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

[BoulderJ]

Since the original post on this topic is from 2011, what is the current status of reps shown as 904L that are listed by the TDs?

 

[Ilovwatchesto]

I do see a slight color difference between the two steels, but only know when having two to compare next to each other.

 

[rol_man]

904L is a bit lighter in color. Appears more white.

 

[BoulderJ]

Since the original post on this topic is from 2011, what is the current status of reps shown as 904L that are listed by the TDs?

It seems my post above was misunderstood. I'm asking about the validity of current reps claiming to be 904L. The original post from 2011 said that the rep factories were not truthful about their SS. I've purchased several reps within the past year from TDs. In every case, the watches were described as being 904L.

 

[60MinMan]

Since I am a newbie and very interested in SS for my rep, I found this most helpful! Many thanks.

 

[robbieg83]

I know this is a vintage thread, but damn, what a great write-up! Bravo @ALE7575 for the comparison, as well as the reality check!

Rob

 

[joeyc]

904L is a bit lighter in color. Appears more white.

Looks more like white gold correct

 

[Karbon74]

I al also interested about an update.
BP Noob and VS now ship 904L reps

are they lying or did things change since OP?

 

[a27]

I agree with the above comments. ,it’s been more than 10 years since the original post and we still see 904l advertised, anyone know if the situation has changed or are they still not true?

 

[jeffm1000]

For a thread that's trying to be helpful, I'm now a more confused super noob.

 

[Ticktick]

Would be great to get a real answer. Anyone got an XRF spectrometer at home?

 

[Karbon74]

I bought a 904.
And indeed the factories do both as the TD asked which one I wanted

 

[wildrabbit]

This post is relevant today as it was when it started.
Quick and easy method to check for metals is a strong magnet - the 904 and 316 steel will not stick to it.
Furthering, the 904 tends to be whiter in tone than the 316.
And regardless of what labels factories stick on there - check.

 

[nninja245]

is the VSF 126610LN not 904L steel — Isn't that what they market it as?

also heard the weight of the rep vs gen is same — isn't that an indication of the right steel?

 

[wildrabbit]

is the VSF 126610LN not 904L steel — Isn't that what they market it as?

also heard the weight of the rep vs gen is same — isn't that an indication of the right steel?

It’s the nickel molybdenum content that comes pretty close. VSF is pretty good about this. I like VSF. Most rep makers get lazy and use lesser grade steel on screws and other parts that are attracted to a magnet. Some reps are mostly ferrous steel and easily detected. So, tldr: stickers that say 904L are $1 for a whole sheet, if you’re paying for 904, requests proof. Most don’t care- enjoy.

 

[Karbon74]

is the VSF 126610LN not 904L steel — Isn't that what they market it as?

also heard the weight of the rep vs gen is same — isn't that an indication of the right steel?

I don't think that you (or me) would differenciate the steel type by look anyway. who cares...actually your rep should never see water, so benefits of 904 should be irrelevant...if anything 316 has significantly less risk of trigerring nickel allergies.

 

[netacc123456]

Phenomenal thread. I often wondered how reps say its 904L steel - so does that mean that the VSF Subs that advertise as 904L is a lie?

 

[Karbon74]

OP wrote 12 YEARS ago
I think things changed

 

[wildrabbit]

Phenomenal thread. I often wondered how reps say its 904L steel - so does that mean that the VSF Subs that advertise as 904L is a lie?

I recently handled a RAF 16610 that was less than a month old - could easily pick it with a magnet by the bracelet.
Stickers were all marked 904L. its not just the TD's either, I bought some vintage "genuine" folded links from a Ebay seller with over 3K+ reviews, one of them turned out to be a aftermarket non genuine that should not have been picked up by a magnet -the seller sent me another link that was Gen verified. I check everything.

 

[Fabulously]

I just came across this great write-up and have to say: I learned a lot!

Since the original post on this topic is from 2011, what is the current status of reps shown as 904L that are listed by the TDs?

But to BoulderJ's point: when the factories today claim that they are using "Rolex-grade" 904L steel - is this true? Prices increased accordingly