Clean Factory Daytona vs AR Factory Daytona and Other Questions

[Stas Roblev]

To start off, I think that this forum is one of the most interesting ones I have ever stumbled upon. However, I have two questions that are somewhat unanswered:
1. Researching on the 116500 Daytona in black, I see two factories that seem to produce the best models: Clean Factory and AR Factory (because of its dials). Comparing photos on Jtime, I feel as if the Clean Factory dial is better than the AR factory dial. Would someone explain the differences? Is it best to mod. a Clean Factory dial with an AR Factory one?
2. My second question is this: How accurate is the Clean Factory 116500 in black to the genuine? I am considering purchasing one and modifying the balance bridge, like a Frankenmod. Are there many small differences or is it the closest clone to the genuine?
If anyone would shed light on my questions, I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you!

 

[jkent83]

Not to complicate things, but make sure you check out the new v2 BTF Daytonas and recently released v2 Clean Daytonas. Some of the issues regarding the dials and other problems have been addressed.

 

[p0pperini]

I am considering purchasing one and modifying the balance bridge, like a Frankenmod. Are there many small differences or is it the closest clone to the genuine?

Why? It's a solid caseback. No one but you and your watchsmith will ever see it. It seems like unnecessary and expensive effort for no particular reason.

FWIW, no one ever seems to buy the ARF Daytona any more. Everyone wants the full clone 4130 movement reps (the ARF runs on a 7750 and the 3/9 subdials are frozen. The running seconds at 8 works and the chrono seconds hand works when the chrono is operated).

 

[Asm56660]

Old thread bit I would totally disagree, people still get the ARF ( including me ) because IMHO it is undoubtedly the best bang for your buck, especially with the used ones being sold as low as $300 or even lower in some cases. For missing out on literally 0.5mm and a Non Functional 3-9 Subdials that ( Lets Be Honest here ) you would never, or even rarely use, I consider this to be a heck of a deal brother.

See I can not deny the obvious truth which nowadays more than %90 of this models purchases and QCs are either CF/BTF. But neither anyone can deny what an awesome deal an ARF is at $480 is from TDs. Wish they would lower that price TBH as usually more competition and better products would prompt that, but hey; I have no clue why the Chinese market prices don’t follow that haha.

0.5mm is not gen, Non Functional 3-9 Subdials, totally agreed. But no one can beat that gorgeous ARF dial.

To each their budget and their preferences, I guess maybe I’m the only one that never touches the Subdials screws, who knows. Just wanted to give my 2 cents man cheers!

 

[p0pperini]

Old thread bit I would totally disagree, people still get the ARF ( including me ) because IMHO it is undoubtedly the best bang for your buck, especially with the used ones being sold as low as $300 or even lower in some cases.

Ah, I wasn't suggesting the ARF is a poor choice. I was merely observing how for the most part the ARF Daytona is now ignored, and conversation around the forum is focussed on newer Daytona reps with the full clone movement. I completely agree - if I was still buying Daytonas, I'd snap the ARF up M2M. But my collection's complete now - and features a couple of ARFs.

 

[Asm56660]

My mind still can’t go around why they added that fake ass decorations and added that thick caseback.. wish it was maybe optional or something.. and even tho after what seems like 3-4 years since it’s release.. still comes with that fat caseback..

I went ahead and did the deco plate removal mod.. added the ETA 7750 Valjoux rotor and screw.. less noisy and has better reseve.. only thing missing is those damn rare Noob/CF/BT thin backcases and I would have my best rep of daytona, wish me luck finding those brother

 

[M Scott]

116500 Black Dial Silver Sub-dials are actually very similar with the old ARF and the current Clean Factory offering. Both are slightly thicker than a Gen, and both are slightly more shiny than a Gen. Not as shiny as a BTF or a Noob, which was the worst of the Replica Daytona Black Dials.

The older Gen 116520 Silver Sub-dials did have more shine. But when Rolex designed the newer 116500 Black Dial, they toned down the Silver Sub-dials with more of a Matte Grey finish. This was to make more contrast between the shiny hands and the Sub-dials in an effort to make the watch easier to read.
.

The 116500 White Dial Panda is much more popular than the Black Dial, so the Replicas of those watches have always been a bit better. The Panda offerings from Clean and BTF are both very good and far better than the Noobs ever were. The quality of the Noobs was very inconsistent.

To be honest, none of the Replica Factories have ever produced a really good 116500 Black Dial.
- If BTF tones down the shine to a Matte Grey, they will be very close to Gen.
- If Clean makes the Silver Sub-dials thiner, and slightly tones down the shine, they will be very close to Gen.