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Does 904L steel scratch easily?
I was surprised to learn this from a reliable source but yes, 904L does scratch easier than 316L. It seems that Rolex’ motivation for choosing 904L is its higher resistance to acidity.
What is better 316L or 904L?
Type 904L contains more chromium, molybdenum and nickel then 316L, plus also some copper, manganese and silicon, which makes it more corrosion resistant than 316L. But the main issue with 904L, besides its extremely high price, is that it is still harder to process than 316L.
Does 316L stainless steel scratch easily?
Nearly every polished stainless steel watch made from 316L (commonly known as “surgical grade stainless”) or the 904L used on Rolex casings can be scratched, scuffed, and show normal signs of wear and tear.
Is 904L harder than 316L?
According to this site (which proclaims to be the leading online publication for the Materials Science community), 904L is no more difficult to work with than 316L: “Grade 904L stainless steels are high purity steels with low sulfur content. They can be machined using any standard methods.”
Does oyster steel scratch?
A slight polish is totally fine, but many forgo Rolex polishing because they like the scratches (or scars) because they tell a story. Wearing and using your Rolex watch will result in scratches. However, there are steps you can take to avoid scratching.
Are Rolex scratch resistant?
Compared with other brands’ gold watches, Rolex’s gold watch materials are resistant to scratch. Because Rolex’s gold is mined and then graded and stretched, it is harder to use than other brands. As for the resistance, it can only be said that a 100-yard car hit the wall and a 60-yard car hit the wall.
Why does Rolex use 904L steel?
Since salt is generally the culprit behind rusting and pitting, Rolex decided to make the switch to 904L. The material is actually more resistant to all chemicals (not just chloride.) Switching to 904L allowed them to offer a better product that was could handle serious stress.
How strong is 904L steel?
Typical Values at 68°F (20°C) (minimum values, unless specified)
| Yield Strength 0.2\% Offset | Ultimate Tensile Strength | |
|---|---|---|
| psi (min.) | (MPa) | psi (min.) |
| 31,000 | 220 | 71,000 |
Is 904L super duplex?
The corrosion resistance of 904L is equivalent to most super duplex stainless steels (SDSS) across a wide range of applications. At low temperatures, 904L will retain good impact toughness, and it is not at risk of forming deleterious intermetallic phases at higher temperatures.
Does Rolex scratch easily?
they’re like any other steel watch. they scratch just as easily. some of them have ceramic bezels, and that portion of the watch is highly scratch resistant, but that’s it. the cases of rolex are like any other steel watch.
Is it easy to scratch a Rolex?
Wearing and using your Rolex watch will result in scratches. However, there are steps you can take to avoid scratching. For instance, you can lay your Rolex on a soft cloth or in its box at night.
Why does my Rolex scratch so easily?
Rolex has chosen to make its stainless steel watches out of an alloy (904L) that has some slight additional ( and for practical purposes unnecessary) corrosion resistance and which allows it to be brightly polished but is softer than the metal used by others and is much more susceptible to scratching.
When did Rolex switch to 904L stainless steel?
Initially, during the 1980s, 904L stainless steel was only used for the Rolex Sea-Dweller line of deep-sea diving watches and later the Submariner collection; however in 2003, Rolex switched all of its various lines of watches over to 904L stainless steel, due to the superior corrosion resistance that it offered.
What is Rolex oystersteel?
Although “Oystersteel” is likely just another name for the 904L stainless steel manufactured by Rolex’s in-house foundry, it is undeniable that 904L stainless steel offers additional benefits over most traditionally used stainless steel varieties.
What grade of stainless steel does Rolex use?
Oystersteel is a form of stainless steel, of which there are many grades. Thus, Rolex is correct in pointing out that they don’t just use any form of stainless steel. Oystersteel steel is a particularl blend of 904L grade stainless steel. Until recently Rolex just said “904L” when referencing the steel they use.
Is 904L stainless steel a thing?
In the watch community, 904L is largely regarded as being a Rolex thing. Even the Wikipedia entry for 904L stainless steel has been edited to include a Rolex mention (well done, Rolex!): “In 1985 Rolex became the first wristwatch manufacturer to utilize 904L grade steel in its watches.