The OFFICIAL RWI YACHTMASTER CLUB

[srhoque]

Please can you help me? I just finish to read amm 126 pages from this topic.
I understand the best Yacht Master platinum dial is Noob, wich from this version is better?

1. https://trustytime.shop/index.php?ma...ducts_id=20376

2. https://trustytime.shop/index.php?ma...ducts_id=15545

I have owned Noob rodium dials in the past and it looked very good to me

Thank you very much ;-)

Its the same watch, Your first link is the 904L version while second is the old 316. I have had both versions (in Rhodium color). If you want to stick to the gen specs, get 904L (can be polished to a better shine later if needed). When the watches are brand new, in hand both versions look the same...hard to tell the difference on wrist. But on paper (I have no experience since I sold the 316 case), 904L retains polish better. Ultimately it comes down to - Do you like the watch enough to spend extra to stick to the right variant of SS that Rolex uses (which is 904L)? Good luck mate!!

Just another comment - When I purchased the 904L in Oct 2019, it came with VR3135.

 

[Dissemination]

Its the same watch, Your first link is the 904L version while second is the old 316. I have had both versions (in Rhodium color). If you want to stick to the gen specs, get 904L (can be polished to a better shine later if needed). When the watches are brand new, in hand both versions look the same...hard to tell the difference on wrist. But on paper (I have no experience since I sold the 316 case), 904L retains polish better. Ultimately it comes down to - Do you like the watch enough to spend extra to stick to the right variant of SS that Rolex uses (which is 904L)? Good luck mate!!

Just another comment - When I purchased the 904L in Oct 2019, it came with VR3135.

The main person I'm basing what I said on is Tomrep... he told me that it doesnt matter what steel it is in terms of polish. But that is just one person and his own method so not saying he is the authority.

And I remember asking you about the movement previously actually haha. It seems that it is hit and miss with what movement actually comes in it.

In any case, if I knew it was gonna come with the VR and not the SA, I would hands down go with the Noob 904l 3135 clone above all other YM variants.

As per the OPs question, maybe want to consider getting the 2824 movement unless you plan on using gen parts? You can get one with 904l steel for $438 or $448

 

[Mark1937]

Marco1937 the main difference you're looking at is the difference in steel... 904l vs 316f. Some people swear there is a difference, and maybe there is. But anyone I have talked to that works with metals (which has only been two people honestly) has said it's a total gimmick.

I nonetheless take some small satisfaction in knowing it's the "same" steel that Rolex uses. I say "same" because it's a lower quality and there is a lot more that goes into it besides simply the "type" of steel.

Regardless, the 316f is likely discontinued, so you may not be able to get it. Or there may be some leftover stock. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Also be aware that the SA3135 has been a problematic movement for quite a few people, while some have had perfectly fine experiences.

Thank you very much Dissemination
I know the specifics of the movements and their problems well ;-) I have many reps and I must tell you that the thing that interests me most is aesthetics. Can you confirm that Noob produces the best platinum dial version?

 

[Mark1937]

Its the same watch, Your first link is the 904L version while second is the old 316. I have had both versions (in Rhodium color). If you want to stick to the gen specs, get 904L (can be polished to a better shine later if needed). When the watches are brand new, in hand both versions look the same...hard to tell the difference on wrist. But on paper (I have no experience since I sold the 316 case), 904L retains polish better. Ultimately it comes down to - Do you like the watch enough to spend extra to stick to the right variant of SS that Rolex uses (which is 904L)? Good luck mate!!

Just another comment - When I purchased the 904L in Oct 2019, it came with VR3135.

Thanks a lot.
I also had the 316 rhodium version. Looking at the photos and videos published by the TD that the new Noob version is less precise than the previous version. But maybe I'm wrong, I'm looking for the best platinum version of YM. Obviously I will do the ring nut mod ;-)

these are YM rep that I owned (2 Noob + 1 ARF + 1 Noob/ARF):

This instead is my gen 116622 and I'm looking for the rep that looks more like it

 

[Dissemination]

Nice collection Marco1937

To be honest, I don't know about who makes the best dial. I have read that Noob does, but I haven't spent much time looking into it myself.

