L stainless steel: whats all the excitement about?
If a movement complication is the heart of a XOSKELETON® timepiece, then 904L stainless steel is the soul. Every single XOSKELETON® watchcase and “O” ring is made from a solid block of 904L steel. We mix the ingredients for 904L steel to international standards in the foundry. The liquid metal is poured into rectangular molds and quickly cooled. The solid blocks of 904L steel are mounted in a CNC (Computer Numerical Control), machine where metal is meticulously carved away, forming and shaping the watchcase to precise measurements, within .0001 of an inch. 904L is a non-stabilized, low-carbon, high-alloy austenitic stainless steel. 904L contains substantial quantities of the high-cost ingredients nickel and molybdenum. One ton of 904L stainless steel costs close to $40,000 USD, compared to $10,000 USD for one ton of 316L stainless steel. Originally developed for resistance to sulfuric acid, 904L is highly resistant to a range of harsh environments. A PRE of 35 indicates that the materi
