NIU
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Most people care about materials when buying a watch. You probably know stainless steel is durable, but few pay attention to the actual steel grade. In watches, steel type directly defines durability, comfort and stability. Sadly, many sellers use this as a marketing trick to raise prices.
Common Watch Steel Types
There are three main stainless steel grades used in watches:
1.316L Stainless Steel (Mainstream, most mature standard)Used by: ZF Factory Patek Philippe Nautilus, APS Factory Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, GR Factory Vacheron Constantin, VS Factory Omega.
2.904L Stainless Steel (Premium high-end grade)Used by: VS Factory full Rolex steel line, AR Factory full Rolex steel line.
3.316F Stainless Steel (Mass-produced models)Used by: KZ Factory Longines Master Collection, KZ Factory Omega Seamaster.
Is 904L Stainless steel watch really scratch-resistant?
Yes, 904L is often called the king of durability.Hardness test shows: 904L is around 90 HRB, while 316L and 316F are 82–84 HRB.It rarely shows marks from daily light contact – very durable.
What about the cost of 904L?
OK，I’ll be honest: it’s not 100% scratch-proof. It will still scratch against sand, stones or hard metals at the beach.
Besides, 904L is expensive – nearly three times the cost of 316L. Only high-end watches really use 904L, especially Rolex models:VS Factory Submariner, GMT-Master II, Datejust, Daytona; AR Factory Daytona, Submariner; GM Factory Submariner, Yacht-Master; ZZ Factory 114060 No-Date Submariner, base Datejust.
What’s the difference between 316L and 316F?
316L is the most widely used premium steel in top watch factories.316F is basically an easy-cutting version of 316L. Their chemical composition is almost the same.
The only real difference: 316L has higher molybdenum content, so it resists sweat and seawater slightly better than 316F.
Is 316L better than 316F?
Many sellers claim 316F is whiter, brighter and more premium. That’s not true.316F is not better by nature – it’s just easier to polish for a shiny look. Sellers say this just to charge you more.
For daily long-term wear:
Which steel has the best corrosion resistance?
Ranking from best to worst:904L > 316L > 316F
904L has higher nickel, chromium, molybdenum and added copper. It stays stable in seawater, sweat and acidic environments. That’s why it’s perfect for dive watches:Rolex Submariner, Yacht-Master, Sea-Dweller from VS Factory, Clean Factory, AR Factory .
How to buy genuine 316L and 904L Stainless steel watch safely?
Almost every dealer will tell you they use real 316L. If you don’t understand it, they’ll see you as a beginner and overcharge you.
A watch that should cost $500 might be sold for $800.
That’s why I always say: only work with trustworthy dealers with at least 5 years of experience. Long-term business means good reputation. They won’t cheat you, and you may even become long-term friends.
Common Watch Steel Types
There are three main stainless steel grades used in watches:
1.316L Stainless Steel (Mainstream, most mature standard)Used by: ZF Factory Patek Philippe Nautilus, APS Factory Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, GR Factory Vacheron Constantin, VS Factory Omega.
2.904L Stainless Steel (Premium high-end grade)Used by: VS Factory full Rolex steel line, AR Factory full Rolex steel line.
3.316F Stainless Steel (Mass-produced models)Used by: KZ Factory Longines Master Collection, KZ Factory Omega Seamaster.
Is 904L Stainless steel watch really scratch-resistant?
Yes, 904L is often called the king of durability.Hardness test shows: 904L is around 90 HRB, while 316L and 316F are 82–84 HRB.It rarely shows marks from daily light contact – very durable.
What about the cost of 904L?
OK，I’ll be honest: it’s not 100% scratch-proof. It will still scratch against sand, stones or hard metals at the beach.
Besides, 904L is expensive – nearly three times the cost of 316L. Only high-end watches really use 904L, especially Rolex models:VS Factory Submariner, GMT-Master II, Datejust, Daytona; AR Factory Daytona, Submariner; GM Factory Submariner, Yacht-Master; ZZ Factory 114060 No-Date Submariner, base Datejust.
What’s the difference between 316L and 316F?
316L is the most widely used premium steel in top watch factories.316F is basically an easy-cutting version of 316L. Their chemical composition is almost the same.
The only real difference: 316L has higher molybdenum content, so it resists sweat and seawater slightly better than 316F.
Is 316L better than 316F?
Many sellers claim 316F is whiter, brighter and more premium. That’s not true.316F is not better by nature – it’s just easier to polish for a shiny look. Sellers say this just to charge you more.
For daily long-term wear:
- 316F = better for factory production
- 316L = better for wearer experience
Which steel has the best corrosion resistance?
Ranking from best to worst:904L > 316L > 316F
904L has higher nickel, chromium, molybdenum and added copper. It stays stable in seawater, sweat and acidic environments. That’s why it’s perfect for dive watches:Rolex Submariner, Yacht-Master, Sea-Dweller from VS Factory, Clean Factory, AR Factory .
How to buy genuine 316L and 904L Stainless steel watch safely?
Almost every dealer will tell you they use real 316L. If you don’t understand it, they’ll see you as a beginner and overcharge you.
A watch that should cost $500 might be sold for $800.
That’s why I always say: only work with trustworthy dealers with at least 5 years of experience. Long-term business means good reputation. They won’t cheat you, and you may even become long-term friends.