Would 15200 (1996) be 904L or 316L?

[BigPapiDoesItAgain]

I've seen conflicting things...Rolex own website says: "In 1985, Rolex became the first watchmaking brand to use this steel from the 904L family for its cases.". But doesn't specify if it that is for all SS cases from then on, or just some models.

I read this in a review on the Beckertime site: "The ref. 15200 is a purely stainless steel watch—the 316L grade Rolex used up until the new millennium before progressing to the insanely tough 904L of all its contemporary pieces.". I have an "L" serial number 16610 that I bought in 1989 that I always thought was 904L and feel like I remember the SA crowing about that fact.

I'm wondering if it was some cases in the line or all. I have a blue dial example of the 15200 in transit to me. Doesn't matter except that I want to deep dive on everything I have in the collection.

Thanks for any help on this.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by BigPapiDoesItAgain

I've seen conflicting things...Rolex own website says: "In 1985, Rolex became the first watchmaking brand to use this steel from the 904L family for its cases.". But doesn't specify if it that is for all SS cases from then on, or just some models.

I read this in a review on the Beckertime site: "The ref. 15200 is a purely stainless steel watch—the 316L grade Rolex used up until the new millennium before progressing to the insanely tough 904L of all its contemporary pieces.". I have an "L" serial number 16610 that I bought in 1989 that I always thought was 904L and feel like I remember the SA crowing about that fact.

I'm wondering if it was some cases in the line or all. I have a blue dial example of the 15200 in transit to me. Doesn't matter except that I want to deep dive on everything I have in the collection.

Thanks for any help on this.

It would be almost certainly 316 L

A bit of context. I'm no scientist mind....

316L is hard steel but suffers occasionally from rusting and pitting on professional dive pieces especially the Mid~Back case screw fixing/cavity and rehaut.

The first 904L which has up to 3.5 times the nickel content* was introduced c 1985 on the 16660 Sea Dweller not the 168000 Submariner, as many advise/report.

904L was switched over to on many professional pieces over next 25 years - the last to get switched over were the last of the non-professional pieces in 2002/3.

*PS My pal (and many others I'm told), whom have metallic allegories, says he can't wear 904L as it brings him out in a rash...