kingkitesurf Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 (edited) Sorry I could't post this in the correct catagory (restricted rights maybe?). As I kept wondering why the color glow of stainless steel is either blackish, bluewish or yellowish and the hardness differs a lot between replicas and genuine I did some research. It turns out that there are many different sorts of Stainless Steel.... In this respect gen Rolex uses 440 grade and reps 316... which has less carbon in it. This difference IS visible IMO when side by side.... Here's some reading for the knowledge base... On 440 http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1024 On 316 http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=863 On 904L http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1022 Edited July 8, 2006 by offshore Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshore Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 Thanks KKS- Moved to the appropriate area. Offshore Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KB Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 Interesting little read thanks very much Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yodap Posted August 15, 2008 Report Share Posted August 15, 2008 Hi! As I see it's an old post but I'll correct it a bit: Gen rolexes use 904L stainless steel. Most other brands use 440, and you said right, our super reps use the 316L. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iceberg1459 Posted November 25, 2008 Report Share Posted November 25, 2008 Hi! As I see it's an old post but I'll correct it a bit: Gen rolexes use 904L stainless steel. Most other brands use 440, and you said right, our super reps use the 316L. are you sure? yes rolex use 904l but 440 is industry grade high carbon steel...316l is better for wristwatches imo rolex also used 316l before Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertk Posted November 26, 2008 Report Share Posted November 26, 2008 Most watches use 316l. Rolex is the exception. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highoeyazmuhudee Posted November 26, 2008 Report Share Posted November 26, 2008 316L IS surgical steel better for marine resistance (i.e salt water) 440 is the grade used for knives to retain a better sharp edge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iceberg1459 Posted November 28, 2008 Report Share Posted November 28, 2008 @highozymuhdee btw what exactly does your name mean? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobbieG Posted December 5, 2008 Report Share Posted December 5, 2008 Just got to this. Interesting reading about the molecular properties of the grades. All I know is WOW, what a difference side by side the steel can make, although not enough difference to really alter your memory. Funny that way, but gen Rolex watches are MUCH "whiter" and brighter than any rep I have ever seen. When side by side, depending on final finish characteristics the difference can be stunning. I do notice it on some watches more than others though - especially 316L on reps which has been brushed a little roughly. That really brings out the silver grey look a lot. Gen Rolex watches just have a pop to them which can't be described especially when new and it really is the 904 that does it. It looks more like white gold. Very white and rich looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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