What Is the Difference Between 316L and 904L Steel?
Author: Funny Items
Release time: 2026-08-19 19:30:18
View number: 14
Two Grades of Stainless Steel
Most watch cases are made from 316L or 904L stainless steel. Both are excellent, but they have different properties.
316L Stainless Steel
- Grade: Surgical steel
- Corrosion resistance: Excellent
- Hardness: Good
- Cost: Affordable
- Used by: Most watch brands including Funny Items
904L Stainless Steel
- Grade: Superalloy
- Corrosion resistance: Superior especially to acid and salt
- Hardness: Slightly harder
- Cost: 3-5x more expensive than 316L
- Used by: Rolex, some luxury brands
Comparison
| Feature | 316L | 904L |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Superior |
| Hardness | Good | Slightly harder |
| Polish | Good | Higher luster |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive |
| Real-world difference | Minimal for daily wear | |
Does It Matter?
For 99% of people, 316L is perfectly fine. The real-world difference between 316L and 904L is minimal for daily wear. You only notice the difference in extreme conditions like salt water exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Funny Items use 316L or 904L?
Our cases are made from 316L surgical stainless steel, the industry standard for quality watches.