Do you think Rolex should offer both types of steel depending on user needs?

[Mikey C]

The cost difference comparing apples to Apples regarding an equal mass comparison is basically nothing.

[tylerad1]

Nobody actually needs the 904

[Tseg]

Originally Posted by Jemspeed

If you take a look at a lot of older Rolex watches, there is significant corrosion around the threads on the back. This is from decades of sweat and body products corroding the steel. I believe the 904L is meant to avoid this type of corrosion to some extent. The rest is marketing.

I don't think one should take this point about corroded case back threads lightly. As you mention, there are lots of pictures on the internet of 316 steel case back threading being corroded. I've never seen a similar picture with 904L steel. If Rolex truly makes watches to last generations the switch to corrosion resistant steel is not marketing, it really is an engineering improvement. Marketing just helps communicate that message. If that is the message communicated and I never saw pictures of corroded case backs then I would be on the "mainly marketing" bandwagon as well. It simply is not the case here. It is a credible improvement of real value to the end user.

[Etschell]

If you think using 316 would decrease the price you are smoking something. Rolex would never price gouge itself.

[brandrea]

I'm fine with 316 steel, it's stood up well since 1967.
However, now that they've gone to 904L, I suppose there's no need to offer both.

[J!m]

The case back corrosion is "crevice corrosion". 904 under normal use (temperature and environment exposure) is not superior. 904 is more resistant to environmdnts where the attached arm would be dissolved. That's great but I'm not sticking my arm in that!

The data is on the web at several sources. Even inconel, as superior to 316 and 904 as it is, has been known to corrode in seawater. Duplex stainless is really good for seawater corrosion but really ugly. It is austinetic and martensitic together. Very expensive and difficult to keep the two-phase structure (serious PITA to machine too) But it's ugly. Looks almost like galvanize when polished.

Machining of either 316 or 904 will use the same tools. TiCN coated inserts will work fine for both. You might have to reduce feeds slightly but probably not that much.

It's a moot point.