ARF 16610 LV Submariner 904L Kermit photo review

[KJ2020]

Oh I thought they where priced similar to a 6 digit crystal (I always change those due to the black hole effect lacking in rep)

thanks for the feedback, better find myself a gen crystal then

TBH if it were me I would put the 6 digit crystal on a 5 digit watch. Gen 5 digit crystals are much less satisfying since the advent of AR on Rolex crystals. I am going to put a B25-295-car-c1 on my gen 16710 at some point.

 

[tom86]

TBH if it were me I would put the 6 digit crystal on a 5 digit watch. Gen 5 digit crystals are much less satisfying since the advent of AR on Rolex crystals. I am going to put a B25-295-car-c1 on my gen 16710 at some point.

Was reading on the "gen forum" that AD's in many cases changed the 16610 non-AR crystals to AR ones during servicing or repair. It does take away from the authenticity of the watch, but it is sure a nice upgrade. Especially with the fact that from 2010 late V-serial and random serial 16610's were sold new with AR cyclops. Makes it a truly modern classic.

Btw, what is the reference nr. for a gen crystal with LEC and AR cyclops that fits the ARF or JF 16610? Is it the B25-295-CAR-C1? I am obsessed to get one (with engraved rehaut) and planning to add the AR crystal. If anyone wants to let it go.......

 

[p0pperini]

Especially with the fact that from 2010 late V-serial and random serial 16610's were sold new with AR cyclops. Makes it a truly modern classic.

That's why I have an AR gen crystal on my rehaut engraved 16610 LV.

But that little flash of blue increases the cost of the xtal to £250.

 

[KJ2020]

Btw, what is the reference nr. for a gen crystal with LEC and AR cyclops that fits the ARF or JF 16610? Is it the B25-295-CAR-C1?

That would be the B25-295-C12-C1. Either crystal will fit either the Sub or GMT but there's a slight difference in the slope to the top outer edge.

https://forum.replica-watch.info/forum/rolex-tudor-replicas/310015-refrence-guide-for-xtals

 

[tom86]

Thanks for the info KJ2020, useful as always!
p0pperini Excellent choice! Envy

 

[KJ2020]

That's why I have an AR gen crystal on my rehaut engraved 16610 LV.

But that little flash of blue increases the cost of the xtal to £250.

You should give it that little extra flash of green too bro, haha. Blisters are meant to be popped, p0pper.

 

[McDuck888]

Always buy with AR ;-)
I'm keen to buy a 16610lv engraved rehaut ARF as soon as they factory's back up and running. And a bit of a long shot but I remember there being some discussion about the click spring being absolute pants on the original AR 16610 sub. Some people could turn their bezels clockwise and anti-clockwise. Q.) Does anyone know of a good replacement clickspring if I find that's the case too please? I bought three on ebay, and they're no good. Massive thanks if anyone catches this

 

[eazye]

Always buy with AR ;-)
I'm keen to buy a 16610lv engraved rehaut ARF as soon as they factory's back up and running. And a bit of a long shot but I remember there being some discussion about the click spring being absolute pants on the original AR 16610 sub. Some people could turn their bezels clockwise and anti-clockwise. Q.) Does anyone know of a good replacement clickspring if I find that's the case too please? I bought three on ebay, and they're no good. Massive thanks if anyone catches this

Cut the end and put a new bend on it. I had the stock spring and the tip broke off. I reused what was left and just bent the tip. It sounds and feels like gen now. Much smoother and solid clicks. Didn’t expect the outcome but it worked out great.

 

[McPwn]

On my ARF 16610LN, i used one of the ebay ones, I think Clarks. Initially the spring was too long, and took a lot of force to turn, so I sanded off the end a bit and it was better. You can also throw some silicone grease on the bezel teeth to give it better feel.

 

[Hinclimincli]

Always buy with AR ;-)
I'm keen to buy a 16610lv engraved rehaut ARF as soon as they factory's back up and running. And a bit of a long shot but I remember there being some discussion about the click spring being absolute pants on the original AR 16610 sub. Some people could turn their bezels clockwise and anti-clockwise. Q.) Does anyone know of a good replacement clickspring if I find that's the case too please? I bought three on ebay, and they're no good. Massive thanks if anyone catches this

After trying some stuff, I ended up just bending the click spring a bit more with a pair of jeweller’s pliers. Now it clicks as it should, minimal wobble, etc.

 

[McDuck888]

Hinclimincli McPwn @Easye You guys! - Cheers so much.

 

[Shany]

Was reading on the "gen forum" that AD's in many cases changed the 16610 non-AR crystals to AR ones during servicing or repair. It does take away from the authenticity of the watch, but it is sure a nice upgrade. Especially with the fact that from 2010 late V-serial and random serial 16610's were sold new with AR cyclops. Makes it a truly modern classic.

Btw, what is the reference nr. for a gen crystal with LEC and AR cyclops that fits the ARF or JF 16610? Is it the B25-295-CAR-C1? I am obsessed to get one (with engraved rehaut) and planning to add the AR crystal. If anyone wants to let it go.......

last versions (2009-2010?) of the 5 digits used a AR cyclops anyway

 

[Shany]

Was reading on the "gen forum" that AD's in many cases changed the 16610 non-AR crystals to AR ones during servicing or repair. It does take away from the authenticity of the watch, but it is sure a nice upgrade. Especially with the fact that from 2010 late V-serial and random serial 16610's were sold new with AR cyclops. Makes it a truly modern classic.

