Over the past five years, the replica watch industry has made tremendous progress in materials, finishing, and—most importantly—movement reliability. Unlike the unreliable calibers used a decade ago, today’s super clones feature highly refined mechanisms, thanks to advancements from China’s top movement factories: Dandong, Shanghai, and Hangzhou.
Let’s break down the best (and worst) movements in today’s market.
1. Dandong Movements – The Gold Standard
Dandong has developed some of the most stable and sought-after movements in replicas, including:
✅ Dandong 4130 (Best Chronograph Movement)
- Originally used by Noob Factory, now adopted by Clean, VS, BT, and New Noob.
- Most reliable chronograph in replicas—durable, accurate, and smooth.
- Powers Daytona models from top factories.
✅ Dandong 4131 (The New Benchmark)
- Used by VS & Clean in their latest Daytonas.
- An upgraded version of the 4130, maintaining the same stability.
✅ Dandong 3235 (Exclusive to VS Factory)
- Also called “VS 3235” or “Custom VS 3235”.
- Found in VS Datejust, Submariner 41mm, Yacht-Master, Sea-Dweller, and Oyster Perpetual.
- 72-hour power reserve—best clone 3235 on the market.
❌ Avoid: Dandong 938 & 925
- 938 (JLC Master Ultra Thin Q1372520) – Prone to failure (used by AZ & ZF).
- 925 (JLC Moon Phase 1368430) – Less stable than a Dandong 7750 (used by APS & ZF).
✅ SL6000 (IWC Portuguese 7 Days & Big Pilot)
- Used by ZF & AZ, offers 50+ hours power reserve.
- Highly recommended for IWC fans.
✅ VS Factory’s 8500 & 8900 (Omega Replicas)
- Powers VS’s Omega Seamaster 150m & 600m—key to their global reputation.
✅ P.9000 (Panerai Exclusive by VS)
- Alongside the 8500, this movement helped establish VS as a top-tier factory.
2. Shanghai Movements – A Mixed Bag
✅ SH3135 (Second Generation – Reliable)
- Improved stability, comparable to Dandong 3135.
- Used in older Submariner 40mm models.
🟡 SH3235 (Decent, But Not the Best)
- Used by Clean in Datejust, Submariner 41mm, and Sea-Dweller.
- 45-hour power reserve (weaker than VS’s Dandong 3235).
- Recommendation: If buying a Clean Submariner, go for the 40mm (Dandong 3135) instead.
❌ Shanghai 7750 (Unstable Chronograph)
- Found in some IWC Portuguese Chrono replicas (ZF used to mix it with Dandong 7750).
- Avoid if possible—higher failure rate.
3. Hangzhou Movements – Underrated Gems
✅ Hangzhou 72A0 (Modified to Clone Rolex 3235)
- Used by EWE Factory in Datejust & Yacht-Master.
- 60-hour power reserve—excellent performance.
- Also powers ZF’s Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.
Final Thoughts: Which Movement Should You Choose?
- Best Chronograph? → Dandong 4130/4131 (Daytona).
- Best Time-Only? → Dandong 3235 (VS Factory).
- Best Budget Option? → SH3135 (for older Rolex models).
- Avoid? → Dandong 938, 925, and Shanghai 7750.
The replica watch industry has evolved dramatically, with movements now rivaling genuine Swiss mechanisms in reliability. Whether you’re buying a Daytona, Submariner, or Omega, choosing the right movement is key to long-term satisfaction.
Would you like recommendations for specific models? Let me know! 🚀