116520 - 904L stainless steel?

[Rahul718]

Hello,

Can anyone confirm if the first 116520 that came out in the early 2000s used 904L stainless steel? I know the ones from 2016 did, but what about the 2000-2015 116520 models? I’ve searched online and I’ve seen some third parties mentioning that the earlier 116250 did use 904L but I can’t find anything official from Rolex.

Curious if anyone can confirm that the earliest 116520 models used 904L and if so, is there any official Rolex documentation that states this?

Thanks!

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Hello,

Can anyone confirm if the first 116520 that came out in the early 2000s used 904L stainless steel? I know the ones from 2016 did, but what about the 2000-2015 116520 models? I’ve searched online and I’ve seen some third parties mentioning that the earlier 116250 did use 904L but I can’t find anything official from Rolex.

Curious if anyone can confirm that the earliest 116520 models used 904L and if so, is there any official Rolex documentation that states this?

Thanks!

Rolex has been using 904 L SS, since 1985.

Kat


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[Solo118]

Yes absolutely

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Hello,

Can anyone confirm if the first 116520 that came out in the early 2000s used 904L stainless steel? I know the ones from 2016 did, but what about the 2000-2015 116520 models? I’ve searched online and I’ve seen some third parties mentioning that the earlier 116250 did use 904L but I can’t find anything official from Rolex.

Curious if anyone can confirm that the earliest 116520 models used 904L and if so, is there any official Rolex documentation that states this?

Thanks!

Rolex they became the first watch manufacturer to use 904L grade steel in their watches in 1985.But there is nothing magical about 904L SS today, it was mainly a brag factor and marketing by Rolex as they were once the only watch manufacturer using it. Today several other companies use 904L SS in watches XOSKELETON for one,but in the real world 904L steel was developed to be used in high salt/acid factories like for instance vinegar pickling factories factories that use acid products etc.And the only difference between 904L and 316L is simply this,the main difference between 316L over 904L it has slightly more Molybdenum(Mo)approx 2% more, approx 1-2% more Crome(Cr),Appox 1%-2% copper(Cu), and approx 10% more nickel and that's it all quite cheap commodities.And today far more 316L is sold than 904L, now if it was the other way round 904L would be cheaper than 316L.There are some disadvantages to 904L it will scratch and show scratches more easily than 316L.The only advantage is, its a bit more corrosion resistant, but in the real world with today's pampered watches its doubtful if any real advantage over the industry norm 316L.And the internet myth that 904L is harder than 316L its not true, its how the metal is finally tempered defines its overall hardness, so 316L can be harder than 904L.Most all high end brands like say Patek use the industry 316L, if there was any real advantage dont you think all the major brands would use it,marketing is a wonderful tool myself often call it brain washing.

[huba01]

Thanks padi, always nice to learn something new

[wm82]

The first model to use 904L was the 16520 reference.
It can be identified through the Hallmark for 904L that Rolex uses, its the Rolex logo in the little rugby ball shaped frame, with 3 dots scattered. Its inside the caseback, and on the clasp of bracelets.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by padi56

Rolex they became the first watch manufacturer to use 904L grade steel in their watches in 1985.But there is nothing magical about 904L SS today, it was mainly a brag factor and marketing by Rolex as they were once the only watch manufacturer using it. Today several other companies use 904L SS in watches XOSKELETON for one,but in the real world 904L steel was developed to be used in high salt/acid factories like for instance vinegar pickling factories factories that use acid products etc.And the only difference between 904L and 316L is simply this,the main difference between 316L over 904L it has slightly more Molybdenum(Mo)approx 2% more, approx 1-2% more Crome(Cr),Appox 1%-2% copper(Cu), and approx 10% more nickel and that's it all quite cheap commodities.And today far more 316L is sold than 904L, now if it was the other way round 904L would be cheaper than 316L.There are some disadvantages to 904L it will scratch and show scratches more easily than 316L.The only advantage is, its a bit more corrosion resistant, but in the real world with today's pampered watches its doubtful if any real advantage over the industry norm 316L.And the internet myth that 904L is harder than 316L its not true, its how the metal is finally tempered defines its overall hardness, so 316L can be harder than 904L.Most all high end brands like say Patek use the industry 316L, if there was any real advantage dont you think all the major brands would use it,marketing is a wonderful tool myself often call it brain washing.

PADI the wise! Thanks for sharing your wisdom Peter !


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[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum. It’s 904L.

[leisen]

Originally Posted by padi56

Rolex they became the first watch manufacturer to use 904L grade steel in their watches in 1985.But there is nothing magical about 904L SS today, it was mainly a brag factor and marketing by Rolex as they were once the only watch manufacturer using it. Today several other companies use 904L SS in watches XOSKELETON for one,but in the real world 904L steel was developed to be used in high salt/acid factories like for instance vinegar pickling factories factories that use acid products etc.And the only difference between 904L and 316L is simply this,the main difference between 316L over 904L it has slightly more Molybdenum(Mo)approx 2% more, approx 1-2% more Crome(Cr),Appox 1%-2% copper(Cu), and approx 10% more nickel and that's it all quite cheap commodities.And today far more 316L is sold than 904L, now if it was the other way round 904L would be cheaper than 316L.There are some disadvantages to 904L it will scratch and show scratches more easily than 316L.The only advantage is, its a bit more corrosion resistant, but in the real world with today's pampered watches its doubtful if any real advantage over the industry norm 316L.And the internet myth that 904L is harder than 316L its not true, its how the metal is finally tempered defines its overall hardness, so 316L can be harder than 904L.Most all high end brands like say Patek use the industry 316L, if there was any real advantage dont you think all the major brands would use it,marketing is a wonderful tool myself often call it brain washing.

