ARF 16610 LV Submariner 904L Kermit photo review

[iang27]

After selling my TC and now regretting it I have been looking at this post and the ARF at dealers and I see that there is the BP which had been mentioned in this post, this has a choice of movements.
Looking on the Trusty website there is a the A3135 and also an Asian ETA 2824 and a Swiss Eta 2836 version.
Not sure what these are like in comparison to the ARF

There is also another no name 16610 but if the pictures are anything to go by the hands are a different colour to the markers.

 

[prv654]

After selling my TC and now regretting it I have been looking at this post and the ARF at dealers and I see that there is the BP which had been mentioned in this post, this has a choice of movements.
Looking on the Trusty website there is a the A3135 and also an Asian ETA 2824 and a Swiss Eta 2836 version.
Not sure what these are like in comparison to the ARF

There is also another no name 16610 but if the pictures are anything to go by the hands are a different colour to the markers.

BP are "lower quality" than ARFs, however the BP dial is said to be better than ARF. BP is not gen spec so you can't franken it. The BP LV insert is said to be very wrong in terms of color, however the LN one is good. If I were to get a 16610LN i'd get a 3135 BP. For an LV, go with ARF

 

[2841]

ARF but out another version with rehaut engraved, to be honest, i can't really tell if they updated the crownguard or not.

I wanna do a build, and now i'm a bit confused between the 2 ARF releases

 

[rcom440]

3 years later and ARF is still using fat date font. What a joke!

 

[SHB]

3 years later and ARF is still using fat date font. What a joke!

ARF monopoly on 5 digits.... "why change something since you still sell it like hot cake?" lol

 

[muiramas]

BP are "lower quality" than ARFs, however the BP dial is said to be better than ARF. BP is not gen spec so you can't franken it. The BP LV insert is said to be very wrong in terms of color, however the LN one is good. If I were to get a 16610LN i'd get a 3135 BP. For an LV, go with ARF

BP you need to get the 3135 for the date to be in the correct position AFAIK. Swap it for a VR if it breaks.

For the insert, it’s easy to procure a good LV on eBay which is way better than the ARF. No need to drop $490 on a flawed ARF.

 

[rcom440]

ARF monopoly on 5 digits.... "why change something since you still sell it like hot cake?" lol

Just wait till XF starts replicating them.

 

[SHB]

Just wait till XF starts replicating them.

XF?

You mean VSF, no?

 

[rcom440]

XF?

You mean VSF, no?

it’s same factory. Vsf will be focusing on new / more popular Rolex models while older models will be released as XF.

 

[rcom440]

They want to rep shit load of Rolex models including classic stuff.

 

[SHB]

it’s same factory. Vsf will be focusing on new / more popular Rolex models while older models will be released as XF.

Let's hope you're right, i don't say no to a xf kermit or even better a 16710...

 

[Hinclimincli]

Quite satisfied with mine, if you ask me...

 

[KJ2020]

Regarding the BP's, there's some info in the thread linked below.

They are good enough for daily beaters and to scratch the itch for a 16610. The SA3135's have the date window in the correct position, the ETA/DG versions do not. The 3135 version has a gen spec crystal and can be fitted with a gen crystal. The ETA/DG versions will take a gen-spec crystal only by using two gaskets, a mod I've done successfully a few times.

No BP versions will take a gen-spec insert without shaving the outer perimeter a bit. But there are plenty of aftermarket inserts that will fit without modding.

Insert measurements (approximate)
Gen 30.6/37.65
BP 30.6/37.5

The case shape and CGs are pretty good IMO. The bracelets needs some smoothing but 30 minutes with a sanding stick and ultrasound cleaning makes them acceptable for vintage era. SEL recess is good.

3135 with aftermarket blue insert. (~$358)
The movement needs replacing with a VR but so does the SH tbh

LV 2836 stock. (~$268)
I have a BP 3135 dial and am going to swap it and the crystal when I can get to it.

https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...-in-bp-16613lb

 

[prv654]

No BP versions will take a gen-spec insert without shaving the outer perimeter a bit. But there are plenty of aftermarket inserts that will fit without modding.

Insert measurements (approximate)
Gen 30.6/37.65
BP 30.6/37.5

Similar issue with ARF. The crystal is too wide, or the inner side of the ring on gen spec inserts is too narrow, on top of a too narrow bezel.
My ARF won't take a gen spec insert without heavy sanding (inner and outer)...

 

[m5smg2]

it’s same factory. Vsf will be focusing on new / more popular Rolex models while older models will be released as XF.

It’s is the same maker, but my understanding is VS releases the clone movement version where XF is the ETA clone version?

 

[m5smg2]

Quite satisfied with mine, if you ask me...

That’s looking good. Is that the stock LN insert? Even the just released rehaut version still has the older “20” on the TD sites. Please share more photos. Thank bud.

 

[rcom440]

It’s is the same maker, but my understanding is VS releases the clone movement version where XF is the ETA clone version?

VSF also released Rolex Subs with ETA clone movements. They are less expensive than VSF with clone movements.
Now VSF also sells 126610 LN and LV but you have to request them from TDs.

 

[jttou]

They want to rep shit load of Rolex models including classic stuff.

Do you know if they will tackle the Explorer line. 1 or 2? I mean why is no one giving a damn about Exp 2? The only reason they haven't been selling well so far is that there are only shit reps of them out there.

 

[rcom440]

Do you know if they will tackle the Explorer line. 1 or 2? I mean why is no one giving a damn about Exp 2? The only reason they haven't been selling well so far is that there are only shit reps of them out there.

Vsf / xf will pretty much replicate every modern Rolex including explorer 1 and 2.
they need clone movement for explorer 2 which I have feeling will be ready soon. I think they will rep GMT 2 first but who knows. If Rolex release new Explorer 2 this month I can bet VSF will jump on it. They have technology to rep those watches pretty fast.

if you like explorer 1 look into BP version. It looks pretty sweet.

 

[jttou]

Vsf / xf will pretty much replicate every modern Rolex including explorer 1 and 2.
they need clone movement for explorer 2 which I have feeling will be ready soon. I think they will rep GMT 2 first but who knows. If Rolex release new Explorer 2 this month I can bet VSF will jump on it. They have technology to rep those watches pretty fast.

if you like explorer 1 look into BP version. It looks pretty sweet.

Cool thanks for your quick answer. Well ARF kinda dethroned Noob (because they got overconfident and lazy) and now the same happens or even happened with ARF. Let's see if VSF gets lazy and dethroned as well.