 

[srhoque]

Marco1937 - You got a great collection there!! Wear them in good health mate!! The 904L version is not less precise (specially Rhodium). None of the platinum dial reps will be as good as your gen. That’s why I did a franken myself (I love this dial), pic below:

 

[srhoque]

The previous pic I posted is in the 904L case, here is the same watch before in the 316 case. Just in case you wanted to do a comparison. Pics taken at different times, so different lighting conditions. But as I have mentioned earlier, it barely looks any different.

 

[KJ2020]

The 2019 models on both 2824 and 3135 appear to have better dials along with the 904L.

This one is 2016 Noob 316L 2824, it's my wife's, she loves it

True that 316L may no longer be available. I never pay extra for 904L if I can avoid it, I think its a gimmick to charge more (yes I've read the 316L vs 904L manmoth comparison posts). I've always thought this. I see posts now and then where others agree.

Posts #26 and #27 if link isn't exact

https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...79#post8706479

"Not real 904L steel, its some shitty soft steel that can be easily machined on home made CNC machines", lol.

 

[the train]

The previous pic I posted is in the 904L case, here is the same watch before in the 316 case. Just in case you wanted to do a comparison. Pics taken at different times, so different lighting conditions. But as I have mentioned earlier, it barely looks any different.

This in photos is versione 2016 noob 316l 2824?

 

[KJ2020]

This in photos is versione 2016 noob 316l 2824?

My pics above are

 

[Nikz19]

The 2019 models on both 2824 and 3135 appear to have better dials along with the 904L.

This one is 2016 Noob 316L 2824, it's my wife's, she loves it

True that 316L may no longer be available. I never pay extra for 904L if I can avoid it, I think its a gimmick to charge more (yes I've read the 316L vs 904L manmoth comparison posts). I've always thought this. I see posts now and then where others agree.

Posts #26 and #27 if link isn't exact

https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...79#post8706479

"Not real 904L steel, its some shitty soft steel that can be easily machined on home made CNC machines", lol.

Well pal sorry to say but the chinese 904 alloy is indeed 904 steel.

I had a oyster link analyzed at my lab, along with another sample I had to analyze for my job.

Anyway I do totally agree with you that there is no real advantage to choose 904L over 316L for the normal user.

 

[srhoque]

This in photos is versione 2016 noob 316l 2824?

This is a gen dial/hands/DW/crystal on VR3135

 

[Dissemination]

Well pal sorry to say but the chinese 904 alloy is indeed 904 steel.

I had a oyster link analyzed at my lab, along with another sample I had to analyze for my job.

Anyway I do totally agree with you that there is no real advantage to choose 904L over 316L for the normal user.

Just because its 904L alloy does not mean it is machined like Rolex 904L is. I believe a comparable analogy would be comparing karats of gold or diamonds.

That is the point that I was making, and then KJ after me. My opinion was undoubtedly influenced by KJs too tho lol. Not that he knows everything, but he does know many (maybe most) things haha.

Also as I said before tho, I like having 904L anyways. Makes me feel better. In theory, I'd like to think I'm somehow getting better quality in some way. But I wouldn't choose to pay such a high premium for it if I had the choice.

 

[Nikz19]

But I wouldn't choose to pay such a high premium for it if I had the choice.

I’ll quote this multiple times.
Keep in mind 904 alloy shares the same hardness as 316. It just have more corrosion resistance because of a higher Ni %.

 

[Raddave]

I’ll quote this multiple times.
Keep in mind 904 alloy shares the same hardness as 316. It just have more corrosion resistance because of a higher Ni %.

