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ARF Batman GMT 116710 BLNR photo review

Andrew9T

Horology Curious
15/2/19
9
0
1
Hi,
Any experience/feedback with the ROF Batman?
Im thinking it would be the right choice....


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BiH855

Active Member
18/3/19
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ROF is a worthy competitor. Insert like ARF's and it uses the VR Movement

That's true, inserts are actually really similar and case is maybe even better than arf, but hands cannot compete and the bracelet doesn't look as good as arf on the pictures imo, but only in Hand reviews can really tell this. Plus the price for ROF is really attractive with VR movement!
 

srhoque

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That's true, inserts are actually really similar and case is maybe even better than arf, but hands cannot compete and the bracelet doesn't look as good as arf on the pictures imo, but only in Hand reviews can really tell this. Plus the price for ROF is really attractive with VR movement!

Based on code on clasp, ROF uses same bracelet as Noob. I recently got a Noob v11 with same code. I am also an ARF bracelet fan but Noob bracelets have come a long, they are almost close to ARF (in fact my Noob clasp feels just like the ARF)
 

BiH855

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Based on code on clasp, ROF uses same bracelet as Noob. I recently got a Noob v11 with same code. I am also an ARF bracelet fan but Noob bracelets have come a long, they are almost close to ARF (in fact my Noob clasp feels just like the ARF)

That's good news ! From the one picture below i had the impression that the middle links are too round, especially on the SEL, but took a closer look now on the real QC pictures and it indeed looks better, even much better.

ROLGMT0212E_15.jpg
 

BiH855

Active Member
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Does anyone know if you can use an ARF Sub case for the GMT to fix the crown guard issue?

Arf sub case is much too fat for a gmt. GMT has much slimmer lugs, also the movements are different height, wouldn't be a direct swap anyway
 

Tobel

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ROF is a worthy competitor. Insert like ARF's and it uses the VR Movement

I wouldn't jump to conclusions on the ROF insert until someone actually receives theirs and can share real life pics. It's not always easy to see speed bumps on TDs pics and more importantly the shade of blue is hard to appreciate

But hopefully you are right, more competition is always a good thing for us :)
 

srhoque

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I wouldn't jump to conclusions on the ROF insert until someone actually receives theirs and can share real life pics. It's not always easy to see speed bumps on TDs pics and more importantly the shade of blue is hard to appreciate

But hopefully you are right, more competition is always a good thing for us :)

Agreed. The ROF insert looks very very similar to ARF, I think they come from the same factory. Also, I just QC approved a ROF Pepsi, insert looked just like TD pics, eagerly looking forward to getting it.
 

KJ2020

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12/3/18
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I'm so conflicted, I wish there was a definitive correct rep to get. But as far as reading between the 3 or so different threads with the 116710BLNR go I believe the following applies. Although I'm certain that I will be put right in due course.

ARF

Pros
Seems like a good choice for overall construction -
Good crystal and bezel/transition quality (and colour?)

Cons
The movement is sub-par compared to VR
Thin crownguards
Potentially poor quality bracelet.
incorrect serif per gen dial print - not a big issue.

VRF
Pros
Closest to gen dial accuracy
Reliable movement and good DW
"Correct2 crown guards - as far as they can be
Good color on the bezel
Good bracelet?

Cons
Incorrect 126710 case shape and marked as the same between the lugs?
Poor bezel transition in some units
Sub-par crystal - not something that I can see
Variation in hand lume width and border between batch 1 and 2 (believe KJ2020 knows more about this)

ROF

Pros
Unknown quantity as yet for the batman -
Has VR Movement
Cheapest of the 3.

Cons
Sub-par crystal - worse than VRF
Possibly same bezel construction as VRF
Asymetric CGs?

Feel free to put me right, as I want to pick up a batman but want to understand which the best compromise is first.

That's an accurate summary bro. I'll just add that the latest batch of VRF BLNR inserts are a complete disaster. I've seen one where the blue completely covers the eight. You can see a good example here.

https://trustytime.io/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_5&products_id=21147

Unfortunately there still isn't a BLNR rep that covers all the bases completely. The ARF may come closest if you aren't bothered by the skinny CGs. When ARF comes out with a 126710 BLNR, that issue will be way less significant. I think the ARF CGs are a tad skinny even for the 126710 but much less noticeable.

Good comparison of ARF BLNR vs gen 116710 here

https://forum.replica-watch.info/fo...f-rolex-116710blnr-aka-batman–-arf-rep-vs-gen

Pic credit lolo1972sg
Gen on bottom, quite a difference on the CGs
Z8culS.jpg


If you go ARF you can swap in a VR3185 if/when it's needed.

For the record, I'm still happy with my Noob V8 2836 ICHS with paint modded aftermarket insert. Quickset date and hour jumping GMT hand is a great combination of features. I would buy more of these if they were still available. Flip a dial, insert, or a GMT hand to make any combo you want. Cheap, easy and hassle free.

15925411470663.jpg
 
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MJH89

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Thanks brother, I hadn't considered ICHS models and wrote off NOOB from the list of potentials due to the SEL recess and the fact that they don't seem to be too popular a choice for the BLNR (although I am aware that you're an advocate of their V11 aren't you?)
 

