorous, selenium and molybdenum. The key distinction between the 304 and the 316L is the addition of molybdenum within the 316L. It is the molybdenum that enhances corrosion resistance in environments wealthy in salt air and chloride – giving 316L the moniker of “marine grade” stainless steel. Harder and extra rust and corrosion-resistant than other steels, this 904L metal can take and hold a polish incredibly properly. This is why metal Rolex watches look different than different steel watches.
Rolex calls 904L chrome steel a “corrosion-resistant superalloy.” 904L differs from 316L because of further Chromium, Molybdenum, Nickel, and Copper which gives it improved resistance to acids. 316L is taken into account a more durable, more durable, “marine grade” metal, but it doesn’t have luster and acid resistance of 904L. Rolex utilizes 904L with the greatest of high quality management. Once acquired from Rolex’s metal suppliers, Rolex casts and scans it using an electron microscope that is able to detecting the slightest structural or surface defect. Rolex has been known to ship metal again when it does not meet their exacting specifications.
Unlike the lively metals mentioned above, stainless-steel is referred to as passive as a result of it incorporates other metals together with chromium. For a material to be thought-about chrome steel, a minimum of 10.5% of the make-up have to be chromium.
What is the difference between 316 and 904l stainless steel?
The 316L Stainless steel is far less scratch resistant than the 904L because it has a much higher Rockwell hardness. The main advantage of 904L over 316L is its resistance to acids: “The addition of copper to this grade gives it greatly improved resistance to strong reducing acids, particularly sulphuric acid.”
Even although 316L steel was created so as to forestall rust and pits from salt water and sweat, Rolex was discovering extra put on in the case back threads and watch case. Salt and different minerals are the catalysts needed for corrosion and deterioration of the threads holding the case again. They may clearly see that gold and platinum watches didn’t have this corrosion concern, so it wanted fixing. In 2003 their entire production line changed to 904L, although it was as early as 1988 that they released their first 904L metal watch with a number of versions of the Sea-Dweller.