It actually looks like 904 is softer than 316
316L VS 904L Stainless Steel in Watches

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The FAQs

[h=1]All About 316L VS 904L Stainless Steel in Watches[/h]

With watch brands like Ball starting to use 904L stainless steel, taking the bragging rights away from Rolex, we thought now is the perfect time to explore the differences between 316L and 904L – at least when it comes to watches.
The industry standard stainless steel is 316L. In addition to watches, this alloy is also commonly used in the food industry, the medical field, and a wide variety of water and marine applications. You may see some watch brands refer to 316L as surgical grade steel or marine grade steel. Its popularity in these areas comes from the properties which make it resistant to rust and corrosion. 904L takes the resistance to corrosion up a notch.
[h=3]Rolex 904L[/h] To say Rolex is serious about their 904L steel is an understatement. Their advertisements have go as far as calling it a precious metal.

Even the Wikipedia entry for 904L has been edited to include a Rolex mention (well done, Rolex!):

In 1985 Rolex became the first wristwatch manufacturer to utilize 904L grade steel in its watches. Rolex chose to use this variety of steel because it takes a higher polish than other grades of steel and provides greater corrosion resistance, though it does not machine as well and requires specialized equipment to be properly modified into the required shapes.
​

Rolex does deserve credit for being recognized as the first brand to make cases out of 904L steel, and this has lead many to think that 904L was a Rolex invention or a material exclusive to Rolex. This could be due to the verbiage around the term Oystersteel, which Rolex defines as:

“…a steel alloy specific to the brand. Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, which is particularly resistant to corrosion and acquires an exceptional sheen when polished.” –source
​

Rolex and their use of 904L steel has largely gone unchallenged in the watch industry for decades. Now, as brands scramble find any competitive edge in a saturated market, we’re seeing other watch companies start to jump on the 904L train. But is 904L really that much better?


[h=3]316L VS 904L Composition[/h]

	316L	904L
Carbon	0.035% max	0.2% max
Chromium	16-18%	19-23%
Copper	0	1-2%
Iron	Balance	Balance
Molybdenum	2-3%	4-5%
Manganese	2% max	2% max
Nickel	10-12%	23-28%
Phosphorus	0.45%	0.03% max
Silicone	.75% max	1% max
Hardness (Rockwell)	95	70-90
Hardness (Brinell)	217	150

 

[Nikz19]

But I wouldn't choose to pay such a high premium for it if I had the choice.

I’ll quote this multiple times.
Keep in mind 904 alloy shares the same hardness as 316. It just have more corrosion resistance because of a higher Ni %.

 

[Dissemination]

It actually looks like 904 is softer than 316
316L VS 904L Stainless Steel in Watches

ShareTweet

The FAQs

[h=1]All About 316L VS 904L Stainless Steel in Watches[/h]

With watch brands like Ball starting to use 904L stainless steel, taking the bragging rights away from Rolex, we thought now is the perfect time to explore the differences between 316L and 904L – at least when it comes to watches.
The industry standard stainless steel is 316L. In addition to watches, this alloy is also commonly used in the food industry, the medical field, and a wide variety of water and marine applications. You may see some watch brands refer to 316L as surgical grade steel or marine grade steel. Its popularity in these areas comes from the properties which make it resistant to rust and corrosion. 904L takes the resistance to corrosion up a notch.
[h=3]Rolex 904L[/h] To say Rolex is serious about their 904L steel is an understatement. Their advertisements have go as far as calling it a precious metal.

Even the Wikipedia entry for 904L has been edited to include a Rolex mention (well done, Rolex!):

In 1985 Rolex became the first wristwatch manufacturer to utilize 904L grade steel in its watches. Rolex chose to use this variety of steel because it takes a higher polish than other grades of steel and provides greater corrosion resistance, though it does not machine as well and requires specialized equipment to be properly modified into the required shapes.
​

Rolex does deserve credit for being recognized as the first brand to make cases out of 904L steel, and this has lead many to think that 904L was a Rolex invention or a material exclusive to Rolex. This could be due to the verbiage around the term Oystersteel, which Rolex defines as:

“…a steel alloy specific to the brand. Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, which is particularly resistant to corrosion and acquires an exceptional sheen when polished.” –source
​

Rolex and their use of 904L steel has largely gone unchallenged in the watch industry for decades. Now, as brands scramble find any competitive edge in a saturated market, we’re seeing other watch companies start to jump on the 904L train. But is 904L really that much better?


