From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight On: Rolex Oystersteel.
What makes Rolex’s stainless steel different?
Stainless steel is the choice material for most watches because of their notable corrosion
resistance – quite vital with sweat and moisture always coming in contact with your
watch.
Most watches today use a stainless steel graded 316L.
But, Rolex being Rolex, the company uses a unique blend of high-quality 904L stainless
steel made by their in-house foundry.
Just recently, it has been baptized as the Oystersteel.
So now there’s stainless steel… and then there’s Rolex Oystersteel.
Here are some facts about the proprietary alloy.
Rolex has been using the high quality, anti-corrosive, 904L stainless steel, since the 1980’s.
They first used it on the Rolex Sea-Dweller, their line of ultra-resistant professional
diving watches, while the rest of their steel watches still used the industry standard 316L.
But over time, they learned that while 316L is corrosion resistant, salt water can still
inch its way into the caseback threads and watchbands of its steel watches, eventually
causing rusting and pitting.
In 2003, they shifted all of their steel watches to 904L – a decision not taken lightly.
Since 904L is tougher and is a very particular type of steel, this meant changing all the
equipment used for their steel watches.
Despite using the 904L steel for decades, the term Oystersteel only started appearing
in 2018, beginning with the new line of GMT Master II watches.
The new GMT Master II Pepsi, and the first ever GMT Master II in Everose and stainless
steel were the first to be presented with Oystersteel as their construction.
A closer look at Rolex’s website reveals that they have quietly replaced the “904L
stainless steel” in their literature.
Since no distinction was made between the two metals, it’s likely that it is now Rolex’s
name for the 904L stainless steel that they use on their watches.
It seems Oystersteel is a trademark name for their in-house metals or their combinations
- just like the Everose, their proprietary rose gold, and Rolesor, their signature combination
of steel and gold in one watch.
So what exactly is Oystersteel?
According to Rolex, it’s a steel superalloy specific to the brand, which belongs to the
904L steel family.
904L is a low-carbon, high alloy stainless steel, with additives of copper, chronium,
nickel and molybdenum.
It also has excellent anti-corrosion properties, that are comparable to those of precious metals.
Moreover, it gives off an exceptional sheen when polished – helping maintain its beauty
even when exposed to elements.
Truly a pioneer in watchmaking, Rolex continues to ensure that essential components of their
watches are top notch and unlike any other – including the now heralded Oystersteel.