Btw, what is the reference nr. for a gen crystal with LEC and AR cyclops that fits the ARF or JF 16610? Is it the B25-295-CAR-C1? I am obsessed to get one (with engraved rehaut) and planning to add the AR crystal. If anyone wants to let it go.......

last versions (2009-2010?) of the 5 digits used a AR cyclops anyway

 

[Valxmd]

At long last, we have the first ever 5 digit Sub in 904L. Thank you ARF and Puretime!

We all know the JF 16610 in 316F, both with and without rehaut engravings. This is the new 904L version making it an ARF. The new 904L Classic Sub is released with no rehaut engravings (at least for now), and this is how we prefer it. Thanks to Angus and ARF for listening. Although it’s a 904 remake of the 316 version, I think they’ve made some improvements like the lugs, cyclops, and clasp. Having just received it I’m a bit excited and my eyes may be tricking me so please chime in. We have many classic Sub veterans here. Those that know me know I’m a die hard ARF, fan so I may be a bit biased

OK, let’s get the first one out of the way....yes, the dreaded date font. ARF are known for beautiful build quality with tight tolerances and QC. But it’s no secret they’re also infamous for goofing their date fonts on their SH3135. I can say here that the ARF version indeed has an updated DW. That was part of the delay. How improved I’m sure you guys will comment.

When it comes to Rolex reps, we all obsess over the cyclops, black hold effect. But there is something to be said for the clarity of the whole crystal. A clear crystal will allow the beautiful dial details to shine through. The ARF crystal definitely looks updated to me. The cyclops looks clearer, almost no angled distortion, and even looks to have some halo effect around the cyclops edge.

The case machining and finishing quality remains. The lug edges look to have a tad more bevel or chamfer, making the lugs appear thinner? The rehaut is nicely finished with the right amount of sheen. The crown screws in butter smooth like a gen. The bezel sits flush with case and turns with a tight, crisp feel. The excellent insert — as we know from the JF — is pressure fit same as genuine, not glued.

As expected, the bracelet is typical ARF quality. Excellent SEL fit. Excellent smooth gen like brushed finish. Likewise the clasp feels solid when folding and snapping closed. The hidden diver’s extension snaps in/out tightly and feels gen like. The inner clasp is finished as beautifully as the outer. The outer clasp coronet and cut outs look more refined and detailed than even the JF.

For comparison I have photos next to my beloved JF Kermit 316. To keep the photos simple I went alphabetical. AR is left or top, JF right or bottom.

I can’t help but wonder if JF will now dwell into more vintage models, both 5 and 4 digit references. I wouldn’t rule anything out

Wow the rehaut depth is sooooo baddd

 

[jkrw247]

I just got 1 of these recently, the no rehaut one. And it's a pretty fucked up piece.

1. 12 marker on the dial is misaligned. Missed this during QC. Going to follow KJ2020's fixing guide.

2. The bracelet has a screw that seems to be welded into the link. My screwdriver head actually broke when I tried to unscrew it. Can't take it out still.

3. The fliplock machining is shitty AF, so tight that I can't lift it with my finger, got to use something to pry it open!

4. The alum bezel pip was even misaligned. Pip hole was stamped in the wrong place!

I'm going to be wary of ARF watches from now on.

 

[flextime]

I just got 1 of these recently, the no rehaut one. And it's a pretty fucked up piece.

1. 12 marker on the dial is misaligned. Missed this during QC. Going to follow KJ2020's fixing guide.

2. The bracelet has a screw that seems to be welded into the link. My screwdriver head actually broke when I tried to unscrew it. Can't take it out still.

3. The fliplock machining is shitty AF, so tight that I can't lift it with my finger, got to use something to pry it open!

4. The alum bezel pip was even misaligned. Pip hole was stamped in the wrong place!

I'm going to be wary of ARF watches from now on.

Mind sharing some photos?

 

[jkrw247]

Mind sharing some photos?

These are what I got from the TD

 

[jkrw247]

These are what I got from the TD

https://clickpix.org/images/jjj4xn.jpg

https://clickpix.org/images/jjjwXE.jpg

I originally ordered 2 VSF subs but they were seized by customs.

I then told the dealer that I would like to switch to ARF 16610 LV and LN for the re-ship.

Additional funds were sent and the new order was confirmed.

After a few days, I received QC pics and approved them AFTER I REVIEWED THEM ON MY PHONE (A BIG MISTAKE)

Now I have 2 watches with defects and I can't do anything about it because I did GL them without reviewing them on my computer where I could have zoomed in more clearly.

The above will cost me:
1. New 16610LN insert
2. New ARF 93250 bracelet
3. Time to re-align the 12 triangle marker
​​​​​​
Nevertheless, I am not impressed with the behaviour of this dealer.

I do have my suspicions that the watches he presented to me were from rejected stock and he did so to reduce his losses from having to re-ship watches to me.
Otherwise, how could 2 watches have such significant flaws?!

Anyway, all this is now bridge under the water. I have new parts on order to fix the flaws and I also am capable of re-aligning the 12 marker myself.

However, I will not buy from this dealer again

 

[flextime]

Yikes. The LN insert is bad. The good news is, a gen insert isn’t too expensive and it’s absolutely a worthy upgrade.

And since the ARF dw is terrible to begin with, you may want to get a gen dw or do a VR3135 swap. In which case, the 12 marker can be adjusted while the movement is out.

A gen insert and VR swap will make the LN a very good watch and entirely worth doing, even if your watch was perfect to begin with.

If you want, I have a great condition ARF LN insert I can sell you.

As for the bracelet. Try an oil bath. It may help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jkrw247]

flextime Thanks for your offer, I appreciate it. I have new inserts OTW, and I will reach out to you if they don't work for me.