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Info on stainless steel


kingkitesurf

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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 by offshore
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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

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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.

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