Throughout my internet travels, I have made friends with a jeweler, I guess you could say, in China who is very familiar in terms of working with rep metals. He likes frankens, works with replica factories, etc. Its interesting talking with someone who is into the same thing we are... but with a very, let's say, different perspective. Lol. He has insights into things we never talk about on this forum, and simply doesn't understand why we talk about half the things we do talk about here such as what "type" of steel is used. In his words: "Why? Why matter? All that matters is how it lasts!! If it polishes right!!" (Polish seems to be the blanket term for metal work, in this case, "brushing").
I have learned two things from my friend: I appreciate his enthusiasm even when I'm not sure if he's yelling at me for being OCD. And that ARF so far is the only factory that passes his standards. He even called out ZZF well before the not 904l made headlines here. I am curious about his opinions on some of the new factories' subs so we'll see if anything floats his boat.
Anyways, that's just my anecdotal 2 cents. Other reputable metal workers such as Tomrep have adamantly stated 904l vs 316l is basically marketing and little else. But I'm sure this is no surprise to most of us, nor surprising that ARF is considered the best.
I couldn't care less about what type of steel it is, as long as tolerances are good and it can be brushed and polished "artisinally." Furthermore, the bracelet on my Ginault sub-homage is 316l and is literally my favorite bracelet ever. And I have gen Rolex too (no sub tho which would be the direct comparison in all fairness).
Interested to see what Angus reports back with nonetheless.
