Oystersteel.
A Rolex watch must work perfectly and maintain its beauty even in the harshest environments. That is why Rolex uses Oystersteel, 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.
In this post
What metal are Rolex made out of?
Today, all the steel in Rolex watches is made from 904L steel, and as far as we know, pretty much no one else does. Why? Rolex used to use the same steel as everyone else, but in around 2003 they moved their entire steel production to 904L steel.
Does Rolex make stainless steel?
While there are plenty of gold and platinum Rolex watches available, it’s the stainless steel versions that are the brand’s most popular. In addition to being more affordable than their precious metal counterparts (generally speaking), they are also typically more understated, rugged, and sporty.
Is Rolex gold plated or solid?
Gold Rolex pieces are only made with solid gold, never gold-plated. Crafted with high-quality materials, Rolex uses 18-karat gold made at their in-house foundries to ensure the utmost premium metals are used in each Rolex.
What grade steel is Rolex?
904L
For many years Rolex used the popular stainless steel grade 316L, which is the standard for round 95% of the watch industry. In 2001 however, they changed from using 316L to 904L and are currently the only watchmaker in the world to use this grade for their watchcases.
Does a Rolex rust?
Rolex has used stainless steel throughout its whole production history. But the fact is that even though stainless steel is resistant to staining, pitting, and rusting, it is not rust-proof. This means that stainless steel can, in fact, rust.
How much gold is in a Rolex?
Rolex uses mainly 18-carat gold for its watches, which has a purity of 750 ‰ (thousandths) of pure gold, i.e. three quarters.
Is 904L steel harder than 316?
In this case, 904L stainless steel is the clear victor over 316L; with an average PREN value of 36.7, it is much stronger than 316L (which only has a PREN of 26.1).
What steel does Breitling use?
316L antimagnetic stainless steel alloy
Breitling uses only top-class metals such as the 316L antimagnetic stainless steel alloy, or grade 2 titanium. Particular care is devoted to the parts most exposed to external influences, such as the crowns and pushpieces. Water resistance is guaranteed by highly sophisticated systems.
Where does Rolex get their steel?
The Plan-Les-Ouates site in Geneva is home to Rolex’s foundry, where the 18 ct gold alloys are created. Like any overprotective parent, Rolex controls the entire process of the gold created to ensure durability and the ability to polish the alloys to their specifications.
Can you shower with a Rolex?
All you have to do after diving or a day at the beach is simply to rinse your watch with fresh water to remove any salt and sand deposits: wearing your watch while showering at the end of the day should do the trick. The Oyster case of your Rolex protects it from water and makes it completely dustproof and waterproof.
How can you tell a real Rolex from a fake?
On an authentic Rolex, the second hand will move in tiny ticks which appear smooth at a glance. The seconds hand should glide around the face of the watch without pause. However, on a fake, you’re likely to see the second-hand tick along, stuttering its way around the face with every second that goes by.
What’s so special about Rolex?
Rolex is the most recognizable luxury watch brand. The basis for Rolex’s success is its extremely high product quality extending over the many years of its existence. Rolex watches show time accurately and are robust, sturdy and reliable.
How strong is 904L steel?
Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) min | Yield Strength 0.2% Proof (MPa) min |
|---|---|---|
| 904L | 490 | 220 |
Is 904L steel more scratch resistant?
The 904L is often used for body jewelry or piercings and it is not particularly expensive. As you can see the rockwell number of the 904l is even lower so it cannot be more scratch resistant.
Does Rolex scratch easily?
Wearing and using your Rolex watch will result in scratches. However, there are steps you can take to avoid scratching. For instance, you can lay your Rolex on a soft cloth or in its box at night.
Can water damage a Rolex?
One of the few things that can render a Rolex movement beyond repair is moisture. Unlike electronic devices, moisture damage in mechanical watches is not caused by the instantaneous presence of a conducting liquid.
Can Rolex go in salt-water?
Water is the natural element for a Rolex with a metal bracelet, including the salt-water of the sea and ocean. All Rolex wristwatches are waterproof to depths of at least 100 metres for Oyster Perpetual models, and 50 metres for Cellini models.
What is the cheapest Rolex you can buy?
36mm Oyster Perpetual
What Is The Cheapest Rolex. The cheapest Rolex is the 36mm Oyster Perpetual which costs $5,800 MSRP. The Oyster Perpetual is a no date stainless steel sports model that is considered the most affordable or entry level men’s Rolex.
How much does a real Rolex weigh?
Weight and feel
Just as an example, an original Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner weighs approximately 153 grams, whereas a counterfeit only weighs around 124 grams.
Does Rolex gold fade?
Rolex has worked hard and consistently with developing gold that does not tarnish and change its look over time, and by getting full control over the gold manufacturing process, Rolex has been able to do just that.