What does that mean Luth? not trying to dis you cause I know you know your reps,,,,but how does there price effect us? Is what the guy said earlier true that stainless is stainless is stainless,,,, they're all pretty much the same unless your a chemistry major or are our reps duller and less scratch resistant then gen watches because of the cheeper stainless being used or is it not cheeper?:thinking:
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List of 904L stainless steel watch
- Thread starter DreambreaX
- Start date
What does that mean Luth? not trying to dis you cause I know you know your reps,,,,but how does there price effect us? Is what the guy said earlier true that stainless is stainless is stainless,,,, they're all pretty much the same unless your a chemistry major or are our reps duller and less scratch resistant then gen watches because of the cheeper stainless being used or is it not cheeper?:thinking:
The alloys from which reps are made should simply be considered as some grade of stainless IMO. When you read 316L in their description, take this with a grain of salt. I am cynical and would be happy if it's 304. Hell, some cases are made of nickel plated brass.
I'd love to have access to an instrument that can conduct nondestructive alloy analysis. I'd test my reps against my gens just for fun. Who knows, maybe they use 316. But I doubt it. I mean, why should they? They have no standards, no consequences if they use crap stainless stock for their cases.
I'd love to have access to an instrument that can conduct nondestructive alloy analysis. I'd test my reps against my gens just for fun. Who knows, maybe they use 316. But I doubt it. I mean, why should they? They have no standards, no consequences if they use crap stainless stock for their cases.
but stainless isn't that expensive is it? The guy what's his name? the one that acted like he knew what was up with this hundred year metal and you can't tell the difference without testing it and even if it's different it's still pretty much the same.....I mean is there a definitive answer here? Has any member with the proper skill and education made the proper test to know the difference then explained how the results effects us in a practical way?
I don't know, where you buy your replicas, but I've never seen nickel plated brass for at least 8 years. Yes, factories use real 316L stainless steel, and, if you'll hold in your hands the watch cases made one from 304, and another from 316L - you'll see the difference.
@mitchbaria - that's why I posted 316L price - it's relatively cheap, and widely available in China.
ah....I see! now as far as 316L and 904L is there really that much of a noticeable difference say that can be seen by eye or is the guy right you'd have to be a chemist to really know the difference?
@Mitch: ALE has made (another) excellent thread on this, where he compares and contrast the various steels (claimed to) be used by the manufacturers. Cannot be arsed to find the link for you, but look for it - it's a very enlighting read...
@mitch, my dad is a metal fabricator, as was my college roommate. I know a bit about metals. 904L has a bit of copper to enhance corrosion resistance (esp sulfuric acid) and a little extra nickel. It is not any harder on the mohs scale. There is next to no difference in color or shine. Gen watches are legitimately better machined and finished, and that's why they look better. When you pay 30x less for a rep, most of that savings comes from inferior finishing and qc.
I understand about the QC.... and thanks for the info.... but as far better machined can you elaborate? I'm comparing a rep and a gen,,, side by side and I see the finish difference and that can be corrected by simple grind, buff and polish.... but the machining seems relatively the same as they are the exact same measurements... thanks for the info,,, I believe alot of the difference could be in the hand work that goes into a gen after it's machined?
Thanks foe the reply. What a shame only rolex use 904.
Lets talk about patek, imo Patek nautilus steel should use 904. If not patek is only a brand and it dissapointing. 904 is better than 316. More prestige and anti corrosive. People say there is only TINY difference between 316 and 904. To me that TINY difference shows the class and quality satisfaction. That TINY difference also shows which one has better quality stainless steel case.
If you truly believe that the quality of steel is what makes a Patek a 'Patek' you have a LOT of reading to catch up on, hombre...
316L is about 5% more shiny, than 304, and 904 is about 5% more shiny than 316L.
How about that?
How about that?
- roughly 212% on this board do not have a clue on how to calculate percentages. Dunno 'bout the rest, but that figure alone really scares me...?!
Really? Comparing PP and ROLEX?
i wonder which part in their company's direction are similar... hmmm
Sent from my Bezel using 116610
I'm comparing gen vs. Rep now! Side by side and I swear I cannot tell that much of a difference if any,,,,,I just don't know that I buy this? This is a discussion that could probably go on and on.... Im going to try and find Ale's study for some definitive information,,,,, all you guys are great and I'm sure collectively there's more expertise on RWI then in the entire Rolex factory and possibly then in Switzerland.... but I'm not convinced that the difference in the steel that our reps are made of is inferior to anything made by Rolex or Patek......
flyr
Renowned Member
- 15/9/12
- 973
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Thanks for that,,,,, and once again Ale to the rescue.... so we can assume that Rolex 904? is in fact more scratch resistant because it is made of harder alloys..... but for all practical purposes really isn't any different in color.... and considering that I just polished out multiple scratches from a gen clasp..... I'd bet there's really not enough difference to warrant this discussion.....