KJ2020

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Thanks brother, I hadn't considered ICHS models and wrote off NOOB from the list of potentials due to the SEL recess and the fact that they don't seem to be too popular a choice for the BLNR (although I am aware that you're an advocate of their V11 aren't you?)

The Noob V11 case is good. The insert would need to be replaced and there isn't much SEL recess. An ARF GMT bracelet can fix that but as you know that can be hit or miss. Also V11 hands are not as good as V10. Noob is sourcing cheaper parts nowadays. For anyone who doesn't know, the Noob V11 BLNR and LN have the VR3185. All Noob V11 BLROs still have the 2824 CHS timebomb.
 
Last edited:

lolo1972sg

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The Noob V11 case is good. The insert would need to be replaced and there isn't much SEL recess. An ARF GMT bracelet can fix that but as you know that can be hit or miss. Also V11 hands are not as good as V10. Noob is sourcing cheaper parts nowadays. For anyone who doesn't know, the Noob V11 BLNR and LN have the VR3185. All Noob V11 BLROs still have the 2824 CHS timebomb.

Actually I think a good combo could be the current ARF insert (or entire bezel assembly+ insert) on a Noob v11 case. If need be, also throw in an ARF bracelet.
 

jcher

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Actually I think a good combo could be the current ARF insert (or entire bezel assembly+ insert) on a Noob v11 case. If need be, also throw in an ARF bracelet.

I concur and this is the route i decided to follow due to the skinny CG ;-)
 

DC109

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lolo1972sg jcher Do you know if the Noob V11 (the LN and BLNR at least) has correct crow position and stem height? I would assume only the BLRO is the incorrect case design now to accommodate the 2824 timebomb, but Noob is so shady these days I'm not sure.
 

KJ2020

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lolo1972sg jcher Do you know if the Noob V11 (the LN and BLNR at least) has correct crow position and stem height? I would assume only the BLRO is the incorrect case design now to accommodate the 2824 timebomb, but Noob is so shady these days I'm not sure.

Noob V11 BLNR and LN come with the VR3185 so yes the crown position is same as gen (+/-).

The Noob V11 BLRO cases are most likely identical to the Noob V10 BLRO, both fitting the 2824 CHS timebombs. This modified 2824 has a stem height very close to the VR3185/gen, and both VR3185's and gen 3186's have been fitted into Noob V10 BLRO cases.

As a side note, I would be surprised if the Noob V11 BLRO cases have a different bezel construction than the V10 BLRO, that is to say they are likely still flawed.

The report on a full groove bezel gasket construction for the Noob V11 was for a BLNR.

Noob GMT Pepsi's poor bezel design

https://forum.replica-watch.info/fo...9352084-noob-finally-releases-true-clone-gmts

So if looking for a good case and bezel for a hybrid build the Noob V11 BLNR or LN is a good choice IMO.
 

lolo1972sg

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Noob V11 BLNR and LN come with the VR3185 so yes the crown position is same as gen (+/-).

The Noob V11 BLRO cases are most likely identical to the Noob V10 BLRO, both fitting the 2824 CHS timebombs. This modified 2824 has a stem height very close to the VR3185/gen, and both VR3185's and gen 3186's have been fitted into Noob V10 BLRO cases.

As a side note, I would be surprised if the Noob V11 BLRO cases have a different bezel construction than the V10 BLRO, that is to say they are likely still flawed.

The report on a full groove bezel gasket construction for the Noob V11 was for a BLNR.

Noob GMT Pepsi's poor bezel design

https://forum.replica-watch.info/fo...9352084-noob-finally-releases-true-clone-gmts

So if looking for a good case and bezel for a hybrid build the Noob V11 BLNR or LN is a good choice IMO.

Just need to be sure that the ARF insert or bezel will fit the Noob v11 bezel or case (respectively)


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KJ2020

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Just need to be sure that the ARF insert or bezel will fit the Noob v11 bezel or case (respectively)


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Indeed bro. The ARF insert should fit into the Noob bezel though it will probably have to be adhered with double-sided tape. The ARF insert is pressure fit in its own bezel. Failing that, ARF bezels are usually compatible with Noob cases as both will take gen parts, though the crystal retaining rings may need to be included in any swapping done.
 

Delifisek53

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So, for new buyers what you guys recommend ?

ARF - VRF - Noob V11.. ??
 

macarone

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So, for new buyers what you guys recommend ?

ARF - VRF - Noob V11.. ??

Visually all three have their attributes.
Insert from arf did it for me, owned a vrf with prof xtal with pleasure and enjoyed wearing it, my noobs are Pepsi’s and have been frankened.
Go with the one which gives you best feeling.


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KJ2020

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So, for new buyers what you guys recommend ?

ARF - VRF - Noob V11.. ??

All of those have one or more aspects that you may not be totally happy with. You have to decide what you want to live with and what you might want to change.

You can't change the ARF CGs, so can you live with that? Same with the VRF rehaut. Other things like crystals, hands, inserts, movements and bracelets can be changed.

The ROF Batman is worth looking at too.

https://forum.replica-watch.info/fo...w-rof-factory-gmts-please-share-your-thoughts