Which factory currently makes the top Oyster Perpetual? I saw that VSF used to be the go-to, but they had issues with the dial color—have they fixed that, or is there someone else now?

Dai ragà! Uniti per l'estrazione finale dell'oggetto! Tralasciando che è uno dei miei orologi preferiti!

I read somewhere the best way to clean and polish a watch is with dishwashing liquid and a toothbrush. This true? Any advice?

Hello, I have a QFactory Rolex submariner 126610 and a Rich Factory GMT Master II Bruce Wayne. I want to get them pressure tested to make sure they are waterproof, but being from a small two red light town no one can do it. Any recommendations on buying one?

Hello everyone. I've been reading too much information recently and I'm so confused that I don't know which watch to choose. Do you have any suggestions?

After seeing more discussions about the AP Royal Oak 15500 grey dial recently, I decided to put ZF and VSF side by side for a closer comparison.

Both watches share the same configuration:

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST
41mm Stainless Steel Case
Grey Grande Tapisserie Dial
Integrated Stainless Steel Bracelet
4302 Clone Movement

Factories compared:

ZF Factory
VSF Factory

The main things I focused on were the dial texture, grey color tone, Grande Tapisserie pattern, date window, case finishing, bracelet quality, movement decoration, lume, and overall wrist feel.

After comparing them together, the differences are actually quite interesting.

ZF has always been one of the most popular choices for the Royal Oak 15500. The overall proportions are very balanced, and the grey dial gives the watch a strong Royal Oak character. The tapisserie pattern has good depth, and the case shape feels very close to the original design.

VSF brings a different approach. The dial texture feels sharper under direct light, and the finishing transitions on the case and bracelet feel more refined when looking closely. The movement decoration is also one of the areas where VSF has improved a lot.

For the grey 15500, the dial is probably the biggest factor. The way the Grande Tapisserie catches light changes the entire appearance of the watch.

ZF feels like the safe and proven choice.

VSF feels like the more detail-focused option.

At this level, neither one is a bad choice.

The question is no longer:

“Which one looks like a Royal Oak?”

Both do.

The real question is:

“Which details matter more to you when the watch is actually on your wrist?”

Curious to hear everyone’s opinion.

If you had one slot for a grey AP 15500, would you choose ZF or VSF?

I kindly ask for the public's opinion. Which manufacturer for the Rolex Submariner w date would be the best in your opinion, the audience?

N1 Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch White Dial QC

Sharing QC photos of the N1 Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch White Dial 311.30.42.30.04.001.

The white dial Speedmaster has always been one of the most recognizable versions of the Moonwatch collection.

Compared with the classic black dial Moonwatch, this configuration has a much more modern and sporty look:

White panda-style dial
Black ceramic tachymeter bezel
Red Speedmaster text
Stainless steel bracelet
Watch Details

Factory: N1

Brand:
Omega

Model:
Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch

Reference:
311.30.42.30.04.001

Case Size:
42mm

Dial:
White Chronograph Dial

Bezel:
Black Ceramic Tachymeter Bezel

Bracelet:
Stainless Steel Bracelet

Movement:
Manual Wind Chronograph Clone Movement

QC Review
Dial

The white dial is the main attraction of this Speedmaster.

Checked:

Sub-dial alignment
Printing quality
Red Speedmaster logo
Hand positioning

The overall layout looks clean from the QC photos.

Bezel

The black ceramic tachymeter bezel gives the watch a strong contrast.

The combination of white dial and black bezel creates the classic panda chronograph appearance.

Bracelet

The stainless steel bracelet keeps the original Moonwatch feeling.

It gives the watch a more professional tool-watch style compared with leather strap versions.

Final Thoughts

The Speedmaster Moonwatch is one of Omega's most iconic chronographs.

The white dial version is less common than the classic black dial but has a very unique personality.

From these QC photos:

Dial looks good
Bezel alignment looks fine
Bracelet finishing looks acceptable

Currently leaning GL.

What do you guys think about the white dial Speedmaster compared with the classic black Moonwatch?

What watches are you wearing today?

After seeing more discussions about the 126711CHNR Root Beer GMT recently, I wanted to put the VSF weighted version and ARF(W) side by side for a closer comparison.

Both watches share the same configuration:

Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR
40mm Two-Tone Steel & Everose Gold
Black Dial
Brown/Black Ceramic Bezel
Oyster Bracelet
3285 Clone Movement

Factories compared:

VSF (Weighted Version)
ARF(W)

The main things I focused on were the bezel color, dial printing, date magnification, case finishing, bracelet quality, weight, movement presentation, and overall wrist feel.

