14060m Question

[East of Eden]

Just curious, would a P series 14060m (early 2000s) have both case and bracelet made of 904L steel?

Thanks

[padi56]

Originally Posted by East of Eden

Just curious, would a P series 14060m (early 2000s) have both case and bracelet made of 904L steel?

Thanks

Yes all the SS models ae now 904L Rolex they became the first watch manufacturer to use 904L grade steel in their watches in 1985.But there is nothing magical about 904L SS today, it was mainly a brag factor and marketing by Rolex as they were once the only watch manufacturer using it. Today 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 factories that use acid products etc. And the only main difference between 904L and 316L is simply this,the difference between 316L over 904L it has slightly more Molybdenum(Mo)approx 2% more, approx 1-2% more Crome(Cr),Appox 1%-2% copper(Cu), and approx 10% more nickel and that's it all quite cheap commodities. And today 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 true, its how the metal is finally tempered defines its overall hardness, so 316L can be harder than 904L.Most all high end brands like say Patek use the industry 316L, if there was any real advantage dont you think all the major brands would use it, marketing is a wonderful tool myself often call it brain washing.

[East of Eden]

I do like the appearance more than 316L, seems brighter or more silver looking than gray. Appearance is what's it all about in these post-tool watch days.

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by padi56

Yes all the SS models ae now 904L Rolex they became the first watch manufacturer to use 904L grade steel in their watches in 1985.

So would that be the case with a 2000 14060m? I've heard they very gradually phased in 904L.