Stainless Steel 316L: Why This Material in Watchmaking?

316L stainless steel is a surgical-grade steel, prized in watchmaking for its corrosion resistance, durability and compatibility with the skin. Unlike standard steel, it contains molybdenum, which strengthens its resistance to salt water and humidity, making it a benchmark material for cases meant to be worn every day for years.

A Composition Designed to Last

316L owes its name to its low carbon content, which limits the risk of intergranular corrosion during the polishing or welding of case components. This composition gives it excellent long-term performance, even when exposed to perspiration, water or temperature variations. It is a choice rooted in durability, consistent with the Made in France spirit we champion from our Besançon workshop, where every watch is designed to accompany its owner for the very long term.

A Hypoallergenic Material That's Comfortable to Wear

316L is also known for its low reactivity on contact with skin, considerably reducing the risk of irritation compared to lower-grade steels. This surgical-grade quality, originally developed for medical use, explains why it has become a standard in contemporary watchmaking. It also allows for fine polishing, which highlights the satin or glossy finishes specific to each case shape.

A Common Foundation Across All Our Collections

Whether you wear the round-cased Origine collection, the tonneau-cased Paladin collection, the octagonal-cased Sentinel collection, the square-cased Blacksmith collection or the rectangular-cased Rampart collection, 316L steel forms the common material foundation of our watches. This choice allows each shape to fully express its character, while ensuring the same level of durability across all our pieces.

This demanding material, combined with our two-year warranty, reflects our commitment to offering watches built to last, true to the standards of French watchmaking.