904 L Steel Introduction

[Shore Guy]

When did Rolex begin using it and was it introduced at the same time for all SS models? In particular, is my 1986 SS OP made from it?

[Old Expat Beast]

I think it was around 1987 with the Sub 168000. Gradually introduced on new models thereafter. I doubt your OP would have it.

[Shore Guy]

Thanks for the info.

[powerfunk]

And also I've conveniently listed the practical advantages of 904L over 316L steel:

[joe100]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

And also I've conveniently listed the practical advantages of 904L over 316L steel:

I see what you did there

[powerfunk]

Just saying there is no real-life advantage, just Rolex marketing at its finest imo.

[cedargrove]

Well, 904L does have a Pitting Resistant Equivalent number (PREn) higher than that of sea water, where as 316L does not. Some early Rolex divers had pitting problems where the case back meets the case, thus affecting the seal. As a result Rolex first introduced 904L on the case of the Seadweller in the mid 1980s. It would seem to me that there was a real life advantage to 904L in this situation.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by cedargrove

Well, 904L does have a Pitting Resistant Equivalent number (PREn) higher than that of sea water, where as 316L does not. Some early Rolex divers had pitting problems where the case back meets the case, thus affecting the seal. As a result Rolex first introduced 904L on the case of the Seadweller in the mid 1980s. It would seem to me that there was a real life advantage to 904L in this situation.

Further to this.

Some people have significantly more acidic perspiraion than others.
This combined with an emulsion of dirt, dead skin, moisture and elevated temperatures will contribute to higher rates of the intergranular corrosion as noted on the older(316) material of the mid-case backs.
It's virtually a natural pickling paste which works 24/7 on the material.
As the saying goes, "rust never sleeps".

There is an obvious and genuine advantage to utilizing the 904L Stainless Steel, which becomes patently obvious to anybody that's collected enough vintage Rolex watches.

[Zaslice]

Might be my perception but the 904 seems to have a nicer luster as opposed to 316.

[Tseg]

Originally Posted by Zaslice

Might be my perception but the 904 seems to have a nicer luster as opposed to 316.

^^^ Versus my other [316] SS watches the Rolex steel seems brighter/whiter to me.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Shore Guy

When did Rolex begin using it and was it introduced at the same time for all SS models? In particular, is my 1986 SS OP made from it?

Around 1987 but whether 316L or 904L will make little to no difference if 904L was so wonderful dont you think all the major brands would use it.Its more purely marketing and at one time Rolex was the only one that used it, but now that brag has gone as few a few more watch manufactures use it now like Xoskeleton .Sure 904L is a little more corrosion resistant but if you dont have your watch in salt water or acid 24/7 then 904L has little real advantage especially in today mainly pampered watches.So keep them clean this with normal regular service then this corrosion or the so called case pitting in the vintage type watch should not happen.The main and only 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 thats it.Its no harder than 316L and if fact 904L will scratch and show scratches more easily than 316L.

[CoachRolexRyan]

904L is more exclusive than 316L. It holds its polish better and has a warmer luster and feel. It ages better as well. Others don't use it because its more difficult/expensive to work with. ROLEX actually had to make special tools/machines to be able to upgrade to 904L. Put a ROLEX SS watch and a 316L watch side by side and you'll notice a subtle difference.

[Mak2013]

Originally Posted by CoachRolexRyan

904L is more exclusive than 316L. It holds its polish better and has a warmer luster and feel. It ages better as well. Others don't use it because its more difficult/expensive to work with. ROLEX actually had to make special tools/machines to be able to upgrade to 904L. Put a ROLEX SS watch and a 316L watch side by side and you'll notice a subtle difference.

An example of succesful Rolex marketing at its finest here.



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[Johnb1]

Originally Posted by Mak2013

An example of succesful Rolex marketing at its finest here.



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Not sure if it's marketing or not, but my my Rolexes keeps in great condition and looks like new, comparing to other watches I have.

[CoachRolexRyan]

Originally Posted by Mak2013

An example of succesful Rolex marketing at its finest here.



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Yup. You got me pegged slick.

How long have you been a member here?
1 day? And you're already an expert on ROLEX marketing??
This is a perfect example of a troll at its finest here...

[padi56]

Originally Posted by CoachRolexRyan

904L is more exclusive than 316L. It holds its polish better and has a warmer luster and feel. It ages better as well. Others don't use it because its more difficult/expensive to work with. ROLEX actually had to make special tools/machines to be able to upgrade to 904L. Put a ROLEX SS watch and a 316L watch side by side and you'll notice a subtle difference.

Afraid that's a Internet myth and pure marketing much like it take 12 months to make a Rolex oyster. Today quite a few others in the watch industry use 904L but again more for the brag factor.The 904L steel was developed for use is say large pickling factories and storing acids etc pipes for salt water.Yes 904L steel is more expensive and a little more corrosion resistant. But that's down to demand far more 316L is used over 904L now if it was the other way round then 904L would be cheaper. There is nothing magical with 904L SS and any hardness come form how the metal is tempered so 316L could be harder than 904L SS, and 904L is less scratch resistant over 316L.

[Onikage]

There's an advantage to 316L for people with nickel allergies, who can't wear 904L.

[VICI]

Great comments on this thread - learned something new on the 904L