124060 Comparison: Gen / Clean / VSF

[Peter_Euro]

Has anyone put the ZF bracelet on the VSF? Considering doing this, but it's somewhat hard to get a hold of.

 

[TimeBandit70]

I just finished the main assembly, and there were zero compatibility issues between the VSF and CF parts—everything fit perfectly, and I’m delighted with the build.

The only step remaining is swapping the xtals, which will be the hardest part. I picked up Deep xtals to upgrade both watches. I’m assuming the reason the xtal sits noticeably lower on the latest VSF is due to a revised gasket (rather than a thinner xtal), so I plan to use that gasket to replicate the same profile on the CF bodied watch.

Summary: The Clean bezel action is noticeably better in both sound and feel—there’s no comparison. The bracelet and case are also nicer. The VSF still wins on dial, movement, and clasp. Is a hybrid build necessary? Absolutely not. But I have no regrets and would do it again.

I’m still deciding what to do with the second watch. A few options:

1. Swap in a new dial, Deep crystal, VSF clasp (on order—no ETA), a rubber strap, and polish the rehaut. Possibly a Clean bezel, maybe in blue with a blue dial?
2. Wait for the new VSF clasp to be installed and sell the watch.

 

[McHelson]

awesome post!! Thanks so much!
What a great comparison. It does help me to decide.
Thank you. Can`t wait for the next one....

 

[JustWatching]

I just finished the main assembly, and there were zero compatibility issues between the VSF and CF parts—everything fit perfectly, and I’m delighted with the build.

The only step remaining is swapping the xtals, which will be the hardest part. I picked up Deep xtals to upgrade both watches. I’m assuming the reason the xtal sits noticeably lower on the latest VSF is due to a revised gasket (rather than a thinner xtal), so I plan to use that gasket to replicate the same profile on the CF bodied watch.

Summary: The Clean bezel action is noticeably better in both sound and feel—there’s no comparison. The bracelet and case are also nicer. The VSF still wins on dial, movement, and clasp. Is a hybrid build necessary? Absolutely not. But I have no regrets and would do it again.

I’m still deciding what to do with the second watch. A few options:

1. Swap in a new dial, Deep crystal, VSF clasp (on order—no ETA), a rubber strap, and polish the rehaut. Possibly a Clean bezel, maybe in blue with a blue dial?
2. Wait for the new VSF clasp to be installed and sell the watch.

I'm currently waiting for me CF to be delivered, so I can do the same.

Where did you get the deep crystal from?

 

[TimeBandit70]

I'm currently waiting for me CF to be delivered, so I can do the same.

Where did you get the deep crystal from?

AliExpress about two months ago before all the tariff stuff kicked in.

 

[nx100101]

I swapped the VSF Dial into the Clean. Having seen both dials not covered by the crystal I must say the VSF one is „much“ better. I can say with confidence that the murkiness of the Clean I was referring to in my comparison comes in part from the dial not from the crystal. The VSF dial has more depth to it.
It is noticeable but only when directly compared.

nx

 

[Jack Jumpin]

Any word on a new VSF 124060 with 2824 movement ?? Surely it must be on the cards ??

 

[TimeBandit70]

I swapped the VSF Dial into the Clean. Having seen both dials not covered by the crystal I must say the VSF one is „much“ better. I can say with confidence that the murkiness of the Clean I was referring to in my comparison comes in part from the dial not from the crystal. The VSF dial has more depth to it.
It is noticeable but only when directly compared.

nx

Where did you get the VSF dial?

 

[nx100101]

Not sure if I understand. Took it from a VSF 124060

Where did you get the VSF dial?

 

[BeeWeez]

I swapped the VSF Dial into the Clean. Having seen both dials not covered by the crystal I must say the VSF one is „much“ better. I can say with confidence that the murkiness of the Clean I was referring to in my comparison comes in part from the dial not from the crystal. The VSF dial has more depth to it.
It is noticeable but only when directly compared.

nx

Great, now if only VSF could solve the floating M we'd have a winner!

 

[manuninja]

Thank you very much to @diamonds for this comparison!
I am also considering buying a submariner, in addition to the yacht master with blue dial. After this comparison I would take a VSF.

Great, now if only VSF could solve the floating M we'd have a winner!

Sorry but what is "floating M"?

Thanks

 

[Feefo]

 

[muiramas]

Thank you very much to @diamonds for this comparison!
I am also considering buying a submariner, in addition to the yacht master with blue dial. After this comparison I would take a VSF.



Sorry but what is "floating M"?

Thanks

There are some people who think the bottom of the M should align with the bottom of the 0 in 300.

It shouldn't because the tops / bottoms of rounded letters and numbers always run past the baseline or cap height to maintain a visual balance.

Many folks here like to think they are obsessed with details or OCD of whatever watch people like to pontificate over, but unfortunately in many instances they are just perpetuating falsehoods.

Here is a 'floating M' on a Gen.

 

[manuninja]

There are some people who think the bottom of the M should align with the bottom of the 0 in 300.

It shouldn't because the tops / bottoms of rounded letters and numbers always run past the baseline or cap height to maintain a visual balance.

Many folks here like to think they are obsessed with details or OCD of whatever watch people like to pontificate over, but unfortunately in many instances they are just perpetuating falsehoods.

Here is a 'floating M' on a Gen.

Ok thanks a lot, now I understand. I also did some research and it seems that the m is more or less distant from 300 based on the years of production. It also seems that rolex has changed the characters over the years, without changing the reference.
So I think that "floating m" is not a big problem.

 

[SS72]

There are some people who think the bottom of the M should align with the bottom of the 0 in 300.

It shouldn't because the tops / bottoms of rounded letters and numbers always run past the baseline or cap height to maintain a visual balance.

Many folks here like to think they are obsessed with details or OCD of whatever watch people like to pontificate over, but unfortunately in many instances they are just perpetuating falsehoods.

As I am guilty of doing right here, just now. Give me a big slap!

 

[muiramas]

As I am guilty of doing right here, just now. Give me a big slap!

 

[Kalev007]

If I look my gen I can't even tell if its floating or even.

 

[TimeBandit70]

I think the floating M issue is overblown. Is it perfect? No, it isn't. But it’s easy to get caught up in details when zooming in on pictures, and when the wisdom of the crowds makes it a bigger issue than it is. The reality is that the M, floating or not, is not noticeable on the wrist. It is hard to notice even with the watch in hand and focusing on that single element. It is easy to forget that these are $450 counterfeit copies of $10,000+ watches. If the floating m is a deal breaker, that is your loss.

 

[muiramas]

If the floating m is a deal breaker, that is your loss.

Just to reiterate that the floating m is on the gen.

 

[TimeBandit70]

Just to reiterate that the floating m is on the gen.

My comment was not in response to your post.