Okay folks, this is a short comparison between two of the better 226659 reps available right now. I was on the fence for too long about ordering the VSF, mostly because they couldn’t offer a strap for anyone with wrists larger than 15cm long (or something small anyway). For a leviathan like myself, I needed a larger strap. Clearly the VSF was the best rep around so I put an order in with Trusty (figured I’d sort the strap issue out later) but then VSF ground to a halt. Looking at all other options, it was GMF or the better BP version that were the best available (BP previously had a lower end one that was awful). The BP was priced $100 cheaper so I went with that.
Five days after ordering, I noticed on reddit the 3EF (JVS and whatever other names they used to be called) released their model. Up close on the Intime website the pictures looked more gen-like and it resembled the VSF model. I had to have it and I pulled the trigger. These arrived within 2 days of each other with the BP arriving earlier. I took both for a spin and below are some images and the pros and cons.
Apologies about the photos, it’s hard getting good lighting for decent images with an iPhone. I also have 32 kids to 17 failed marriages (all eyeing off their inheritance in reps and plotting my death so they can get my Noobs), so getting an uninterrupted moment is near impossible. Feel free to PM me for extra shots if needed.
First, the specs as listed on the TD sites I purchased each watch from.
The BP
MOVEMENT: Platinum Plated Asia Clone 3235 Automatic Movement, 25J, 28800bph with Decorated Bridges & Plates like Genuine Rolex Caliber 3235
CASE DIAMETER: 42mm
THICKNESS: 13mm
DIAL COLOR: Black Dial with Dot Markers (With Blue Superlume Applied)
CASE MATERIAL: Solid Stainless Steel 316F
BRACELET: Black OysterFlex Rubber Strap (Anti-Dust Quality) with Single Fold Deployant Buckle
FRONT GLASS: Sapphire Crystal (Same thickness as Genuine) - Etched crown at 6:00 position
CASE BACK: Solid case back (with detailed 750 Gold Hallmarks on the case)
BEZEL: 120 Soft Clicks Bi-directional Ceramic Bezel
CLASP TYPE: Deployant Buckle
DATE INDICATOR: At 3:00 position (Adjusted via the crown) - Correct Date Mag of 2.5X
The 3EF
Movement Asian 3235 super clone automatic movement at 28800vph with working gears, no decoration plate
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date display
Case: 1:1 Solid 316L stainless steel case
Crystal: Scratch-proof sapphire crystal with AR coating
Dial: Superlumed black dial
Bezel: Bi-directional rotating 3D black ceramic bezel
Strap: Black rubber strap
Clasp: New style flip-lock clasp
Water resistance: >50 Meters
Images and comments:
3EF first in all images or left in side by side photos: *note; when I say “more like the gen” this comes from multiple visits to my AD to handle this watch and from images, I don’t own the gen so it’s just my impression. As a Flat-Earther would say “do your own research” ????
Dial
At first the 3EF dial looks less washed out than the BP, but when you have both in your hands it’s not much of a difference. I would say that like the VSF, the Rolex text on the dial is thicker with the 3EF than on the BP.
Bezel
The 3EF wins hands down here. Insert width is the same as the gen and the arrow marker at 12 has the correct height which should go close to the edge. The BP insert has the arrow a little smaller and the width is too narrow. Both have soft clicks but the 3EF has zero back-play
*From playing with multiple YM gens, including the 226659, the bezel does not click like a sub. It’s softer. Only noting this as many complain about the bezel action on YM reps but the gens aren’t tight and loud anyway.
Rehaut
Again, 3EF is the winner here. Not sure why BP use smaller text spaced apart, but this is a huge difference and the 3EF has lettering that's closer to the gen (although a little rough) than the BP.
Crown
Both annoyingly feel super tight when getting near their fixed location (crown upright). I’ve left both to the side as they feel at a safe tightness there. It’s annoying how most reps have this issue. Only a minor issue and both crowns and guards look good. No winner here. Disappointing tie.
Clasp
I was surprised to find the BP clasp is nicer. Clicks solidly and the glidelock, although not butter smooth, is easier for smaller adjustments than the 3EF. Having said that, both sound like a rusty gate when off the wrist and likely need an oil bath.
Strap
This is a toughy, as the BP looks darker and a little cheaper, but it’s harder and less flexible. See how the BP (right) holds its shape better than the 3EF. The 3EF is still good and the rubber has a more matte finish compared to the BP. This is a draw and hard to call but I’m going with the BP because it holds its shape better on the wrist.
Movement
I haven’t opened them up and I’m no watchmaker so there’s better people to talk about movements than me, but the one annoying thing about the BP is that the movement is wound clockwise to set the time, exactly as it should for a 3135, whereas a gen 3235 movement is adjusted by moving the crown anti-clockwise. Makes zero sense having a problematic movement that winds the opposite direction of the gen (they could’ve used a ETA to overcome this instant tell). The 3EF movement is adjusted by winding the same direction as the gen and from everything I’ve read, it’s the same VS3235 as in the VSF version which is a superclone. Watchmakers and modders, feel free to add better information here as I’m the last person to lecture about movements. Oddly though, the rotor noise is quieter on the BP.
Verdict
For me the 3EF is the winner, especially as both are priced at $408. The 3EF is near identical to the gen and although the clasp and strap is better on the BP (especially the clasp), the rehaut and bezel inset on the BP plus the movement make the 3EF better value. Having said that, if you have a BP or GMF rep of this then it’s still a great watch and you really have to look to notice the little differences. I’ve just swapped the straps over and the 3EF on the BP strap is great. Both come with spare straps so I’ll ideally sell the BP at a loss with a 3EF and BP set of straps.
