Why is 904L stainless steel called “Rolex steel”?

When it comes to 904L stainless steel, the first thing that comes to mind is Rolex. Because in the industry, Rolex is the only one all-steel model are uses a 904L stainless steel enterprise, today we will come together to explore the following magic!

“Rolex Steel” 904L.

In fact, in today’s watch world, the main use of 316L stainless steel and 904L stainless steel for watch case production steel, the biggest difference between the two lies in the material content of chromium, 904L stainless steel chromium content is higher!

The 904L stainless steel contains a certain amount of copper, we all know that chromium can help the surface of the metal material to form a passivation film, thereby protecting the surface of the steel from corrosion of external media

We all know that chromium can help the surface of metal materials to form a passivation film, thereby protecting the surface of steel from external media corrosion, to improve the corrosion resistance of steel, and the addition of copper and other rare elements, not only can significantly improve the abrasion and corrosion resistance of steel but also to facilitate the surface of the high degree of polishing so that it can be used with other precious metals.

The gloss of the metal wants to fit; therefore, the price of 904L stainless steel is also much more expensive.

What is so special about 904L stainless steel?

Rolex first produced this 904L stainless steel case in 1985 and gradually replaced it with the brand’s full range of standard equipment. Let’s talk about the special features of 904L stainless steel.

Currently, 316L stainless steel is commonly used in the watch industry. 316L stainless steel is commonly known as “medical steel”, due to its hypoallergenic properties, not only for the production of watch cases but also used to make personal jewelry and medical scalpels. 904L stainless steel is the most common stainless steel used in the watch industry.

904L stainless steel is based on 316L stainless steel to make some changes, in composition, 904L stainless steel in chromium, nickel, and molybdenum content than 316L stainless steel content of 1.6 times more, while 904L stainless steel

More copper content. Therefore, 904L stainless steel is more wear-resistant, more corrosion-resistant and heavier. But there is not much difference in hardness. Designed for environments with harsh corrosive conditions, the alloy was originally developed for

developed to resist corrosion in dilute sulfuric acid. I don’t think any watch enthusiast would throw their watch in a dilute sulfuric acid bath!

For everyday seawater corrosion, 316L stainless steel is perfectly adequate 904L stainless steel is indeed superior in terms of corrosion resistance compared to 316L stainless steel, but that doesn’t mean 316L stainless steel isn’t superior. The simplest proof

The simplest proof is that, before Rolex also used 316L stainless steel, just later replaced by 904L stainless steel, while other watch brands in the past and now have used 316L stainless steel, after all, the general brand even if you want to use

After all, even if the general brand wants to use 904L stainless steel can not manage the high cost of manufacturing.