[h=3]316L VS 904L Composition[/h]

	316L	904L
Carbon	0.035% max	0.2% max
Chromium	16-18%	19-23%
Copper	0	1-2%
Iron	Balance	Balance
Molybdenum	2-3%	4-5%
Manganese	2% max	2% max
Nickel	10-12%	23-28%
Phosphorus	0.45%	0.03% max
Silicone	.75% max	1% max
Hardness (Rockwell)	95	70-90
Hardness (Brinell)	217	150

Thanks for sharing this! So this would in fact imply that in theory, rep 904L should indeed polish better?

I'd certainly like to think so. But Tomrep told me otherwise. Not saying he is a definitive authority, but he seems like the kind of guy who would know given that he does metalwork so regularly.

 

[Nikz19]

It actually looks like 904 is softer than 316
316L VS 904L Stainless Steel in Watches

ShareTweet

The FAQs

[h=1]All About 316L VS 904L Stainless Steel in Watches[/h]

With watch brands like Ball starting to use 904L stainless steel, taking the bragging rights away from Rolex, we thought now is the perfect time to explore the differences between 316L and 904L – at least when it comes to watches.
The industry standard stainless steel is 316L. In addition to watches, this alloy is also commonly used in the food industry, the medical field, and a wide variety of water and marine applications. You may see some watch brands refer to 316L as surgical grade steel or marine grade steel. Its popularity in these areas comes from the properties which make it resistant to rust and corrosion. 904L takes the resistance to corrosion up a notch.
[h=3]Rolex 904L[/h] To say Rolex is serious about their 904L steel is an understatement. Their advertisements have go as far as calling it a precious metal.

Even the Wikipedia entry for 904L has been edited to include a Rolex mention (well done, Rolex!):

In 1985 Rolex became the first wristwatch manufacturer to utilize 904L grade steel in its watches. Rolex chose to use this variety of steel because it takes a higher polish than other grades of steel and provides greater corrosion resistance, though it does not machine as well and requires specialized equipment to be properly modified into the required shapes.
​

Rolex does deserve credit for being recognized as the first brand to make cases out of 904L steel, and this has lead many to think that 904L was a Rolex invention or a material exclusive to Rolex. This could be due to the verbiage around the term Oystersteel, which Rolex defines as:

“…a steel alloy specific to the brand. Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, which is particularly resistant to corrosion and acquires an exceptional sheen when polished.” –source
​

Rolex and their use of 904L steel has largely gone unchallenged in the watch industry for decades. Now, as brands scramble find any competitive edge in a saturated market, we’re seeing other watch companies start to jump on the 904L train. But is 904L really that much better?


[h=3]316L VS 904L Composition[/h]

	316L	904L
Carbon	0.035% max	0.2% max
Chromium	16-18%	19-23%
Copper	0	1-2%
Iron	Balance	Balance
Molybdenum	2-3%	4-5%
Manganese	2% max	2% max
Nickel	10-12%	23-28%
Phosphorus	0.45%	0.03% max
Silicone	.75% max	1% max
Hardness (Rockwell)	95	70-90
Hardness (Brinell)	217	150

Yep, hardness is very similar, looking at this sheet as you said 904 it’s even a bit softer. However that Ni % is what adds the most up to the final cost.. So I can’t really see the reason for choosing 904 over 316 if not for marketing purpose, hats off to Rolex for this.

 

[Mark1937]

Rolex is the king of marketing. Nobody have a picture from 116622 Noob new (904L) version with platinum dial?
thank you...

 

[Raddave]

Thanks for sharing this! So this would in fact imply that in theory, rep 904L should indeed polish better?

I'd certainly like to think so. But Tomrep told me otherwise. Not saying he is a definitive authority, but he seems like the kind of guy who would know given that he does metalwork so regularly.

Im not an authority either , but i do work with steels , and softer metals do polish easier , im not saying better , but easier, but if the same amount of work was applied to both a hard steel and a soft steel , the soft steel would be shiner ...