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Post by josejmartinez on Jul 29, 2013 15:33:04 GMT -8
Why is this metal not used in Japanese watches, or is it?
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normdiaz
Is a Permanent Fixture
Posts: 6,643 
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Post by normdiaz on Jul 30, 2013 6:16:27 GMT -8
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Post by josejmartinez on Jul 30, 2013 6:54:15 GMT -8
Norm,
The information you sent indicates that:
Grade: Why it might be chosen instead of 904L
316L--A lower cost alternative, but with much lower corrosion resistance.
Now, in an amount enough to make a watch case, in material cost, the difference might be pennies. Rolex as far as I know uses the 904L, could it be that there is an abundance of the 316L in Japan and therefore it is very much cheaper as a bulk product considering that Japan has a very strong steel in dustry, and/or they do not have the 904L and would have to import it?
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normdiaz
Is a Permanent Fixture
Posts: 6,643
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Post by normdiaz on Jul 30, 2013 7:01:34 GMT -8
Norm, The information you sent indicates that: Grade: Why it might be chosen instead of 904L 316L--A lower cost alternative, but with much lower corrosion resistance. Now, in an amount enough to make a watch case, in material cost, the difference might be pennies. Rolex as far as I know uses the 904L, could it be that there is an abundance of the 316L in Japan and therefore it is very much cheaper as a bulk product considering that Japan has a very strong steel in dustry, and/or they do not have the 904L and would have to import it? I wouldn't even attempt to guess if the reasons you mention might or might not be in play. (I did notice in the article that 904L is difficult to machine. Might that be a factor in its use for watch/bracelet production?) And if Rolex uses the 904L, I'm sure at the prices they command their higher material/production costs would probably be well covered. JMHO.) |
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Post by josejmartinez on Jul 30, 2013 7:20:13 GMT -8
One thing you mention, the cases are 904 in the Roles... their bracelets?? Well, I do not know... Rolex had bracelets made all over the place. Mine came with a US made bracelet. I have seen Mexican made Jubilees, also mexican bracelets on Omega Constellations... of the SS variety, maybe those are not 904, just the case. I found this which is interesting. I think we are giving Rolex the benefit of the doubt but maybe they should have gone with the 316L SS. forums.watchuseek.com/f23/904l-v-316l-steel-16851.html |
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