124060 Comparison: Gen / Clean / VSF

[dongdong]

How much do you know ?

around $140 i think

 

[msc1967]

I have now had several friends and business partners in my surrounding with relatively new Submariners. I had the impression that the watches were even more reflective or had a more intense shining. Am I mistaken (perhaps due to the respect to the GEN) or is this a visible difference between GEN and REP?

 

[VintageCollector12]

@diamonds’ comparison highlights just how close the VSF and Clean models come to the gen. Regarding bracelet sizes, as noted, most reps follow the gen’s 21mm lug width, though slight factory variations can happen—always good to double-check if precision is key for you.

For anyone debating between the 124060 and the 126600 SD-43, it seems the consensus leans toward the 124060 for bezel accuracy and overall quality. Pairing a VSF head with a ZF bracelet is definitely a popular move for those wanting to elevate fit and finish

 

[Orthopod]

Excellent review. I own both the Clean and VSF versions, and your reciew
Is spot on.

Both are excellent reps. And 99% of people
Likely couldn't tell them apart is mixed up.

Thanks for the post!!

 

[dongdong]

@diamonds’ comparison highlights just how close the VSF and Clean models come to the gen. Regarding bracelet sizes, as noted, most reps follow the gen’s 21mm lug width, though slight factory variations can happen—always good to double-check if precision is key for you.

For anyone debating between the 124060 and the 126600 SD-43, it seems the consensus leans toward the 124060 for bezel accuracy and overall quality. Pairing a VSF head with a ZF bracelet is definitely a popular move for those wanting to elevate fit and finish

Thks for the info re: 124060 to 126600.

 

[Jcap66]

Great op and pictures.
I also have a gen and a vsf 126610. From one meter or more away you probably couldn’t spot the difference if someone walked passed you but from up close it’s very obvious.
I gave both watches to my gf that doesn’t know anything about watches and she pointed out the gen one in 10 seconds. Mostly because of the clearer crystal and the shining rehaut and hands.
When holding the watches they also feel different, vsf have sharper edges on the case and bracelet even tho the gen one also have some. The biggest difference are the bezel, the shining letters but especially how it feels when you turn it, there’s no play in the gen one and the cuts are nice to touch.

I think that if you’re want to pull of the rep one as a gen you need gen crystal and hands. If you’re going to let someone try it that knows watches you also need a gen bezel.

Its a great rep, don’t get me wrong but to me it needs some frankening if you want it to look the part.

Bad picture but the difference in the crystals are pretty obvious.

 

[Lynch7]

@diamonds’ comparison highlights just how close the VSF and Clean models come to the gen. Regarding bracelet sizes, as noted, most reps follow the gen’s 21mm lug width, though slight factory variations can happen—always good to double-check if precision is key for you.

For anyone debating between the 124060 and the 126600 SD-43, it seems the consensus leans toward the 124060 for bezel accuracy and overall quality. Pairing a VSF head with a ZF bracelet is definitely a popular move for those wanting to elevate fit and finish

I’m intrigued by the differences between the ZF bracelet and the one that VSF provides.

Is there a comparison somewhere that shows what makes the ZF one nicer than VSF and Clean? Contemplating picking one up for my VSF 124060.

Also, in other threads, people mention the VSF bracelet is already quite nice - what sort of improvements can be made over it? Does this also minimize SEL gaps with a bracelet swap?

Sorry for the lengthy question, hoping to learn the differences, thanks!

 

[chrisat]

Also, in other threads, people mention the VSF bracelet is already quite nice - what sort of improvements can be made over it? Does this also minimize SEL gaps with a bracelet swap?

The main difference between the VSF and CF (ARF) bracelet is the gap between the links - that gap on the CF is smaller (adding up to a few millimeters over the whole length of the bracelet), so it is closer to gen (it is hard to spot if you don't have the bracelets next to each other, though). Also the engraving on the CF is better, and the clasp closes a bit nicer. This is really marginal improvements, though, but overall the CF just feels a (very) tiny bit better than the VSF.
On the other hand, the VSF has a smoother Glidelock mechanism, which might be preferred by many.

 

[TheBigJS]

Is it my eyesight or are my VSF "upticks" not as pronounced? It is older, Q66. I got it M2M nearly 2 years ago and I bet I've worn it 400+ days out of that time. It is my go to daily wear.

 

[Lynch7]

The main difference between the VSF and CF (ARF) bracelet is the gap between the links - that gap on the CF is smaller (adding up to a few millimeters over the whole length of the bracelet), so it is closer to gen (it is hard to spot if you don't have the bracelets next to each other, though). Also the engraving on the CF is better, and the clasp closes a bit nicer. This is really marginal improvements, though, but overall the CF just feels a (very) tiny bit better than the VSF.
On the other hand, the VSF has a smoother Glidelock mechanism, which might be preferred by many.

Thanks for the write up. How about ZF, haven’t seen too much information on the ZF bracelet compared to ARF, is it an older model and has better finish?

 

[Alex22]

I have the 124060 gen but looking at these threads makes me think if it makes sense to keep it or get a vsf .
I waited 3 years to get it... I think I'll keep it but the doubt remains every now and then and comes back.

 

[pollyprissypants]

Thanks for the write up. How about ZF, haven’t seen too much information on the ZF bracelet compared to ARF, is it an older model and has better finish?

In my experience, quality with replicas, even from the same factory, is variable. My VSF has a great braclet and clasp.

 

[mater]

Grazie mille, sono contento di aver scelto VSF invece di Clean.

complimenti, ottimo paragone...grazie

 

[Faj]

Thank you for the congratulations on my genuine 124060.

For everyone reading this...
I scored the gen with no wait.
Here's how it all went down:
I walked into one of the local ADs and told the salesman that my birthday just passed and I wanted to buy myself a Rolex.

I was very friendly and didn't act like a big shot in any way, nor did I let on that I knew anything about Rolex (or the fake waiting lists). I mentioned NO model names, NO nicknames, and NO reference numbers. I simply said that I wanted a Rolex.

The salesman showed me the usual Two-tone DateJust models they push on everyone. After trying on a few models, I said: "What's the model James Bond wore?
The salesman said: "Oh, that's the Submariner."
I said: "Show me that."
I tried on a bluesy, a kermit/starbucks, the Submariner Date LN, and the 124060. (Remember, I played dumb and mentioned no names or reference numbers).

After trying them all on, my exact words were: "I prefer the one without the date window."
The salesman replied: "That's called a No Date."
I said: "Nice. I'll take it."
Salesman said: (I quote) "I don't think we have any available. Plus there's a very long waiting list.... but let me go talk with my manager and check the status on future availability.

A few moments later, the salesman said: "Good News! My manager said we had one in stock!"
The salesman walked me to a private room to do all the paperwork, ring up the sale, and properly size the watch for my wrist. They poured me champagne and gave me 2 boxes of Rolex chocolates.

Moral of the story: Never act like a big shot.... and when it comes to Rolex ADs... waiting lists are a lie.

How you got that handspasm?

A lot of doe, I know

 

[flyback76]

Thank you @diamonds for this brilliant review.