{"id":2446,"date":"2018-11-09T14:07:25","date_gmt":"2018-11-09T14:07:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swisswatchexpo.com\/TheWatchClub\/?p=2446"},"modified":"2025-05-28T21:24:42","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T21:24:42","slug":"2446","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swisswatchexpo.com\/thewatchclub\/2018\/11\/09\/what-is-the-rolex-oystersteel\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Rolex Oystersteel?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Stainless steel is the choice material for most watches because of their notable corrosion resistance \u2013 quite vital with sweat and moisture always coming in contact with your watch.<\/p>\n

Most watches today use a stainless steel graded 316L. But, Rolex being Rolex, the company\u00a0uses\u00a0a unique blend of high-quality 904L stainless steel made by their in-house foundry. Just recently, it has been baptized as the\u00a0Oystersteel.<\/em><\/p>\n

So now there\u2019s stainless steel\u2026 and then there\u2019s Rolex Oystersteel. Here are some facts about the proprietary alloy:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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1. Rolex has been using 904L stainless steel since the 1980\u2019s.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Rolex first started using the 904L steel for the Rolex Sea-Dweller<\/a>, their line of ultra-resistant professional diving\u00a0watches. The rest of their steel watches still used the industry standard 316L.<\/p>\n

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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\u00a0steel watches, eventually causing rusting and pitting<\/p>\n

In 2003, they shifted all of their steel watches to 904L \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Rolex Sea-Dweller<\/a> was the first line to use 904L stainless steel,\u00a0among Rolex\u00a0watches.\u00a0<\/strong>pictured: Rolex Sea-Dweller<\/a> Deepsea Ceramic Bezel Steel Mens Watch<\/em><\/div>\n
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2. \u201cOystersteel\u201d started appearing in Baselworld 2018.<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The term Oystersteel only started appearing this year, beginning with the new line of GMT Master II watches. A closer look at Rolex\u2019s website reveals that they have quietly replaced the \u201c904L stainless steel\u201d in their literature<\/p>\n

Since no distinction was made between the two metals, it\u2019s likely that it is now Rolex\u2019s name for the 904L stainless steel that they use on their watches. A\u00a0trademark name for their in-house metals or their combinations, just like\u00a0Everose (rose gold)\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0Rolesor (half-steel, half gold)<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Oystersteel joins Rolex’s patented names for its metals, like the Everose and Rolesor.<\/strong>
\npictured: Rolex Datejust 36 Steel Yellow Gold White Arabic Dial Mens Watch<\/em><\/div>\n
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3. Oystersteel is a steel superalloy specific to Rolex, which belongs to the 904L steel family.<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

So what exactly makes 904L different from traditional steel?<\/p>\n

904L is a low-carbon, high alloy stainless steel, with additives of copper, chronium, nickel and molybdenum. Most commonly used in the aerospace and chemical industries, 904L has excellent anti-corrosion properties, that are comparable to those of precious metals.<\/p>\n

It also gives off an exceptional sheen when polished \u2013 helping maintain its beauty even when exposed to elements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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SEE MORE OF THE WATCHES IN OUR VIDEO:<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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