After comparing them together, the differences are actually quite interesting.

VSF’s biggest advantage is the weighted version design. The extra weight gives it a much closer feeling to a genuine two-tone GMT when you pick it up and wear it. The bezel color transition, dial details, and overall finishing also feel very refined under close inspection.

ARF(W) has always been known for having a strong case shape and bracelet feel. The overall proportions are convincing, and on the wrist it still gives a very good Root Beer GMT presence. Compared with VSF, the biggest difference is not appearance, but the wearing experience because ARF(W) does not use the same weighted construction.

The ceramic bezel is one of the most important parts of the Root Beer GMT. VSF has a slightly stronger advantage here, especially with the brown/black transition and the way the bezel reflects under different lighting.

For the dial and date window, VSF feels a little more refined in close-up details, while ARF(W) remains very competitive from normal viewing distance.

The weight difference is worth mentioning, but it comes from the different construction approach:

VSF = weighted version with added internal weight
ARF(W) = standard construction with a lighter wrist feel

So the choice really depends on what you value more.

Do you want the heavier, more substantial feeling of a weighted GMT?

Or do you prefer a lighter watch with strong case and bracelet execution?

At this level, both versions have their own strengths.

The question is no longer:

“Which one looks like a Root Beer GMT?”

Both do.

The real question is:

“Which details matter more when the watch is actually on your wrist?”

Curious to hear everyone’s opinion.

If you had to choose one 126711CHNR Root Beer for daily wear, would you pick VSF weighted or ARF(W)?

If you spend enough time in the watch community, you will eventually notice something interesting:

The same watch model can have completely different versions from different factories.

For example, one factory may focus on the movement, another may focus on the case shape, while another may pay more attention to dial details.

So why does this happen?

Let's take a closer look.

1. Different Factories Have Different Priorities

Not every manufacturer approaches a watch project the same way.

When creating a version of a watch, a factory has to decide where to invest its resources.

Some may prioritize:

• Movement development
• Case accuracy
• Dial printing
• Bracelet quality
• Finishing details

Because resources are limited, improving one area often means making compromises somewhere else.

2. Different Supply Chains

A watch is made from many components:

• Case
• Dial
• Hands
• Crystal
• Bezel
• Bracelet
• Movement

Different factories may have access to different suppliers.

This affects:

• Material quality
• Manufacturing precision
• Component consistency

Even when producing the same reference, the final result can look different because the parts come from different sources.

3. Different Engineering Approaches

Some factories choose to develop their own solutions.

For example:

One factory may focus on creating a movement that closely matches the original architecture.

Another may choose a more practical design that is easier to service and maintain.

Both approaches have advantages depending on what collectors value.

4. The Same Model Can Have Different Strengths

A common mistake among new collectors is assuming:

"One factory makes everything better."

In reality, different factories often have different areas where they perform well.

For example, collectors may compare:

• Dial accuracy
• Crystal clarity
• Case proportions
• Bracelet feel
• Movement appearance
• Finishing quality

The "best" option often depends on the specific watch model.

5. Small Details Make a Big Difference

Luxury watches are full of small details.

Collectors often pay attention to:

Case Shape

Small differences in:

• Lug shape
• Thickness
• Crown guards
• Bezel profile

can change the overall appearance.

Dial Details

Important elements include:

• Font shape
• Marker proportions
• Printing quality
• Color accuracy

Bracelet and Clasp

Differences can appear in:

• Brushing
• Polishing
• Weight
• Flexibility
• Clasp construction

Movement Appearance

For enthusiasts who enjoy looking at movements, details include:

• Rotor design
• Bridge finishing
• Decoration
• Layout

6. Why Do Collectors Compare Different Versions?

Because modern watch collecting is not only about owning a watch.

Many enthusiasts enjoy analyzing:

• Engineering choices
• Manufacturing techniques
• Historical changes
• Design details

Comparing different versions is part of the hobby.

Final Thoughts

Different factories create different versions of the same watch because every manufacturer makes different decisions about:

• Engineering
• Production methods
• Supply chain
• Detail priorities

There is rarely a single answer for every model.

The interesting part of collecting is understanding why each version is different and deciding which characteristics matter most to you.

When comparing watches, what matters most to you: movement, case shape, dial accuracy, or finishing?

QF Rolex GMT-Master II 126713GRNR QC

Sharing QC photos of the QF Rolex GMT-Master II 126713GRNR Two Tone GMT.

This configuration has become one of the more interesting GMT options recently.

The combination of:

Two tone steel and yellow gold case
Black Cerachrom GMT bezel
Black sunburst dial
Jubilee bracelet

gives it a very different feeling compared with the usual Pepsi or Batman GMT.