Hi, Padi! Do you think it's true that 904L steel has a special shine that makes it more beautiful than 316L? I'd also like to know the opinion of the forum participants in this regard. Thanks.

[Nico81]

Originally Posted by leisen

Hi, Padi! Do you think it's true that 904L steel has a special shine that makes it more beautiful than 316L? I'd also like to know the opinion of the forum participants in this regard. Thanks.

Yes it does


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by leisen

Hi, Padi! Do you think it's true that 904L steel has a special shine that makes it more beautiful than 316L? I'd also like to know the opinion of the forum participants in this regard. Thanks.

Well that depends on the person's eyes and if they have brainwashed into thinking it is, myself cannot see any real stand out difference between the two SS.

[leisen]

Originally Posted by Nico81

Yes it does


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Thank you, Sir.

[leisen]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well that depends on the person's eyes and if they have brainwashed into thinking it is, myself cannot see any real stand out difference between the two SS.

Thank You, Padi. Very kind.

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by padi56

Rolex they became the first watch manufacturer to use 904L grade steel in their watches in 1985.But there is nothing magical about 904L SS today, it was mainly a brag factor and marketing by Rolex as they were once the only watch manufacturer using it. Today several other companies use 904L SS in watches XOSKELETON for one,but in the real world 904L steel was developed to be used in high salt/acid factories like for instance vinegar pickling factories factories that use acid products etc.And the only difference between 904L and 316L is simply this,the main difference between 316L over 904L it has slightly more Molybdenum(Mo)approx 2% more, approx 1-2% more Crome(Cr),Appox 1%-2% copper(Cu), and approx 10% more nickel and that's it all quite cheap commodities.And today far more 316L is sold than 904L, now if it was the other way round 904L would be cheaper than 316L.There are some disadvantages to 904L it will scratch and show scratches more easily than 316L.The only advantage is, its a bit more corrosion resistant, but in the real world with today's pampered watches its doubtful if any real advantage over the industry norm 316L.And the internet myth that 904L is harder than 316L its not true, its how the metal is finally tempered defines its overall hardness, so 316L can be harder than 904L.Most all high end brands like say Patek use the industry 316L, if there was any real advantage dont you think all the major brands would use it,marketing is a wonderful tool myself often call it brain washing.

There are even Rolex fakes that use 904L. I do think it looks nicer than 316L

[ChaseATX]

It really does have shine. More shine? Hard to say.

[rolexwc]

Definitely Yes

[Rahul718]

Thanks for everyone’s feedback.

I know the 116520 has long been discontinued but it surprises me that I can’t get any official Rolex documentation that has the specs for this watch. Even though it’s discontinued, having the actual product page active would still be helpful. I know Omega does this for it’s discontinued models and it’s very helpful.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Thanks for everyone’s feedback.

I know the 116520 has long been discontinued but it surprises me that I can’t get any official Rolex documentation that has the specs for this watch. Even though it’s discontinued, having the actual product page active would still be helpful. I know Omega does this for it’s discontinued models and it’s very helpful.

When the Daytona with the in-house made cal 4130 movement was first launched in 2000 it was the first Rolex watch to have a parachrome hairspring.But back then it was more of a grey colour than todays chemically changed blue ones.The Daytona has changed very little over production years, most were just minor cosmetic changes, great movement IMHO in the top 5 of all chrono movements ever made.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by leisen

Hi, Padi! Do you think it's true that 904L steel has a special shine that makes it more beautiful than 316L? I'd also like to know the opinion of the forum participants in this regard. Thanks.

Not that I can tell. I have had several of both and the only thing that really sets 904L apart is that it scratches much more easily.

[leisen]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Not that I can tell. I have had several of both and the only thing that really sets 904L apart is that it scratches much more easily.

Interesting point of view, haha. So, according to you steel 904L is more a disadvantage than an improvement. It is clear that it is a controversial topic. I have to admit that 904L steel seems to me brighter than 316L but, like Padi56 said: "..depends on the person's eye and if they have brainwashed into thinking it is". So I'm not clear...

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by leisen

Interesting point of view, haha. So, according to you steel 904L is more a disadvantage than an improvement. It is clear that it is a controversial topic. I have to admit that 904L steel seems to me brighter than 316L but, like Padi56 said: "..depends on the person's eye and if they have brainwashed into thinking it is". So I'm not clear...

Well I'm pretty sure it's a fact that 316L is more scratch resistant/harder than 904L but less resistant to corrosion. Also it's not just the type of steel used but what's done with it. Grand Seiko's Zaratsu case polishing is like the renowned industry gold standard, and nothing looks better, but they use 316L.

[leisen]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Well I'm pretty sure it's a fact that 316L is more scratch resistant/harder than 904L but less resistant to corrosion. Also it's not just the type of steel used but what's done with it. Grand Seiko's Zaratsu case polishing is like the renowned industry gold standard, and nothing looks better, but they use 316L.

Thank You, Adam. Your info is very clear and enlightening. As someone said before, if steel 904L was superior, all the prestigious brands would use it.

[Roddypeepa]

I think it feels great in the hand and I’m led
To believe it’s marginally less reactive in salt/ acids. Rolex watches are extremely “feely” when you hold and play with them - even the wife has noticed that.

However, whether it’s “better” is debatable. To me it loos different from 316 but that might be the products in the hand ie Omega vs Rolex.

I bet that I could not tell with two blocks of steel face to face in the ‘raw’ state.

To my limited experience “Oystersteel”scratches more easily than 316 but it’s hard when there are not two identical models available apart from their steel to test. Either seems to work.

“Oystersteel” is feely but is it the finishing?


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