[ebueso1970]

Hello all,

Out of curiosity, what materials does Rolex use in the making of their movements(what grade of steel) I know that the case and bracelet are made of 904L steel which is extremely corrosion resistant.

ED:w00t:

 

[ru06]

Actually only the case is made of 904, the bracelet is of 316L.

 

[JBHII]

Actually only the case is made of 904, the bracelet is of 316L.

That is not correct. The bracelet is indeed 904L.

In terms of the movement, I don't believe anything exotic is used in most of the bridge work.

 

[hbbfam]

Agreed. All stainless steel is 904L. 904L is slightly different in color than 316 and would look really odd if the two were combined on case/ bracelet.

 

[timefinder]

In the archive we discussed this quite a bit. If I can find the post, I will put the link in here.

 

[ru06]

Agreed. All stainless steel is 904L. 904L is slightly different in color than 316 and would look really odd if the two were combined on case/ bracelet.

Is this why some of Rolex's center links on the bracelets are still rolled instead of solid, I mean 904L is 3X's the price of 316L. I think mostly 904L is used in the Pharmaceutical industry nowadays on some of their equipment.

 

[JBHII]

Is this why some of Rolex's center links on the bracelets are still rolled instead of solid, I mean 904L is 3X's the price of 316L. I think mostly 904L is used in the Pharmaceutical industry nowadays on some of their equipment.

Actually, 316L is considered "surgical Steel" grade and used in the medical industry extensively. The most common non-Rolex application for 904L steel isn't in the pharmaceutical industry. The most common application I've read about is in industrial machinery which have heavy exposure to acids.

 

[ru06]

Actually, 316L is considered "surgical Steel" grade and used in the medical industry extensively. The most common non-Rolex application for 904L steel isn't in the pharmaceutical industry. The most common application I've read about is in industrial machinery which have heavy exposure to acids.

I don't think this would be good for one's health if the wearer were exposed to such acidic solvents. I've seen people's skin literally melt and be eaten away, revealing the bone underneath! :laugh:

 

[JBHII]

I don't think this would be good for one's health if the wearer were exposed to such acidic solvents. I've seen people's skin literally melt and be eaten away, revealing the bone underneath! :laugh:

Well, the point here is that Rolex over-engineers their products. If a watch is tough enough to resist industrial acid, then it's going to hold up to daily saltwater exposure.

 

[mestreaudi]

When Rolex started to making their watches with 904L steel?