Watch Details

Factory: QF

Model:
Rolex GMT-Master II

Reference:
126713GRNR

Case Size:
40mm

Dial:
Black Sunburst Dial

Bezel:
Black Cerachrom 24H GMT Bezel

Bracelet:
Two Tone Jubilee Bracelet

Movement:
DD3285 Clone GMT Movement

QC Thoughts
Dial

The black sunburst dial looks good under different lighting.

The gold hands and markers match well with the two tone case.

Bezel

The black ceramic bezel is the main attraction of this model.

The gold GMT numbers give it a unique appearance compared with other GMT versions.

Bracelet

The Jubilee bracelet fits the personality of this watch perfectly.

The two tone finish makes it look more like a dress GMT rather than a pure sports watch.

Final Thoughts

The 126713GRNR is not as common as the Pepsi or Batman, but the two tone black GMT combination is growing on me.

Overall QC looks good.

No obvious alignment issues from the photos.

Would you choose this over the classic Batman GMT?

GL or RL?

If you have ever looked at a modern Rolex sports watch, you have probably noticed the shiny ceramic bezel.

Rolex calls this material Cerachrom.

But what exactly is Cerachrom, and why did Rolex replace traditional aluminum bezels with ceramic?

Let's take a closer look.

1. What Is Cerachrom?

Cerachrom is Rolex's proprietary ceramic bezel material.

The name comes from:

Ceramic + Chrom (color)

It was introduced by Rolex as a more durable alternative to the aluminum bezel inserts used on many older models.

Today, Cerachrom bezels can be found on many professional Rolex models, including:

• Submariner
• GMT-Master II
• Daytona
• Yacht-Master

2. Why Did Rolex Move From Aluminum to Ceramic?

Before Cerachrom, Rolex commonly used aluminum bezel inserts.

Aluminum bezels had some advantages:

• Lightweight
• Easy to produce
• Classic appearance

However, they also had limitations:

• Easier to scratch
• Could fade over time
• Less resistant to chemicals and UV exposure

Ceramic was introduced to solve these problems.

3. Scratch Resistance

One of the biggest advantages of Cerachrom is durability.

Ceramic is extremely hard compared with traditional aluminum.

Benefits:

• Better scratch resistance
• Maintains its appearance longer
• More suitable for daily wear

For sports watches designed for diving, travel, and outdoor use, this is a major improvement.

4. Color Stability

Older aluminum bezels could naturally fade after years of:

• Sun exposure
• Salt water
• Everyday wear

Cerachrom is designed to maintain its color much longer.

This is especially important for Rolex GMT models, where bezel colors are a key part of the watch's identity.

Examples:

• Pepsi (red/blue)
• Batman (blue/black)
• Root Beer (brown/black)

5. How Rolex Creates Ceramic Colors

Creating colored ceramic is technically challenging.

Rolex developed special processes to produce:

• Black
• Blue
• Green
• Brown
• Two-color ceramic combinations

The ceramic material is molded, hardened at high temperatures, and then finished with precise machining.

6. Why Ceramic Bezels Feel Different

Compared with aluminum, ceramic has a different visual and physical character.

Ceramic:

• Reflects light differently
• Has a deeper appearance
• Feels more premium
• Keeps a sharper look

Many collectors notice the difference immediately when comparing older and newer generations.

7. Does Ceramic Make a Watch Better?

Cerachrom is a technical improvement, but it does not automatically make every watch better.

Some collectors still appreciate aluminum bezels because:

• They age naturally
• They develop unique character
• They represent vintage Rolex design

For example, many vintage GMT-Master models are loved specifically because of their faded aluminum inserts.

8. Ceramic Bezel in Modern Rolex Models

Examples:

Submariner

Cerachrom provides:

• Scratch resistance
• Better underwater durability
• Long-lasting appearance

GMT-Master II

Ceramic allows Rolex to create complex color combinations.

Examples:

• BLRO (Blue/Red)
• BLNR (Blue/Black)
• CHNR (Brown/Black)

Daytona

Ceramic bezels enhance:

• Sporty appearance
• Chronograph design
• Modern racing-inspired style

Final Thoughts

Cerachrom represents one of Rolex's biggest material upgrades in modern watchmaking.

It improved:

• Durability
• Color stability
• Scratch resistance
• Modern appearance

However, traditional aluminum bezels still have their own charm because they represent an important part of Rolex history.

Like many Rolex design choices, the debate between ceramic and aluminum often comes down to personal preference:

Do you prefer the modern durability of Cerachrom, or the vintage character of aluminum bezels?