At long last, we have the first ever 5 digit Sub in 904L. Thank you ARF and Puretime!
We all know the JF 16610 in 316F, both with and without rehaut engravings. This is the new 904L version making it an ARF. The new 904L Classic Sub is released with no rehaut engravings (at least for now), and this is how we prefer it. Thanks to Angus and ARF for listening. Although it’s a 904 remake of the 316 version, I think they’ve made some improvements like the lugs, cyclops, and clasp. Having just received it I’m a bit excited and my eyes may be tricking me so please chime in. We have many classic Sub veterans here. Those that know me know I’m a die hard ARF, fan so I may be a bit biased
OK, let’s get the first one out of the way....yes, the dreaded date font. ARF are known for beautiful build quality with tight tolerances and QC. But it’s no secret they’re also infamous for goofing their date fonts on their SH3135. I can say here that the ARF version indeed has an updated DW. That was part of the delay. How improved I’m sure you guys will comment.
When it comes to Rolex reps, we all obsess over the cyclops, black hold effect. But there is something to be said for the clarity of the whole crystal. A clear crystal will allow the beautiful dial details to shine through. The ARF crystal definitely looks updated to me. The cyclops looks clearer, almost no angled distortion, and even looks to have some halo effect around the cyclops edge.
The case machining and finishing quality remains. The lug edges look to have a tad more bevel or chamfer, making the lugs appear thinner? The rehaut is nicely finished with the right amount of sheen. The crown screws in butter smooth like a gen. The bezel sits flush with case and turns with a tight, crisp feel. The excellent insert — as we know from the JF — is pressure fit same as genuine, not glued.
As expected, the bracelet is typical ARF quality. Excellent SEL fit. Excellent smooth gen like brushed finish. Likewise the clasp feels solid when folding and snapping closed. The hidden diver’s extension snaps in/out tightly and feels gen like. The inner clasp is finished as beautifully as the outer. The outer clasp coronet and cut outs look more refined and detailed than even the JF.
For comparison I have photos next to my beloved JF Kermit 316. To keep the photos simple I went alphabetical. AR is left or top, JF right or bottom.
I can’t help but wonder if JF will now dwell into more vintage models, both 5 and 4 digit references. I wouldn’t rule anything out
