The look of Rolex steel

[DoubleDeac]

Hey guys, I have owned my sub-date for about 6 months now and the one thing that I am still impressed with is how the steel looks. The brushed parts of the case and and bracelet is unlike I've ever seen on another watch. It appears to have a sheen on it that stands out from afar (especially after it's been freshly cleaned w/ soap and warm water). Couple this with the polished parts, it looks amazing.

Anyway, thought I'd mention this as I don't hear about this much, but was wondering if any of you also noticed this as well

[ocb]

Nice Sub

[TheDon2000]

Agreed, Rolex steel is something special.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[aczaja10]

I agree too. It has what I call a “dull luster” that I’ve not seen others able to replicate. It is special indeed.

[SLWoodster]

You’re supposed to beat it up in the sea. Sounds like you’re nursing it.

[1st amg]

Best steel in the industry. It is so distinctive. There is no mistaking it. Love it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[omar10213245]

Nobody does brushed luster on stainless steel like Rolex. It's mesmerizing

[teome]

Great piece! My current daily as well. I agree, but haven't noticed it as much. Maybe I should clean it more often. The clasp is what tells it off quicker I think just looking further out but do agree the steel shines and appears very different from e.g. the seamaster.

[Zach69SS]

Nothing like Rolex SS, best of the best. Nothing even comes close.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

That propriety oystersteel in 904L is phenomenal...

[padi56]

Originally Posted by DoubleDeac

Hey guys, I have owned my sub-date for about 6 months now and the one thing that I am still impressed with is how the steel looks. The brushed parts of the case and and bracelet is unlike I've ever seen on another watch. It appears to have a sheen on it that stands out from afar (especially after it's been freshly cleaned w/ soap and warm water). Couple this with the polished parts, it looks amazing.

Anyway, thought I'd mention this as I don't hear about this much, but was wondering if any of you also noticed this as well

Nice watch but there is nothing magical about 904L SS today it was mainly a brag factor and marketing by Rolex as 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 etc. Now 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), 1% copper(Cu), and approx 10% more nickel and that's it all quite cheap comodities. And 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,but its how the metal is tempered defines its over all hardness, so 316L can be harder than 904L.

[joli160]

Thank you Peter

[inadeje]

Going to the extreme of owning your own foundry helps.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by padi56

Nice watch but there is nothing magical about 904L SS today it was mainly a brag factor and marketing by Rolex as 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 etc. Now 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), 1% copper(Cu), and approx 10% more nickel and that's it all quite cheap comodities. And 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,but its how the metal is tempered defines its over all hardness, so 316L can be harder than 904L.

As always Peter you’re an asset to this forum

[OG1982]

That’s why people spend the big bucks on them, and we’re all here talking about them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[geoach]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Going to the extreme of owning your own foundry helps.

Rolex has for gold not......... ss they ship it in

[EverCloserUnion]

Beautiful watch. And yes, I'd noticed this on my own steel Rolex (which is admittedly just a couple of weeks old). There's a certain quality that stands out.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by OG1982

That’s why people spend the big bucks on them, and we’re all here talking about them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

...and worrying about scratches

[brandrea]

There’s no doubt the Rolex finishing techniques are fantastic.

[travisb]

The finish definitely catches your eye.

[knighty88]

Originally Posted by padi56

Nice watch but there is nothing magical about 904L SS today it was mainly a brag factor and marketing by Rolex as 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 etc. Now 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), 1% copper(Cu), and approx 10% more nickel and that's it all quite cheap comodities. And 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,but its how the metal is tempered defines its over all hardness, so 316L can be harder than 904L.

This is the knowledge I'm here for! Thank you for sharing.

[1William]

I agree.

[hojlund]

don't think so, those A grade replica's steel made by the chinese company looks exactly the same as rolex steel.

[SubDate]

100% agree. I still catch myself staring at my Sub Date 2 years after picking it up. The steel just glows.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Going to the extreme of owning your own foundry helps.

Rolex S.Steel is supplied to them ready made in billet form, but they do proses all there own precious metals.

[Nads786]

I agree as well - when I had a Sub and Tudor BB58 side by side, I could tell the difference. A guy on my team just bought a 58 as well and noticed the difference compared to my GMT.

Pictures like this make me wish I didn't sell my sub!

[Gearjockey]

Curious if the folks who laser weld (solder) with 904L SS wire actually procure the product from Rolex.
I see it is available commercially after market. Guess it’s not that proprietary.
Seems to blend in perfectly.

[dddl]

Rolex steel is something special. Congratulations on a beautiful watch, enjoy!

[MRBolton]

Omega has a new proprietary steel that may give Rolex a run for its money. I'd like to see it in person.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by dddl

Rolex steel is something special. Congratulations on a beautiful watch, enjoy!

Well if this 904L was something special don't you think the other so called high end brands would use like say Patek Phillipe