June 2026
Not all stainless steel is created equal — and 904L is the gold standard.
When comparing replica watches, one of the most commonly overlooked details is the type of steel used in the case and bracelet. While most factories use 316L stainless steel, top-tier manufacturers like RICH Factory use 904L stainless steel — the same material Rolex uses in their genuine watches.
904L is an austenitic stainless steel originally developed for the chemical industry. It contains higher levels of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum compared to 316L, giving it superior corrosion resistance. Rolex adopted 904L in the 1980s and has used it exclusively ever since.
| Property | 904L | 316L |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Polishing Result | Warmer, deeper shine | Cooler, standard shine |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes — less nickel leaching | Standard |
| Hardness | Higher | Standard |
| Cost | ~3x more expensive | Standard |
The most noticeable difference is the polished finish. 904L steel polishes to a warmer, whiter shine that closely matches genuine Rolex. On the wrist, a 904L replica feels denser and more premium. The weight difference is subtle but perceptible to experienced collectors.
RICH Factory is one of the few replica factories that uses genuine 904L steel across all its models — Submariner, Daytona, GMT Master II, Datejust, and Explorer. This is one of the reasons they scored 310/340 in the RWI 2026 comparison, beating VSF (302) and Clean Factory.
If you're looking for a replica that feels as close to the real thing as possible, 904L steel is non-negotiable. RICH Factory's commitment to using the same material as Rolex — not a cheaper alternative — is what sets their watches apart from the competition.