SS 316L vs. 316F vs. 904L- The final VERDICT- A technical study

[sub4me]

ALE, thanks for your reply brother. Since we know the only purpose they make reps is to make $$$ it only makes sense they would use the cheapest quality products they can find, taking into consideration the watch is only being made to look the part and never perform as a gen.

Now we all know the claims of sapphire glass have been lies for a very long time, the claims of made from gen as sample another lie, takes and fits gen parts another lie. Dealers like to use the term super rep, which of course means we pay a super premium while the whole time the clasps break, pins and screws snap, strip, and break, bracelets have super rough edges, links don't move freely, crowns snap off or don't screwdown, the list is endless. Yet people will pay that premium because they think or have been convinced that this or that rep is superior. Its really all a shell game and alot of it depends on the willingness of the buyer to believe the lies being told.

 

[ALE7575]

Dear Sub

You might have a part of reason but do not be so skeptical and pessimistic my friend.

We would like to know that are wearing something worthy

LOL

ALE

 

[sub4me]

LOL, its my nature brother.

 

[mitchbaria]

Thanks Ale your objectiveness, once again enriches our forum.....

 

[ALE7575]

Thanks mitch you are very kind

ALE

 

[Fiddo]

Still...very interesting stuff. Just re-read it.

 

[ALE7575]

Still...very interesting stuff. Just re-read it.

Thanks Fiddo
Glad to be useful
ALE

 

[mitchbaria]

Have you looked at duplex 2205 SS? Is it being used in watches as it would seem to be the perfect metal........

 

[ALE7575]

Have you looked at duplex 2205 SS? Is it being used in watches as it would seem to be the perfect metal........

Yes I know

Usually good SS in watches are austenitic type, Duplex is a ferritic-austenitic mix. due to they have less content of Nickel
SAF 2205 SS for example has 22% Chrome 5% Nickel and 3,2 % Molibdenum
Curiously these Duplex SS are more corrosion resistent and are CHEAPER (due to they have less expensive Nickel)
Therefore Duplex is a good economic solution if you need high corrosion resistence.
IMO austenitic expensive high grade is better for watches

ALE

 

[smokiedabong]

I would like to see the spectrometry of one of these so called 316L cases, I have my doubts. Am I the only one who thinks these reps get scratched to damn easily?
I baby most of my watches yet in a matter of weeks the polished reps get full of hairlines, I have gens that I've been wearing for way longer and they still don't have so many hairlines.

 

[ALE7575]

And me too.

ALE

 

[Taze00]

awesome post Ale, very informative.

 

[ALE7575]

awesome post Ale, very informative.

Thanks Taze

The most important is that at the beginning, before this thread was written, 316F watches were 15-30% more expensive than 316L, but nowadays we can get 316F watches with awesome finish and at the same price of 316L
As you can read in this thread: We will get our goal !!

ALE

 

[Taze00]

Thanks Taze

The most important is that at the beginning, before this thread was written, 316F watches were 15-30% more expensive than 316L, but nowadays we can get 316F watches with awesome finish and at the same price of 316L
As you can read in this thread: We will get our goal !!

ALE

After reading this post I am much more cognizant of the material being used. Knowledge is power

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

 

[ThinkBachs]

Bump for all our new members...

 

[DBandi]

Thank you! This is very useful!

 

[Metalmickey]

Just come across this and wanted to thank you for an informative read.

 

[chronosphere]

Also thank you!

This thread has been most informative for my "nooby" background learning and, as an engineer,
I appreciate the detailed technical analysis .

 

[Thrasher]

I know this is BS because no one has a 440 watch but look http://www.kuvarsit-watch.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=31164 Kurvast says they do for the same exact price everyone else sells 316l for ...I know not a TD here but a TD at our sister forum RWG.BZ , Just FYI.

 

[ALE7575]

I know this is BS because no one has a 440 watch but look http://www.kuvarsit-watch.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=31164 Kurvast says they do for the same exact price everyone else sells 316l for ...I know not a TD here but a TD at our sister forum RWG.BZ , Just FYI.

Hi friend

Don't get wrong AISI 440, whatever KW says, is not a high grade SS to manufacture watches, It is cheaper and worse by far than AISI 316L or 316F because it has no Nickel just Chromium

Read below links:
http://www.suppliersonline.com/propertypages/440C.asp
http://www.interlloy.com.au/our-products/stainless-steel/440c-martensitic-stainless-steel-bar/
http://www.vtlg-asia.com/products/p...-balls/stainless-steel-aisi-440c-martensitic/
http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1024

ALE