316L half-link = galvanic corrosion?

[grizzlymambo]

Do you guys think it's okay to use a 316L aftermarket half link on the 904L bracelets without causing galvanic corrosion? I've tried to google this, and the answers are mixed: some say it's okay, some say it isn't. Thoughts?

[omar-rye]

Hope the helps

[watchwatcher]

Just out of curiosity, what half link are you considering using?

[77T]

For the slight difference in price I'd go with a 904 half link and not worry about it.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 77T

For the slight difference in price I'd go with a 904 half link and not worry about it.


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^^^

[Tools]

Originally Posted by grizzlymambo

Do you guys think it's okay to use a 316L aftermarket half link on the 904L bracelets without causing galvanic corrosion? I've tried to google this, and the answers are mixed: some say it's okay, some say it isn't. Thoughts?

Yes, it's OK.

They are essentially the same metals differing in content percentages and not considered "dissimilar" for corrosion interaction.

[grizzlymambo]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Hope the helps

Thanks - I did check chatgpt, but my question was a little different. The answer was almost the same. However, this answer is different from just googling the answer, which says something very similar to what "Tools" replied.

[grizzlymambo]

Originally Posted by Tools

No.

They are essentially the same metals differing in content percentages and not considered "dissimilar" for corrosion interaction.

Just to clarify: I think you mean "Yes - it's okay" because the rest of your answer seems to say it's okay. Thanks.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by grizzlymambo

Just to clarify: I think you mean "Yes - it's okay" because the rest of your answer seems to say it's okay. Thanks.

Should not be any problems there is very little difference in 316L over 904L has around 10% more nickel and tiny more chrome and copper.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by grizzlymambo

Just to clarify: I think you mean "Yes - it's okay" because the rest of your answer seems to say it's okay. Thanks.

LOL... Yes, I was thinking no to corrosion. edited the original for clarity - thanks.

[Dirt]

I'd like to add that i wouldn't expect any problem for as long as one would live.
If it was in salt water or even salty air with moisture with warm conditions there may be some galvanic corrosion over a very long time but it would likely be imperseptable given the application.

[subtona]

the pin adjustments in the clasp already have half link measures. I am not sure why you can not get a good fit using those?

If your bracelet is expanded to the max, buy the Oem full link and adjust the pin in the clasp for the half link reduction.

[kilyung]

If it’s that much of a concern maybe get the WG half link? Lol

[goldfixer21]

I wonder, is Rolex making their spring bars and pins/rivets out of 904L as well? If not, then there’s the answer to this question.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 77T

For the slight difference in price I'd go with a 904 half link and not worry about it.


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It still begs the question ….

[77T]

What changed your mind since yesterday?


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[77T]

Originally Posted by padi56

Should not be any problems there is very little difference in 316L over 904L has around 10% more nickel and tiny more chrome and copper.

This is what I understand, too.


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[Maleg]

Originally Posted by goldfixer21

I wonder, is Rolex making their spring bars and pins/rivets out of 904L as well? If not, then there’s the answer to this question.

Exactly my thoughts.

[grizzlymambo]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts - I'm more curious about the science of it, rather than being too bothered about it. I myself wondered what grade steel the pins were made of.

Also: why don't I just buy a 904L half link? It's just cost - they cost over $100, and I'm not sure whether it bothers me enough to pay extra for something if it doesn't make much difference - seems excessive and wasteful.

Originally Posted by subtona

the pin adjustments in the clasp already have half link measures. I am not sure why you can not get a good fit using those?

If your bracelet is expanded to the max, buy the Oem full link and adjust the pin in the clasp for the half link reduction.

First, I really don't like the non-glidelock micro-adjust system because those spring bars are extremely hard to adjust without a spring bar tool and the gap is so small you need to use a 1mm pin which is very weak and tend to bend or break the forks.

Secondly, I like the security of having at least 1 adjustment hole on either side of the most comfortable setting - I don't like the feeling of "being on the edge".

Thanks for the chat! I was worried I'd be ridiculed for being silly or something. I was more curious.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by grizzlymambo

Thanks everyone for your thoughts - I'm more curious about the science of it, rather than being too bothered about it. I myself wondered what grade steel the pins were made of.

Also: why don't I just buy a 904L half link? It's just cost - they cost over $100, and I'm not sure whether it bothers me enough to pay extra for something if it doesn't make much difference - seems excessive and wasteful.



First, I really don't like the non-glidelock micro-adjust system because those spring bars are extremely hard to adjust without a spring bar tool and the gap is so small you need to use a 1mm pin which is very weak and tend to bend or break the forks.

Secondly, I like the security of having at least 1 adjustment hole on either side of the most comfortable setting - I don't like the feeling of "being on the edge".

Thanks for the chat! I was worried I'd be ridiculed for being silly or something. I was more curious.

Im not sure we are talking about the same thing?

The setting in the clasp is a one and done. It’s not as delicate as it sounds like you are describing?

Personally I prefer it at the last hole to minimize the play (this is a leftover preference from the 5 digit clasps that would catch because of too much play at the opposite end). This is an adjustment that gets made just once to get the right fit (like adding a half link). I have done this myself on countless occasions without incident.

Rolex can make this adjustment for you easily. The part is replaceable and once set it is as solid as any other component on the bracelet.

Which watch/bracelet are you talking about?

[rolph]

Mixing metals can sometimes lead to galvanic corrosion, so it's a valid worry.

[Zach69SS]

I would go with the 904 and be done with it, Rolex SS links are not so much.
Keep it original. That way you don’t have to worry.

The time it takes to see any corrosion would long if you go the other route.

Cheers,

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Zach69SS

I would go with the 904 and be done with it, Rolex SS links are not so much.
Keep it original. That way you don’t have to worry.

The time it takes to see any corrosion would long if you go the other route.

Cheers,

But the galvanic reaction between 904 and 916 would be zero on a watch bracelet.

[joli160]

Nothing to worry

[padi56]

Originally Posted by joli160

Nothing to worry

Have to agree many worry over nothing today the average seawater is around 21% salt, the Red Sea around 33% salt. Many years ago when using my now vintage 5513 sub in Red Sea, which back then was 316L or even possible 319L SS. After hundreds of hours underwater back then mainly Red-Sea diving no corrosion whatsoever just normal wearing scratches.