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

[freedz]

Really interesting!

 

[Sparky28]

What can I say that hasn't already been said?
Thanks for the information Ale,
I didn't realise that manufacturers where using the 2 different types of SS,
It's something I'm going to be looking at when I make my next purchase.
It wouldn't surprise me at all if they would try & charge a premium for a "Superior" SS when in reality it didn't benefit the watch.If it makes there final polishing a lot easier so why should we pay extra?
Ale your a legend


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[darwin_the_fish]

Is there a way to tell 316L and 316F apart?

 

[ebzen02]

904 ss Rolex reps next?

http://watchbus.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=3816&extra=page=1&mobile=2


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[AJB2]

I've just stumbled across this thread & would like to offer the OP a big "thank you" for writing it. I can see it was written some 6 years ago now...Is there any update that can now be added or does the same situation on prices etc still apply?

 

[Randzzz]

This is an incredible post. @atgm, this article surely deserves placement on the new article-filled "front page" of RWI.

 

[thumbsarehandy]

Thank you ALE7575! Very technical and informative post! Downloaded and archived.
Regards

 

[SkullCrusher]

Very informative post, lots of research and time went into this

 

[ALE7575]

I've just stumbled across this thread & would like to offer the OP a big "thank you" for writing it. I can see it was written some 6 years ago now...Is there any update that can now be added or does the same situation on prices etc still apply?

UPDATE MAY 2017

When I wrote this thread in 2011 there were a lot of reps (mainly Rolex) made of two materials: SS 316L and SS 316F. These reps were sold, as commented in the thread, at different prices. Being 316F reps about 15-30% more expensive than the reps made of 316L

Some months after the release of my thread, and maybe due to it, makers and dealers started, little by little, to avoid the differences between the two types of materials, either characteristics or price.

Nowadays, there are not two versions of reps, made from the same maker, made of 316L and 316F, and the prices of the reps made of 316L and 316F are equivalents.

Makers are using more and more 316F, due to its easier machining and polishing, but buyers are no affected by increases of prices

 

[Soldier2304]

Awesome post ALE. Muy informativo, Gracias.

 

[monacov4]

wow great read

 

[oxber7510]

Super helpful. This has answered so many questions I had.

 

[swampi]

Very informative article. Reminded me of the material science classes that I bunked once upon a time.LOL.

The cost of machining on CNCs with NC programs and tool paths which have been perfected and copied on either 316L and 316F would not be that different.
I agree with the less wear and tear on the cutting tips by using 316F is what makes these machining companies $$ .
Thanks @ALE7575 for a well compiled and written article.


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[kicorv]

I am sorry I disagree with the SS 440 mentions on this post. How are you so sure they are liying and they dont use it?

 

[whatwhato]

That was a very interesting read thank you. I enjoy learning about different materials and their applications. It's good to know there's not much note able difference in the 3 main types of jewelry based SS.

 

[membrelli]

Signore

Ho visto il tuo post spettacolare.

Nel tuo opinio fo esperto qual è il esseret method to pulire e lucidare correttamente un rappresentante? Sono confed..

Thanks

 

[d4m.test]

Good read, gives some perspective.

 

[d4m.test]

very interesting

 

[iceberg1459]

904L isnt more expensive to make, thats just rolex marketing

 

[teioh3]

"There are not at all replicas made with SS 904L either. All dealers know that, it is economically impossible making a replica with 904L. Therefore, the dealer who indicates SS 904L on his catalogue, be sure, he is lying to us and we cannot trust him absolutely. "

is this statement still correct? there are more reps with 904L now....