So what's the difference between the 904L steel and Surgical SS, guys?

[JJ Irani]

Hi fellas,

Any significant differences between these two?

We all know that the 904L is used in our beloved Rollies, but how much does it differ from Surgical Stainless Steel....or are they both one and the same?

This is a serious thread, you tossers!! Hijackers will be banned over the entire weekend!!

Thanks in advance - JJ

[Dan Pierce]

JJ,
You mean it was Rolex surgical steel that did this?
dP

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

JJ,
You mean it was Rolex surgical steel that did this?
dP

OUCH!!

[Dan Pierce]

Ok, I'll go to my room.
dP

[Tools]

Surgical Stainless is more a marketing name than a formula for steel.
It might vary depending if you need it to be hardened and hold an edge, or a specific medical tool need. It could be 304 or 316.

904L is a specific formulation with known characteristics

[frostie]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

JJ,
You mean it was Rolex surgical steel that did this?
dP

OMG this looks painful did it touch the bone

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Tools

Surgical Stainless is more a marketing name than a formula for steel.
It might vary depending if you need it to be hardened and hold an edge, or a specific medical tool need. It could be 304 or 316.

904L is a specific formulation with known characteristics

Thanks, Larry!!

[ron17402]

I just did some research on the subject. (I Googled 904L stainless steel).

It seems as though they decided to go with it because of it's resistence to salt water and clorine. I deal in industrial automation, and 316 stainless is the benchmark for corrosion resistence and quality. And trust me, industrial machines get WAY more chemicals subjected to it than your wrist ever will. From my research, 904L seems to more applied in marine applications and severe chemical applications. While I hope none of you are experienceing severe chemical exposure, you may be exposed to clorine and salt water; which I think is why they use 904L.

If you want more info, just search on your computer for "904L stainless steel" and you will more info than you ever thought you needed.

[frostie]

http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1022 here is some info about the 904 steel

[timebroker]

I will stay away from this one or didn't I

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I would say that 904L steel has a too high nickel content to be suitable for being used as "surgical steel".

[Chris B]

I won't pretend I know anything about this, pick the bones as you will, but my money is on Bo,lol

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_stainless_steel


PS

Owweee Dan, I bet that hurt in the morning

[ron17402]

Think about it this way.....

While most of will never need the durability of a Rolex tool watch, they have to design it with the professional in mind. Let's say your a professional diver and want a superb dive watch. I would assume that one of your choices would be a Sea Dweller. And your decision would be based on the long-term quality aspects of the entire watch, including the integrity of the SS steel.

My hands off to Rolex for keeping the professional in mind. Sure, it is way more engineered than we all, or most, will ever need, but they still must design it for the professional.

They also want to build their watches to stand the test of time. To make this an long-term quality investment that we can hand down to our children. I think it's generally a part of Rolex's overall marketing strategy.

[Destroy]

Seems like an awesome deal to me - I work out/run with my watch - and yes, swim in the ocean etc - the more resistant the steel is, the better. My watch will be covered in sweat after a run - these sydney summers aren't cool you know!

[daunwaun]

Originally Posted by Destroy

Seems like an awesome deal to me - I work out/run with my watch - and yes, swim in the ocean etc - the more resistant the steel is, the better. My watch will be covered in sweat after a run - these sydney summers aren't cool you know!

Yeah the summers there are pretty warm...lots of sweat...

By the way how are the kangaroos doing these days

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by daunwaun

Yeah the summers there are pretty warm...lots of sweat...

By the way how are the kangaroos doing these days

Now, THAT is what I call "thread high-jacking" !

[timebroker]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

Now, THAT is what I call "thread high-jacking" !

I'm bored, forget what I said JJ
Shall we join in Bo?

[Destroy]

Originally Posted by daunwaun

Yeah the summers there are pretty warm...lots of sweat...

By the way how are the kangaroos doing these days

Bloody pests. The Army had to bring in hired goons to "thin them out" up in Darwin.... What's the point in having all that ammo if you have to hire goons!!????

[timebroker]

I read somewhere a long time ago that they are becoming (are) a real nuisance nowadays same as rabbits?

[daunwaun]

yeah i hear the rabbits are very bad... one after the other...they just keep comming..

[Destroy]

Originally Posted by daunwaun

yeah i hear the rabbits are very bad... one after the other...they just keep comming..

Yes, but they're not QUITE as bad as the rabbits. The rabbits have unbelievably developed a resistance to this poison called "1080" It's HIGHLY toxic and it's not the preferred use of farmers because it also kills the native wildlife if they eat it.

So instead, professional shooters with .22/.250s are employed. You just set up a table about 200M from a set of warrens and pick 'em off. Being the curious bunch, when one doesn't come back to the warren, the cousins come looking!

Sorry about the off-topic subject fellas!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by timebroker

I'm bored, forget what I said JJ
Shall we join in Bo?

Sorry, no, I am not in on this one. Won't get JJ angry.

[ron17402]

Rabbits? How did we get on the subject of Rabbits?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by ron17402

Rabbits? How did we get on the subject of Rabbits?

It is the "Vicious Rabbit of Cave Bannough"!

"Nudge, nugde, know what I mean?! Say no MORE!"

Fellow Monty Python fans will know what I mean!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by ron17402

Rabbits? How did we get on the subject of Rabbits?

Not surprising, this kind of hijacking....considering we are still on TRF!! Ban the whole bloody lot!!

[ROGU808]

Originally Posted by ron17402

I just did some research on the subject. (I Googled 904L stainless steel).

It seems as though they decided to go with it because of it's resistence to salt water and clorine. I deal in industrial automation, and 316 stainless is the benchmark for corrosion resistence and quality. And trust me, industrial machines get WAY more chemicals subjected to it than your wrist ever will. From my research, 904L seems to more applied in marine applications and severe chemical applications. While I hope none of you are experienceing severe chemical exposure, you may be exposed to clorine and salt water; which I think is why they use 904L.

If you want more info, just search on your computer for "904L stainless steel" and you will more info than you ever thought you needed.

GOOD ANSWER RON

[SSD]

Maybe the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch was made of 904L?

Anyway, my Sub has a whole lot more scratch resistance than my old "316" watch. The higher nickel content gives it a more pure look, too IMO. Corrosion resistance is the #1 side effect, IMHO, after the hardness and asthetic appearance. I'm happy to have it!

[daunwaun]

did i get a confirmation on those rabbits?

[Blue Bull]

Love 904L ss Place a ss Rolex next to an Omega.You will see the difference.Rolex steel has a shine/brightness to it.Omega steel look dull and bronzey.compared to it.

[Destroy]

Originally Posted by daunwaun

did i get a confirmation on those rabbits?

Be wery, wery qwiet......