904L Stainless Steel

[1rolexowner]

Is the entire line of Rolex SS watches now made of 904L stainless? When did the switch-over occur?

[locutus49]

Years ago. For all SS Rolex watches.

[GolfPunk]

Around 2004 I believe

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 1rolexowner

Is the entire line of Rolex SS watches now made of 904L stainless? When did the switch-over occur?

It was from the ref 168000 Sub around 1987 that the case ring was starting to be made from 904L the extra 0 in the reference number the change to 904L.But whether 316L or 904L the average Rolex wearer would not notice any real difference.The main difference between 316L over 904L it has slightly more Molybdenum(Mo)approx 2% more, approx 1-2% more Crome(Cr) 1% copper(Cu) and approx 10% more nickel and thats it.Its no harder than 316L but 904L will show scratches more easy over 316L

[1rolexowner]

I was under the impression that 904 had a greater Rockwell hardness, resistance to corrosion and pitting than 316. However, because of the hardness it is less "bright" than 316.

[The moose]

Isn't 904L lighter in color compared to 316L? My 116622 seems nearly as WG or chrome in color...?

[gr33n]

Corrosion resistance is superior. It is softer than 316l.
For me, living in a tropical island, it is nice. Some 316l seikos have pitting under gaskets after a few decades.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 1rolexowner

I was under the impression that 904 had a greater Rockwell hardness, resistance to corrosion and pitting than 316. However, because of the hardness it is less "bright" than 316.

Its how the metal is tempered determines the overall hardness.

Originally Posted by gr33n

Corrosion resistance is superior. It is softer than 316l.
For me, living in a tropical island, it is nice. Some 316l seikos have pitting under gaskets after a few decades.

Main cause for pitting is simple down to lack of service,in the older Rolex watches many were used as working tools.So many were not serviced regularly with today's mainly pampered Rolex watches they could make them from glass as in general they get a very pampered life.

[gr33n]

Originally Posted by padi56

Rolex watches they could make them from glass as in general they get a very pampered life.

Mine live in sweat all the day (30 to 35°c here all year long), with pool or seawater nearly everyday, sometimes with a shower only a few hours later.
It gets covered sometimes in mud while trekking.

It's only a watch ; a damn well made watch, made to be with its owner permanently.

I do think that people that pamper them are often first time buyers.. but after a few years, they do anything with them.

That's why I think that 904L is not only a marketing position...