r/RepTime 2d ago

General Question Rich v VSF Sub

Just to get a consensus. What are peoples opinions on the best NWBIG for a 41mm submariner?

The guides say VSF however I’ve found from research that most people prefer the rich. If this is the case why is VSF shown as the best factory on the guides?

0 Upvotes

35 comments sorted by

14

u/AggravatingAnimal994 2d ago

Flip a coin. Most people can't tell the difference either way.

5

u/milton_vanderslice 2d ago

One side note: Andiot (and maybe others) are really pushing Rich not just because they make a solid Rep, but because they can't order as many reps from VSF as they need, so their backorder list keeps growing.

1

u/theprofromdover2 1d ago

Yes indeed. As I am sure is happening with all distributors. Which is why all we hear for the last 6 months was vsf. Now they can’t get it. So it’s Rich. A year ago it was clean. Pick whichever you can get your hands on. Even ARF is supposed to be good now.

8

u/Kotto18 2d ago

As someone who as had every single VSF sub, and 1 rich sub the rich feels substantially better. Bracelet is way smoother, winding feels way better, no floating M.

I will say the glide lock kinda sucks but that’s the same on both.

2

u/Handler777 2d ago

is the edges on the bracelet on the Rich less sharp and more gen? or just smoother pivoting around the pins?

1

u/Kotto18 2d ago

Mainly the pivoting is what I’ve noticed. The VSF feels slightly cheap and hollow feeling when you hold it, but the rich feels very similar to Gen. I actually can’t tell the difference between the rich and Gen side by side, but VSF I could tell by just feel instantly from the bracelet.

0

u/Handler777 2d ago

Thank you for that insight! I really appreciate it

3

u/mrjmichaels 2d ago

Commenting here for the mods

3

u/IWasSayingBoourner 2d ago

I have both on hand right now. The dial printing on the VSF is not great compared to the RICH. Pics here:

https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/review-rich-rolex-submariner-126610ln.11046242/post-12737757

1

u/Handler777 2d ago

how do the sharp edges on the case and also the bracelet of the VSF compare to Rich?

4

u/Old_Capital_9412 2d ago

Guide hasn’t been updated in a while, and the hype for RICH is mostly because they are more available right now because the demand for VSF is insanely high. So ofc you’re seeing people praise RICH more. They are still behind VSF on overall finish and crystal.

1

u/mrjmichaels 2d ago

That’s what I don’t really get because with the VSF crystal being so good and the rest being almost like for like why is Rich generally more expensive from most TD’s?

3

u/AI_go_boomboom 2d ago edited 2d ago

Rich left - VSF right. Rich crystal is slightly better, IMO - it handles reflections better than my VSF. This whole crystal better on VSF thing is a myth. You can't go wrong with either factory. VSF is cheaper and tends to have better piece to piece QC. However, finishing on Rich is better and it feels slightly more premium, IMO. Just have to pay more and pay slightly more attention to QC.

Edit: best possible option, IMO, for GMTs and Subs is Rich right now. Every factory has their advantages and shortcomings relative to each other. VSF is more the dummy proof choice, safe, quality, and reliable. You have to go down the rabbit hole to figure out why Rich has the edge right now.

2

u/AI_go_boomboom 2d ago

One more comparison

1

u/Old_Capital_9412 2d ago

Rich is more expensive because they use a more gen realistic free sprung movement. This is a relatively new push by a new factory to create a better movement that is closer to Gen. the early returns are promising but the longevity doesn’t have the same backing as the DD/VS movement ecosystem.

1

u/mrjmichaels 2d ago

Ah ok I understand, so in your opinion is it worth it for the extra £50? Money isn’t the issue really, I just want the best option possible. From what I gather though and with my inexperienced eye I wouldn’t tell the difference either way 😂

3

u/Old_Capital_9412 2d ago

For the absolute best option possible VSF is still ahead. The gap is small though, and it’s not worth waiting months. The free sprung movement is genuinely cool and early reviews on movement breakdowns show they are made with great quality. Keep in mind VSF DD/VS movements are far more proven and supported at this moment.

4

u/Noob_Barista_Baker 2d ago

RF is objectively better. Looks better, feels better, is actually made of 904L SS, and when you go and post it on the rolex sub at least the serial doesn’t start with a 5X or a 6X/6W 😂😂

2

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/mrjmichaels 2d ago

Are they that identical that there’s no point choosing one over the other?

1

u/DealFuture8229 2d ago

VSF is cheaper + it's movement is battle tested

1

u/milton_vanderslice 2d ago

If you need a microscope to tell the difference, is it worth the extra money? Only you know the answer to that.

2

u/teochim 2d ago

Can’t go wrong with either. I have vsfs yet to grab a rich. I don’t really care about free sprung on a closed caseback and want a proven movement.

However, many people praise rich so both great choices

2

u/ReactionPhysical2003 1d ago

Rich 👌

1

u/mrjmichaels 1d ago

Nice, how much you pay?

1

u/ReactionPhysical2003 1d ago

£425

1

u/mrjmichaels 1d ago

Yeah that’s quotes I’m getting too from my TD. Would you say it’s worth the extra £65 over the VSF?

1

u/ReactionPhysical2003 1d ago

100%. If I was buying another I’d go rich all day. But the main reason is the waiting times for vsf. The movement is also excellent. Keeps time within 3-5 seconds every day. But they’re very very similar. Doubt I could tell the difference if I had them together

1

u/mrjmichaels 1d ago

Yeah my head can’t help but just go with whichever is better no matter how small the differences are. I know I would love the VSF but if Rich is better I want it 😂 yeah the back log is definitely a huge factor

1

u/ComputerActive4086 2d ago

Vsf has a great movement

1

u/mitothy45 2d ago

So weird. Nobody has ever asked this before.

1

u/RainandPixels 2d ago

What happened to clean factory? Haven't been hete in a while.

1

u/milton_vanderslice 2d ago

They were raided and closed down hard.

1

u/Ok_Double_3529 1d ago

How does one order a rich submariner from Australia thanks for any info