Reps using 904L steel?

[Slash 0]

Hi guys, so I was having a flick through aootime and there reps of the Rolex sea dweller.And I came across this: http://www.aootime01.com/Replica-Rolex-Sea-Dweller-2017-Baselworld-126600-ARF-904L-SS-Case-and-Bracelet-A2824-65735.html It claims to use 904L stainless steel. Now when I first joined the forum I read the top 10 lies about replica watches thread and it said no rep uses 904L. But since then has there been kind of some innovation? I don’t see why why one of our TD would lie about such a thing. Any help to clear up the confusion would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance 

[Rokerite 2,441]

Some reps are 904L steel now. Don't know if it is much different to 316 as haven't had personal experience.

[NDJ 19]

I severely doubt anyone is using 904L steel for replicas. I can't see any reason why they would seeing as they would need to retool at great expense only to produce products that are hard to machine but look exactly the same as 316L/316F!

904L stainless steel has a higher Rockwell hardness than 316L or 316F stainless steel and as a result does not machine as easily. Rolex had to design its own tools to work with 904L and they use a 250 ton press to stamp the initial cases. Do you really  think Replica manufacturers would want to invest in a 250 ton press?

You can believe Rolex when they say they use 904, but there is a reason why they are the only manufacturer that does so; ie. there's no point, as no one can tell the difference just by eye.

As to why would they (the TDs) lie? Maybe they genuinely don't mean to mislead, but are lied to by the manufacturers. I know for a fact that some reps sold by TDs supposedly with Swiss ETA 2836 movements actually have Seagull movements when you take off the caseback to check.

[tripdog123 37]

 

 

[tonyh7 225]

Suppose you had one of these. How could you tell if it really was 940L steel? 

[TimePeace 0]

Yes, the new ARFs use 904 Steel. Someone over at rwi has a test thingy magingy and confirmed it. 

[Slash 0]

@TimePeace Hmm that’s  interesting to know 

[Wriggles 12]

There's an old adage....a fool and his money....

[mech500 0]

Yes ARF is using 904L.

 

Chinese 904L ain’t gonna have the precise purity as Rolex 904L.

 

Also, gen finishing technique and quality will always be superior to rep.

 

Having said that ARF have done an amazing job.

 

I actually think ARF 126600 bracelet looks better than any of my used gens. No kidding. Lol. I prefer the lustre on the ARF over used gen.

 

 

Maybe gen looks a little whiter? Idk? All I know is that I love the ARF bracelet.

Gen hulk (top), ARF (bottom)

 

ARF 126600 (right), Gen 116610 (left):

 

When RWI is back online, I was planning on doing a gen vs rep 904L review using ARF, Noob vs gen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[stsm 0]

Hey mech,

how do you feel about the ARF SD? I ordered mine already, but since RWI is down, I cant really find alot of information about it.

How does the bezel turn? Is it somewhat gen like? How is the clasp of the bracelet doing? I had a Pelagos V6 such called "superrep", the clasp was really cheaply made :/

[BadPickle 2,738]

From the 904L gentleman’s outfitters 

 

[mech500 0]

Hey mech,
how do you feel about the ARF SD? I ordered mine already, but since RWI is down, I cant really find alot of information about it.
How does the bezel turn? Is it somewhat gen like? How is the clasp of the bracelet doing? I had a Pelagos V6 such called "superrep", the clasp was really cheaply made :/

I haven’t tried the Pelagos Rep but the ARF quality is spot-on. Bracelet and clasp (in particular) is excellent. You will love it. Bezel operation is solid, not as good as gen but acceptable.

I have access to a gen SD43K and will do a gen vs rep review when RWI is back on-line. In summary, i love the rep only wish they could match (at least) TCKH LV hands and hour surrounds shape/quality.

Gen SD43K:

[mech500 0]

From the 904L gentleman’s outfitters 
 

Lol. It ain’t too shabby for a fake Rolex

[stsm 0]

Thanks for the info mech.

Cant wait to receive it

I'm also looking forward to your 1:1 comparison. I Hope RWI is back soon.. ! 

Did you also try to waterproof it already? So far I got all my diving reps without much effort to 10 ATM (Noob v7, Sinn U2)

 

[GingerApple 7,273]

Honestly guys, an experienced member of RWI is linked to the metal industry and so had one of his bracelet links tested and it is unquestionably 904L. It's only ARF factory doing it so far, but it's doing it on all its latest watches, the Daytonas, the sea dweller etc. They look amazing in the flesh. You RWG guys need to get on them.

[McGilli 1]

@mech500 Too bad you're waiting for RWI - This site could use some more really nice reviews/comparisons.

[k4jun 251]

1 hour ago, McGilli said:

@mech500 Too bad you're waiting for RWI - This site could use some more really nice reviews/comparisons.

+1

@mech500 pls go ahead and post in general Rolex section. I know your reviews are good stuff so we shouldn't be waiting for it !

[Jonj480 0]

The ARF bracelets are really in a class by themselves, the gen, obviously excluded.  It is a difference that is obvious when you have the two of them in hand, and when you brush and polish one, it is glaringly obvious.  As was mentioned above, it is harder than 316, so the finish will last longer and keeps that “white” color longer as well.  It is also heavier.  It is really easy to knock the extra cost and wonder why it is worth it if you haven’t had one in your hand yet, however, once you see how nice they are, you will not want a 316 rep of a Rolex again...

[reppy 0]

I don't really care if it's 904L steel if they still can't get some basic things like shape and recess of the SELs right.

I'd rather have an accurate 316 steel rep than an inaccurate 904L rep. No question.

 

[ayylmao123 0]

50 minutes ago, reppy said:

I don't really care if it's 904L steel if they still can't get some basic things like shape and recess of the SELs right.

I'd rather have an accurate 316 steel rep than an inaccurate 904L rep. No question.

 

Or get both and swap the bracelets and tinker with the leftovers

[jamesezra 0]

Here’s one on 904. Looks and feels different from 316. Perhaps it’s psychological but I’m enjoying it lots.

[Technit1957 0]

It seems that they are using 904L stainless. I bought the new ARG 116500. Are there ways to tell the difference between 316L and 904L without equipment,?

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[McGilli 1]

3 hours ago, jamesezra said:

Here’s one on 904. Looks and feels different from 316. Perhaps it’s psychological but I’m enjoying it lots.

That's a sexy watch - no matter what metal was used to create it.

[jamesezra 0]

6 minutes ago, McGilli said:

That's a sexy watch - no matter what metal was used to create it.

thanks buddy! mesmerised by it currently. 

[Ross29 0]

All you'd have to do is compare it with your other 316 models and you'll see the difference. Some people can't,  I get that, but for those who can see the difference, it's the one thing I notice out in the wild. If it's lacking that "luster" I always assume rep. Who cares about the gen dial and crown at that point.