Category: Omega

VS Factory’s Latest Seamaster 300M “No Time to Die” V4 – Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Two weeks ago, VS Factory released the V4 edition of their Omega Seamaster 300M “No Time to Die” (NTTD) replica, claiming it to be the ultimate version—now featuring their newly developed super clone 8806 movement. This model has always been highly sought after, much like the Seamaster Spectre edition.

Evolution of the Replica: V1 to V4

  • V1 (Original Release) – Stainless steel case, basic movement.
  • V2 – Upgraded to a titanium case, but retained a stainless steel mesh bracelet.
  • V3 – Introduced a full titanium bracelet, matching the gen’s construction.
  • V4 (Latest) – Still full titanium, but now with a new super clone 8806 movement (not based on the Sea-Gull 2824).

Note: Some dealers advertise this as V5 or V6, but these are just marketing terms—VS Factory officially only goes up to V4.

Current Market Availability

  • V3 is discontinued.
  • Available versions:
    • V2 – Titanium case + steel bracelet (more durable finish).
    • V4 – Full titanium (case & bracelet), weighing ~96.9g (4g lighter than gen).

Movement Breakdown

  • The V4’s super clone 8806 is not just a decorated 2824—it’s a newly engineered movement.
  • However, it’s not 100% identical to the genuine Omega 8806—the balance wheel differs upon close inspection.
  • Unlike Dandong’s 3135/3235 or APS’s 3120 (which have interchangeable parts with gen), this 8806 clone is more like VS’s 8500/P.9000 movements—good, but not perfect.

Should You Buy the V4?

Since the NTTD has a solid caseback, the movement differences are hidden. This raises the question: Is the V4 worth the extra cost?

  • V2 Pros:
    • Proven reliability (Sea-Gull 2824-based movement, tested for years).
    • Steel bracelet has better finishing than V4’s titanium.
    • More affordable.
  • V4 Pros:
    • Closer to gen in weight & materials (full titanium).
    • New movement design (not just a decorated 2824).

Final Verdict

For most buyers, the V2 remains the smarter choice—it’s cheaper, durable, and stable. The V4 is the most “gen-like” yet, but unless you really want the latest movement, the V2 is still an excellent pick.

Would you go for the tried-and-tested V2 or the cutting-edge V4?

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! 🚀