Hi - If you check the threads here there is quite a debate about this!
I advise you to search for 'Aquanaut 3K ZF' and you will find many inputs reviews and photos. Here is an overview:
The ZF is a great replica, and there has been a lot of recent noise about the new 3KF Factory which is producing a lovely model using a 'cloned' 324 mechanism which gives slightly greater authenticity, both in thickness and in rotary look (from rear). Which is best? I cannot decide!
ZF - Positives
- Tried and trusted Miyota mechanism
- Engraved rear case
- Better strap and clasp
- Better date window
- Evenness in lume colour and consistency
- Good case and bezel dimensions
ZF - Negatives
- Mechanism is not a replica to view from rear (cogs, wheels etc)
- Dial 'burst' a little shiny vs Gen
- Minolta is slightly noisy
3K - Positives
- Replica mechanism
- Good thickness (~8.5 vs ~8.8)
- Nice dial
3K - Negatives
- Mechanism untested, some reviews of complete breakdown
- Some reports of poor date position and size
- Strap apparently horrible
- Many comments of bezel thickness being too slightly large (may have been resolved, IMO unlikely)
- Rubber Strap version has gold insignia on rear (many reports of this having been resolved)
- Printed rear Patek Phillipe etc is not that impressive
You must also weight your preference, and some have picked and matched for an ideal solution. For me it may not even exist: (for example, engraving is clearly a physical intervention in the working mechanism and may have implications, so talk of 3K improving this may not even be ideal).
Overall, I would say the following:
- both look great and are not able to spot as reps unless examined closely
- both will break eventually
- clearly both are relatively cheap at $500, when the original is ~$40,000 (depending on where you get it)
- I had a Gen Patek Aqua and it was breaking all the time