Anyone Else "Somewhat" Allergic to Rolex SS?

[worktolivelife]

Here's a my conclusion until recently after "extended" wear of my SS Rolex's my wrist would always start to irritate nothing major just somewhat uncomfortable , would never be able to wear it overnight or 24/7, I'm of the understanding Rolex uses SS 904L with a relatively high nickle content [which improves the lustre /etc of the finish. Now since getting my white gold daytona which is a palladium white gold [no nickle] and also my alpha which i'm guessing uses a cheaper? SS steel [lower nickle content?] i can wear my watches literally 24/7 with "great"!!!!! comfort!!!

Steve

[padi56]

Well myself have never had a problem but according Quote from Rolex employee back in 2002.At the moment, we have several companies all over the world, serving our needs for stainless steel. The watch case backs and bracelets are all made of X2CrNiMo17-12-2 which is the best compromise between the attributes of the variant materials. As usual, the steel is melted under vacuum, so we get an very pure base, which is easy to handle and allows an perfect polishing. I think, the same procedure as in every good gold company.

Now X2CrNiMo17-12-2 is the code for 316L S.steel.

Now (904L is more hype than anything, Not unusual for Rolex) And as far as I am aware only certain parts like pins,case ring.bezel of your Rolex are 904L the rest according to that Rolex employee the more commonly used 316L.But would doubt if Rolex would say that because 904L,is approx 3 times more expensive than the more commonly used 316L,and we all know expensive is always better.And looking at it from another side of the coin would have thought there would have been the warning,about the high nickel content.Very similar to today in the UK warning about a packet of peanuts (warning) contains nuts.Especially in todays sue for anything, and health and safety political correct age

[nko51]

No, I have not had any form of discomfort with the new 904L.

[cbrenthus]

I don't know about the SS, but when I tried on a WG Daytona I started having heart palpatations, shortness of breath, and heavy sweating. I'm not sure if I was allergic to it or if it was just an acute case of severe Rolexitis.

[Solo118]

I have noticed a slight itch from where the clasp meets the bottom of my wrist, But I never thought it would be the watch since I wear it a little loose.

[Rockrolex]

My SS GMT does not bother me at all. It's one of the most comfortable watches I wear. I don't wear any watch 24/7 most of the time, but I normally wear mine about 18 hours/day with no discomfort.

[roadcarver]

Don't have any issues with my old 14060 nor with the current 16600 SD.

[JJ Irani]

The day my Rollies start doing all that nonsense to me, I'll kill them both, then myself and ask my wife to bury the 3 of us together!!

[Erix]

No problem for me, I usually wear my sub on a nato.

[tonelar]

Originally Posted by Erix

No problem for me, I usually wear my sub on a nato.

[oldbreadstinks]

one of my friends wear leather straps with all his watches because he's allegic to nickel, he wanted to get a SS DJ but couldn't because he can't wear stainless steel

[shoppy]

I get a strange feeling form wearing my leather strapped daytona. The only problem I have had with SS bracelets is nipping at the hair on my wrist.

[leopardprey]

Sometimes I do get a slight tingling, no rash, but it is there. Mainly when heavy sweating. The salt from sweat will react with the 904 and cause a nickel discharge. Talked with 2 RSC reps, and yes it occasionally is problem with those who are allergic to Nickel. Some have even broken out in rashes or had other symptoms. The nickel content in 904 SS is about 25% higher. As I posted in another post, due to new EU regulations, Rolex will probably be having to switch over to 316 pretty soon. As far as watches go, I see no significant benefit that 904 has over 316. I do know from my expereinces that 316 does seem to wear more comfortable.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by shoppy

I get a strange feeling form wearing my leather strapped daytona. The only problem I have had with SS bracelets is nipping at the hair on my wrist.

I have never had any allergy to steel, but in fact I DO have chrome allergy (to a mild extend), so that I cannot wear leather bands because some are treated with chrome in the manufacturing process.

[shoppy]

Thanks for the info Bo,

[TARDIS]

I find absolutely no problems with my skin v. 904L in any circumstance like cold or hot weather, humid, arid, rain, mud and sand and seawater many times.

I would suggest that those who are 'allergic' to this metal in Rolex bracelet must be in a very small minority.

Rolex 904L steel has properties surpassing 316 and it has a lustre of its own. I doubt very much if Rolex will go to 316 steel. It would be a mistake IMHO.

Here's about 904L:

http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1022

[Letsgodiving]

I have seen some pics here on TRF showing some significant corrosion where the caseback meets the case after 15-20 years. Maybe from Hacko?

904L is more corrosion resistant and I'm wondering if the 904 would hold up better than the 316 in this regard. I wish I had saved the pics. I think they were from a vintage piece he was restoring.

The 904 is used for extreme circumstances in the chemical industry and I'm thinking it would hold up better after 20-30 plus years of sweat, grime etc. that the average person might put it through.

I have no problem with the high Nickel content in the 904 and have yet to see anyone here who has had a significant issue with it as far as affecting the skin.

I have to say the luster/color of the 904 is one of the things that really makes me love my SD.

[Tools]

I've never had an issue with Rolex SS.

[TARDIS]

I have seen some pics here on TRF showing some significant corrosion where the caseback meets the case after 15-20 years. Maybe from Hacko?

Maybe the pics were taken of a watch that wasn't 904L? 15-20 years back, might have been 316L or some other. Who knows with H

Steve

[f16570]

Never had an issue and it is never off my wrist.

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