First, many thanks to Ilana
@CTime for friendly and prompt communication and service. Always a pleasure, Ilana.
About the Gen:
After 23 years Rolex finally redesigns the Daytona in time for its 60th Anniversary. A new case design, very close to 11 series RG/PT case, is now shared with the entire 12 series Daytona line. The steel case is now wider and longer and the RG/PT case is just slightly narrower (basically, its the 11 RG/PT case narrowed at 2 and 4:00 so the bezel rim lines up with the case all around), and no more protruding SEL on gold bracelet models. Personally, I prefer the classic asymmetrical steel case design we’ve had since 1988 with the 16520 that evolved to the steel 1165xx series (and YG bracelet models), but for me it wears small at 38.5 mm. The 126500 series now wears like a true 40 mm, despite the same bezel diameter. A new bezel with narrower ceramic insert with a metal ring was added on most models, hinting the classic 62xx series. A new, less cluttered dial design with slimmer sub dials and hour markers ala 5-digit 16520 Zenith models makes the dial appear more open; new crown added @ 6:00 to indicate a new movement. The crystal now has underside AR coating. For the first time, the PT model and WG Le Mans we see an open case back (rest of Gold and steel models remain closed case back). There’s a new 4131 movement, which is not “new” but an evolution of 4130; and the 4132 special Le Mans edition gets a 24 hour counter (a different gear ratio with 24 clicks instead of 12). Apart from the end of protruding SELs, the bracelets/claps look to be unchanged. Overall, I love the 12 series design and especially its wearability. If only it were 41mm and with brushed lugs
About the Rep:
Hats off to Clean. They not only acquired both the Gen Panda and Black steel models in November, they managed a true 1:1 release in only 2 months. Impressive. With all reps, there’s always flaws, already discussed in detail on
@CTime gen comparo thread. The TD side-by-side gen comparos can be a double-edged sword for the maker; but it helps both them and us improving later releases, bettering our hobby.
Case 9.7
Case shape appears correct 1:1 from all angles. The crown and pushers feel and work like previous Cleans I’ve had. The machining, polishing, and finish look first rate and in the hand overall feels…I’ll say it, gen like.
Bezel 9.5
New “platinum” fill looks brilliant in all lighting, improved over other Clean inserts we’ve had. Numerals may be a hair offset to outer rim; fonts appear correct. Ceramic insert fits perfectly flush on bezel; bezel assembly is perfectly seated to case and feels solid.
Crystal 9.2
Very good clarity with both color dials. Id say its clarity is like my Clean GMT, but not quite as good as my VSF 12 Sub—arguably the best ever rep crystal. The height and edge shape look correct.
*** UPDATE *** I confirmed with
@CTime that Clean indeed upgraded the crystal. It now has a more refined surface polishing.
Dial 9.5
White color is just slightly cooler, but not bluish like very early Clean Pandas; actually looks the same as their V3 Panda. Black dial looks beautiful in person, even in sunlight, and I love the polished outer sub dial rings. Yes, the grey texture on the sub dials is not quite a smooth as on the gen, but lovely in person. Print quality looks excellent on both, as before.
Movement 9.0
The new SH4131 winds smooth but sounds a little different than the DD. The chrono operation and feel is the same as the DD. The big seconds hand resets perfectly. The rotor is a tad more audible, but not while wearing. Others more technical can comment better..
Bracelet 9.8
I’d have to say this bracelet is ARF again. There are some tight tolerances on the SEL fit—there is zero end play at the case, and no visual gap. The first link at the SEL has virtually no lateral play. Very, very high quality. The clasp is the same Clean-ARF goodness carried over.
QC 9.9
Everything looks and feels on point far as my old eyes can see. In fact, QC even feels on another level with this new release.
Final thoughts:
The micro flaws mentioned are indeed splitting hairs — not noticeable in person, and in no way take away from the enjoyment of this best ever rep. This new Clean release is simply superb. In person and in the hand it just feels solid and exudes quality throughout. It’s the most gen-like than any other top reps I’ve had (I’ve had 200+ top reps in 17 years). Im amazed by the overall accuracy and elevated quality; more so considering Clean only had the had the gen 2 months. Respect 🫡
*** UPDATE ***
I confirmed with
@CTime that Clean indeed upgraded the crystal. It now has a more refined surface polishing.