Hope this helps for those on the market for this rep in a post-VSF world.
Five days after ordering, I noticed on reddit the 3EF (JVS and whatever other names they used to be called) released their model. Up close on the Intime website the pictures looked more gen-like and it resembled the VSF model. I had to have it and I pulled the trigger. These arrived within 2 days of each other with the BP arriving earlier. I took both for a spin and below are some images and the pros and cons.
Apologies about the photos, it’s hard getting good lighting for decent images with an iPhone. I also have 32 kids to 17 failed marriages (all eyeing off their inheritance in reps and plotting my death so they can get my Noobs), so getting an uninterrupted moment is near impossible. Feel free to PM me for extra shots if needed.
First, the specs as listed on the TD sites I purchased each watch from.
The BP
MOVEMENT: Platinum Plated Asia Clone 3235 Automatic Movement, 25J, 28800bph with Decorated Bridges & Plates like Genuine Rolex Caliber 3235
CASE DIAMETER: 42mm
THICKNESS: 13mm
DIAL COLOR: Black Dial with Dot Markers (With Blue Superlume Applied)
CASE MATERIAL: Solid Stainless Steel 316F
BRACELET: Black OysterFlex Rubber Strap (Anti-Dust Quality) with Single Fold Deployant Buckle
FRONT GLASS: Sapphire Crystal (Same thickness as Genuine) - Etched crown at 6:00 position
CASE BACK: Solid case back (with detailed 750 Gold Hallmarks on the case)
BEZEL: 120 Soft Clicks Bi-directional Ceramic Bezel
CLASP TYPE: Deployant Buckle
DATE INDICATOR: At 3:00 position (Adjusted via the crown) - Correct Date Mag of 2.5X
The 3EF
Movement Asian 3235 super clone automatic movement at 28800vph with working gears, no decoration plate
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date display
Case: 1:1 Solid 316L stainless steel case
Crystal: Scratch-proof sapphire crystal with AR coating
Dial: Superlumed black dial
Bezel: Bi-directional rotating 3D black ceramic bezel
Strap: Black rubber strap
Clasp: New style flip-lock clasp
Water resistance: >50 Meters
Images and comments:
3EF first in all images or left in side by side photos: *note; when I say “more like the gen” this comes from multiple visits to my AD to handle this watch and from images, I don’t own the gen so it’s just my impression. As a Flat-Earther would say “do your own research” ????
Dial
At first the 3EF dial looks less washed out than the BP, but when you have both in your hands it’s not much of a difference. I would say that like the VSF, the Rolex text on the dial is thicker with the 3EF than on the BP.
Bezel
The 3EF wins hands down here. Insert width is the same as the gen and the arrow marker at 12 has the correct height which should go close to the edge. The BP insert has the arrow a little smaller and the width is too narrow. Both have soft clicks but the 3EF has zero back-play
*From playing with multiple YM gens, including the 226659, the bezel does not click like a sub. It’s softer. Only noting this as many complain about the bezel action on YM reps but the gens aren’t tight and loud anyway.
Rehaut
Again, 3EF is the winner here. Not sure why BP use smaller text spaced apart, but this is a huge difference and the 3EF has lettering that's closer to the gen (although a little rough) than the BP.
Crown
Both annoyingly feel super tight when getting near their fixed location (crown upright). I’ve left both to the side as they feel at a safe tightness there. It’s annoying how most reps have this issue. Only a minor issue and both crowns and guards look good. No winner here. Disappointing tie.
Clasp
I was surprised to find the BP clasp is nicer. Clicks solidly and the glidelock, although not butter smooth, is easier for smaller adjustments than the 3EF. Having said that, both sound like a rusty gate when off the wrist and likely need an oil bath.
Strap
This is a toughy, as the BP looks darker and a little cheaper, but it’s harder and less flexible. See how the BP (right) holds its shape better than the 3EF. The 3EF is still good and the rubber has a more matte finish compared to the BP. This is a draw and hard to call but I’m going with the BP because it holds its shape better on the wrist.
Movement
I haven’t opened them up and I’m no watchmaker so there’s better people to talk about movements than me, but the one annoying thing about the BP is that the movement is wound clockwise to set the time, exactly as it should for a 3135, whereas a gen 3235 movement is adjusted by moving the crown anti-clockwise. Makes zero sense having a problematic movement that winds the opposite direction of the gen (they could’ve used a ETA to overcome this instant tell). The 3EF movement is adjusted by winding the same direction as the gen and from everything I’ve read, it’s the same VS3235 as in the VSF version which is a superclone. Watchmakers and modders, feel free to add better information here as I’m the last person to lecture about movements. Oddly though, the rotor noise is quieter on the BP.
Verdict
For me the 3EF is the winner, especially as both are priced at $408. The 3EF is near identical to the gen and although the clasp and strap is better on the BP (especially the clasp), the rehaut and bezel inset on the BP plus the movement make the 3EF better value. Having said that, if you have a BP or GMF rep of this then it’s still a great watch and you really have to look to notice the little differences. I’ve just swapped the straps over and the 3EF on the BP strap is great. Both come with spare straps so I’ll ideally sell the BP at a loss with a 3EF and BP set of straps.
Hope this helps for those on the market for this rep in a post-VSF world.
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