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114060 Comparison: Gen / VSF / CF
- Thread starter Casing23
- Start date
On the genuine, the crystal sits quite low and is nearly flush with the bezel insert, while still leaving a slight gap between the crystal and the bezel insert. VSF did a decent job replicating this, the chamfering is very close to the original, and the height is almost spot-on, although it still appears just a bit higher. In my opinion, this isn’t due to the gasket or the crystal itself, but rather the crystal retaining ring, which keeps the bezel positioned low and close to the case, but doesn’t replicate that characteristic “springy” feel found in the genuine.
In the CF version, the crystal also sits low, but still noticeably higher than on the gen. Additionally, the chamfering is slightly different, it’s more rounded compared to the genuine. The same goes for the bezel, it sits low and close to the case, but it too lacks that springy effect and the subtle gap between the bezel and case.
In the CF version, the crystal also sits low, but still noticeably higher than on the gen. Additionally, the chamfering is slightly different, it’s more rounded compared to the genuine. The same goes for the bezel, it sits low and close to the case, but it too lacks that springy effect and the subtle gap between the bezel and case.
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The lume pip on the genuine is more whitish, and VSF did a better job replicating both the color and the shape. In this case, CF falls short, in my opinion. Just to clarify, we’re comparing brand-new examples of all three versions.
I’m not sure whether we should be praising these Chinese factories or rather feeling a bit uneasy about how far this shady replica market has come, but naively, I like to believe that most of us treat these reps as toys for grown-up boys, and aren’t trying to fool anyone into thinking otherwise.
All three pieces have a sticker on the case back and a tightly screwed-down case back. The VSF is just slightly thinner, but with an overall thickness difference of only 0.1mm, it doesn’t make any noticeable difference to the eye or on the wrist.
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Crown guards: In my opinion, CF did a better job here, the crown guards are smoothly shaped and taper gently downward. On the VSF, the curve along which they’re drawn starts to rise slightly at the end, as if it begins to angle upward. Unfortunately, I believe they did the same thing on the 124060.
What’s more, the VSF case protrudes more in the area where it should meet the crown, and that’s clearly visible. CF handled this part better.
And just now I realized, this might actually affect the total diameter including the crown. And it does: both the genuine and CF versions measure 44.4mm with the crown, while the VSF comes in at 44.7mm.
So, the question is, can you see it? The answer is yes and no. Once you know it’s there and look closely at that area, it becomes noticeable, especially since it’s a high-polished surface that reflects light and catches the eye. That extra 0.3mm does make a difference.
May you leave feedbacks regarding edges of case and bracelet? As far as I know, the rep' edges are sharper than gen. Thanks!
Of course the 7GJ bracelet from VSF rattles, squeaks, and has sharp edges, that’s exactly why, as I mentioned, it needs a proper ultrasonic cleaning, oiling and polishing
Of course the 7GJ bracelet from VSF rattles, squeaks, and has sharp edges, that’s exactly why, as I mentioned, it needs a proper ultrasonic cleaning, oiling and polishing
Could you pls explain little bit about the process of cleaning, oiling and polishing? I wanna see if these works can be done by myself
This topic has already been covered in a few threads, feel free to use the search function to check them outCould you pls explain little bit about the process of cleaning, oiling and polishing? I wanna see if these works can be done by myself
When viewed with the naked eye, both dials are pretty good in terms of font shape and size. However, under magnification, the VSF stands out as more defined, it must be said. The printed indices on the VSF dial are also closer to the genuine ones, thinner and better proportioned. On the CF dial, they’re slightly too thick and visibly closer to the rehaut.
When I talk about the Submariner handset, I mainly focus on the hour hand. The VSF hour hand is really well-executed in terms of both quality and shape. In contrast, the CF version is just too bold, and you can actually notice that with the naked eye when holding the watch in your hand.
When it comes to the rehaut, CF is clearly the winner. The warm tone of the rehaut, the font size, and the depth of the engraving are all spot on. VSF has a more silverish tone with less warmth, and the letters are unfortunately less pronounced. However, the CF rehaut has a less steep angle... Still, in this area, CF takes the win.
P.S. All three pictures above were taken under the same natural lighting conditions, and as you can see, the dial printing on the VSF has a noticeably cooler tone, and the same goes for the rehaut, while the other two appear warmer. This could be related to the crystal, as the VSF clearly offers better visibility, possibly due to an AR coating.
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The Rehaut is a clear win to CF. It's sad for VSF because they've shown for other Models that they can do better.
When it comes to the rehaut, CF is clearly the winner. The warm tone of the rehaut, the font size, and the depth of the engraving are all spot on. VSF has a more silverish tone with less warmth, and the letters are unfortunately less pronounced. However, the CF rehaut has a less steep angle... Still, in this area, CF takes the win.
A rehaut polish can make it a bit better but the less pronounced letter are how they are.
Exactly, but overall, CF rehaut is still the better option out of the box. With a bit of polishing, it can be improved even further. On the other hand, VSF really messed up the crown guards area, and while the crystal with AR is cool, it’s still not quite like the genuine one. That makes choosing parts for a hybrid build less straightforward than it seems.
For example, I used to think the VSF crystal was the obvious choice, but now, seeing how overly clear it is and how it gives the dial a cooler tone, I’m not so sure anymore. The CF crystal, meanwhile, sits too high. You could shave down the gasket to lower it, but you'd still have the issue with the chamfering not being accurate.
So maybe the best option for a hybrid build is just going with a genuine xtal? Whether it’s worth it... I’m still not sure.
Exactly, that’s why I’m not even bringing that topic up. Sometimes you can fix it by slightly adjusting the movement and dial inside the case, but that doesn’t always work. And to those who are obsessing over perfectly centered rehaut engravings on reps, just know that genuine Rolex watches often have misalignments too. So maybe it’s time to stop stressing over it.Super helpful comparison photos! It's interesting to see the rehaut on Gen almost seems slightly tilted to the right in some of the photos. Might be just my eyes, but it happens even on genuine examples.
My 114060 holy grail, but regret watch. I have always wanted a no date submariner. I recently purchased the VSF 114060 from a TD and the watch is perfect in some many ways that you have indicated in your very comprehensive comparison. My regret comes from the wearability and size on my 6.5” wrist. After wearing around the house for the past two weeks, it seems just to big and heavy compared to my 38mm and 39mm watches. I think this is one of the greatest benefit from the rep hobby is that it allows people to “try before they by the real deal”. I will likely sell it and get the Clean 36mm Explorer I. Thank you again for your comparison.
Try the 124060. Even though nominally larger, it actually feels smaller on the wrist.
A Sub is neither a particularly large nor a heavy watch, and the weight of an Explorer I actually isn't that much lower (around 30g) - you would need to look for a titanium watch if you want something really lightweight (for example a titanium IWC Mark model).
A Sub is neither a particularly large nor a heavy watch, and the weight of an Explorer I actually isn't that much lower (around 30g) - you would need to look for a titanium watch if you want something really lightweight (for example a titanium IWC Mark model).