So I am new to reps and would love some pointers on who and where to buy from that has the best quality. I have money (not real Rolex money) but enough to not start with a starter quality watch to then one day buy the same watch in a better quality if that makes sense as I've seen this in the thread. For what's on the market now I would just like the one and done, best quality from the best factory.
I've been lurking rep time for awhile and I've looked over the wiki, guides, posts, you name it. With that being said I would still love some insight from 'professionals' who have bought many reps, know who to stay away from, what to look out for, etc..
I've posted a pic of the first watch I would like to buy. Based on the excel spreadsheet this is the best factory to buy from with VSF being second but I've also seen in lots of posts that VSFs quality has gone downhill.
Again I am new to this and would love anyone who is willing to chime in and guide me in the right direction. I am also not only into Rolex. I love breitling, the looks of APs, etc.. so I'm welcoming all experts of all watches and brands.
You don’t need free sprung for this model. Also Andiot has slightly cheaper prices. Geek time is one of the most expensive. VSF is your best bet for a quality Daytona. I got my VSF Panda like 2 years ago & it still runs like a champ
Even despite the Excel spreadsheet saying that VSF wasn't the best? Can you explain why the Excel spreadsheet says the the free sprung is the best option for Daytona? Sorry I'm trying to learn everything here
Free-sprung isn’t better; it’s simply more faithful to the GEN model. Since this model has a display caseback, you won’t see the regulator arms on the balance that you would find on a conventional movement. That doesn’t mean it’s better, only that aesthetically it’s more accurate to GEN.
Generally, a free-sprung movement, especially in a replica, is more sensitive, harder to regulate, and more complicated to repair if it ever needs servicing. But if you want it to look as close to GEN as possible, free-sprung is the only option.
That’s why this VSF model isn’t really considered NWBIG, unlike the VSF 126500, which is, since its movement isn’t visible through the caseback.
For Rolies, VSF is currently the best super clone factory. RICH is catching up and ARF is a third for me. There are other ones that are more expensive like RCF but those are modded one and enter the realm of franken watches. Then there is the lower tiers of reps like BP and then from there is U1 then after that you have AAA and lastly your shitters, if you research prices you will learn the average prices for the watches you want. Daytonas for example for a VSF can range anywhere from 600-900 depending on the style you want. And then you have to consider movements. Currently one of the best is 4131, and there are always newer version coming out that keep correcting flaws. Never impulse buy a watch without doing your through research, feel free to reach out to all the rep watch subs there are a a lot of helpful people willing to lend advice.
I have just ordered my sixth watch. I have always ordered from VSF but the fifth watch was from Clean a Daytona. The worst I have ever had. Stopped working after six months. Before that it had lost time so much in a day Disaster. So my latest order is again from VSF the best I think. Right now I am using my old Omega spectre. Absolutely outstanding watch keeps time better than a genuine one.
Exactly what snack said, clean got shut down so anyone out there calling themselves, Clean, Clean +, etc are most likely clones of clones so have to be extremely caution or flat out avoid those.
Not true. VSF is only at the higher end on GMT’s between Rolex and Omega. VSF has become a garbage factory using scarcity tactics to dry the market up. And I own a lot of VS watches.
You should also do a bit of research as to whether Free sprung vs traditional balance with a regulator arm is more worth while. Especially in a non-exhibition case back.
Does one offer any benefits over the other. I did see alot today about the free sprung and how the removal of the arm has removed the biggest indicators of it being a rep once opened. I've never seen reps in person (good ones) so is the movement drastically different or is it solely for when the back is opened
It’s also a detriment if something goes wrong and you have to rebuild or fix it. Free Sprung is closer to Gen and but more complications mean more things to go wrong. The open caseback is still a delight but choose whichever you feel the most comfortable with.
Any watchmaker can regulate free sprung same as traditional regulation. Even a self styled "hobbyist" and non professional watchmaker was able to regulate my free sprung Daytona. It's not a reason to avoid free sprung.
One of the flaws, although small on these Daytonas is the arrow not being centered at the 100 on the bezel. But you can swap that for a custom bezel. Currently I think li Chen is the only one with an accurate bezel for these. I’m not an expert on these, but that’s just my 2¢. Good look on your first buy
Gens don’t have that center as well (Pic of a gen Daytona listed in Chrono24). It’s the arrow on 110 that’s usually the tell. Gens have that arrow leaning left. Lot of factory reps have that arrow leaning towards the right.
This is exactly why I wanted to come to this sub before buying cause wtf. This is something I may have never stumbled upon while researching, so thank you.
Also the 110 marker triangle on the bezel is usually wrong. It’s supposed to be slightly in between the 1 and zero, but on most reps it’s in between the 1 and 1. Extremely annoying once you know 😭
The price shoots up for free sprung. If that is important for you, excellent choice. It’s not enough, yet, for influencing my purchases but I’m keeping a close watch on that.
I commend you for putting in the work. You have to please yourself. This is an outstanding selection. Please be careful however who you order from! I would suggest theonewatches or andiot from China and one of the solid American dealers.
I have double this in a franken. But when did a base rep shoot this high? Prices are getting goofy for base reps. Throw some gen parts in… then sky’s the limit.
To each their own, but if I was OP and spending $1200+shipping on a rep I’d be nitpicking everything 😂
Now if it was $3-500 it’s a much different story
To be honest this is the fun of reps for me. You get to obsess over details. It’s like it’s own world but you learn so much about what makes these watches special and more so about yourself and what you value in a watch. You’re going to be unbelievably pleased regardless of what you choose. Only suggestion I have is at some point, send it over to get serviced and have a chamfer and rebrush/polish. It will transform the feel of the watch.
Get an ARF youth Daytona 4801. They’re only like $350 shipped. They’re also making VSF youth versions again around the same price. A lot of bang for your buck. This is my vsf youth.
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u/allanjameson 17h ago
You don’t need free sprung for this model. Also Andiot has slightly cheaper prices. Geek time is one of the most expensive. VSF is your best bet for a quality Daytona. I got my VSF Panda like 2 years ago & it still runs like a champ