Stainless Steel

[Watchnewby]

To my understanding, stainless steel (ss), which is used mainly in watches, is a kind of alloy made up from a couple of elements like iron, nickel, chromium, manganese etc.

I read somewhere that mentioned tegimented steel. Is this a kind of ss?
Is it similiar or different to the process of ice hardening steel?

Currently, I read that ceramics are getting more popular in watch making as it is one of the hardest material in the world. Do you think that the watch making industry will be moving from ss to ceramic in the future?

[chrisyen]

stainless steel is just a general terms... as long as it is not easy to rust than it is stainless steel 

there are international accepted industrial grade...
for watchmaking, many type been used.
cheap one 304
better one use 316
rolex use 904
some brand have their own spec

tegimented is a trademark surface hardened technology owned by SINN
ice hardened is a whole steel hardened technology owned by DAMASKO

ceramic is jus another material.... rado use it long ago... not a 'IN' thing in watch industry
iwc use it.... pam also use it...

many new composite material been invented as well....

i hv seen carbon case, tantalum, titanium, super titanium, titanium grade 5, zalium, hardened aluminium, bronze, alloy......

[Watchnewby]

Thanks for the explanation, chrisyen.
Wow!! I  didn't know there are so many types of ss.

[sshark]

Thanks for the explanation, chrisyen.
Wow!! I  didn't know there are so many types of ss.

Those mentioned are only 3 out of tens of grades used in the industry. Those listed are commonly used in watches. I wonder if the watch makers forge the SS themselves or contract to the foundries.

[brolex]

Thanks for the explanation, chrisyen.
Wow!! I  didn't know there are so many types of ss.

Those mentioned are only 3 out of tens of grades used in the industry. Those listed are commonly used in watches. I wonder if the watch makers forge the SS themselves or contract to the foundries.

Check out this youtube on Rolex's inhouse use of 904L. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UuDJl93Z1g

Lowlex has also been alloying their own gold in-house as well for QC. And I must say, the new solid bracelet links (rather than hollow) are not flimsy at all

[dennis.T]

Higher grade 316 is 316L