Author: kevin

The Evolution of Replica Watch Movements: A Five-Year Leap in Quality

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! 🚀

VS Factory Releases Heavyweight Daytona Series – A Strong Competitor in the Super Clone Market

VS Factory Releases Heavyweight Daytona Series – A Strong Competitor in the Super Clone Market

Last week, VS Factory announced the production of a heavyweight version of the 12xxxx series Daytona, now available in seven models—five with rubber straps and two ice-blue Daytona with stainless steel bracelets.

Are these heavyweight Daytona worth it? My answer is yes. This isn’t VS Factory’s first attempt at weighted Rolex replicas. Remember their 42mm Yacht-Master? It remains one of the best-selling super clones, now in its V3 iteration, weighing around 148 grams—extremely close to the genuine piece. As for the new heavyweight Daytona, the rubber-strap models weigh approximately 138 grams (see images below).

A common concern among buyers is whether the case or electroplating will peel over time. VS Factory assures it won’t, and I believe them. Their tungsten-steel Yacht-Master 226659, released years ago, has held up well with no reported peeling issues. Customers have been highly satisfied, so I trust VS has maintained the same quality with these new Daytona.

Before VS, other factories like QF and APS also produced weighted 12xxxx Daytona, and another called Gold Factory attempted it (though it’s unclear if they still do). QF’s version is now at V10, and APS continues refining its models, but both use the Shanghai 4131 movement—a drawback, as Clean Factory has already upgraded to the more reliable Dandong 4131. QF’s Daytona weighs ~155g, while APS’s is ~151g. Both use tungsten steel wrapped in stainless steel, but if poorly crafted, the case may darken or peel over time.

VS’s Daytona weighs ~138g, still ~20g lighter than genuine. However, VS claims the case itself matches the authentic weight, with the difference lying in the strap and buckle. For perfection, you could pair a VS Daytona with a genuine bracelet and buckle.

I’m excited about VS’s new release—it’s a great opportunity to compete with Clean Factory, especially at a similar price point (Clean’s standard Daytona weighs ~108g).

A suggestion for VS: Why not use real gold wrapping (white or yellow) on the case? This would eliminate peeling concerns without a significant cost increase, and enthusiasts would gladly pay extra for such an upgrade.

Below are images of VS’s heavyweightDaytona lineup:

  • Replica Rolex Daytona 126518 (Yellow Gold)



  • Replica Rolex Daytona126519 (Grey)




  • Replica Rolex Daytona 126519 (Diamond Markers)




  • Replica Rolex Daytona (Black Dial, Yellow Gold)




  • Replica Rolex Daytona 126519 (Black Dial)




  • Replica Rolex Daytona 126506 (Ice Blue Dial)




  • Replica Rolex Daytona (Ice Blue, Diamond Markers)




This release solidifies VS Factory’s position as a top contender in the high-quality replica market.

PPF (ZF) Announces Key Upgrades to Two Iconic Models

As a leading manufacturer in the high-end replica space, PPF (operating as ZF) has recently implemented significant refinements to two of their most sought-after timepieces – the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 and Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V. These enhancements further solidify their position in the super clone market.

1. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 – Movement Engraving Upgrade

The latest iteration (still designated as V3) now features:

  • Deeper, more pronounced gold engravings on the movement plates
  • Transition from surface-level printing to authentic 3D engraving
  • Comparison images clearly show the improved depth and craftsmanship

Previous Version Improvements:

  • V2: Implemented functional power reserve
  • V3: Upgraded clasp mechanism

2. Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V – Movement Modification

Key changes in this update include:

  • Repositioned balance wheel (now closer to 8 o’clock)
  • Slightly increased case thickness (11.2mm → 11.5mm)
  • Reversed date adjustment direction (now changes counterclockwise)

Note: While some observers report a bolder date font, this difference appears negligible upon close inspection.

These thoughtful refinements demonstrate PPF’s commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring their replicas remain at the forefront of the market. Collectors can now enjoy even more authentic details in these premium timepieces.

Images below showcase the before-and-after comparisons of these enhancements.

“Original Weight” Replica Rolex Day-Date From CBD Factory

The replica Rolex Day-Date market has become an intense battleground where manufacturers are obsessively competing to produce increasingly heavier versions. Today, we’re examining CBD Factory’s entry into this space, whose primary claim to fame is achieving “Original Weight” – meaning their replicas match the exact heft of genuine Day-Date watches.

Prior to CBD’s emergence, three major players dominated the high-quality Day-Date replica scene: GM, Q, and THB. GM pioneered the weighted replica trend, with their latest iteration tipping the scales at 175 grams. I continue to recommend GM for buyers seeking the best value proposition among these options.

While CBD’s origins remain unclear, industry speculation suggests it’s likely an established factory operating under a new brand name – similar to how Q serves as GM’s premium line for higher-end, more expensive Day-Date replicas. Q’s current flagship model weighs approximately 185 grams and features a 28-link bracelet.

THB, operating under the APS umbrella, takes the weight competition even further. Their Day-Date clocks in at over 190 grams (specifically 193 grams) through the addition of 31 bracelet links – three more than Q’s design. When choosing between Q and THB, I recommend THB for yellow gold models and Q for rose gold versions.

Now focusing on CBD’s offerings: they provide two bracelet length options, with the standard version (pictured below) weighing an impressive 202 grams for stainless steel and 207 grams for gold models. Unlike competitors who add length to increase weight, CBD achieves its mass through thicker bracelet links. The secret lies in their construction – tungsten forms the inner core while 904L stainless steel covers the exterior. Remarkably, despite surpassing THB in weight, CBD manages to undercut them on price while maintaining strong sales performance. Notably, CBD has expanded beyond Day-Date models to include Daytona replicas as well.

 CBD Factory Day-Date: Key Features

  1. “Original Weight” Technology
    • Stainless Steel Model: 202g (matches gen weight)
    • Gold Model: 207g (identical to genuine)
    • How? Uses tungsten inner case/bracelet + 904L steel outer layer
  2. Bracelet Design
    • No cheap link-stuffing – achieves weight through thicker, denser links
    • Standard length (more comfortable than artificially lengthened competitors)
  3. Material Quality
    • 18K gold plating (rose/yellow options) with improved wear resistance
    • Ceramic bezel inserts on some models
  4. Movement
    • Asian clone 3255 movement (decorated to near-gen appearance)
    • 72-hour power reserve (matching genuine)
  5. Where To Buy

Buy it from xwatches.ws