First Purchase for New Joiner: Rolex OP (39mm) 114300 white dial

[HendrikWatch]

Hi guys,

my name is Hendrik. I dreamt about owning a Rolex one day (and until that day I am currently looking for an excellent rep).
I studied this forum a lot in the last couple of days and was able to get an overview. Reps, TD, payment, etc. pp.

I decided for a watch: I would like to "pull the trigger" on a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm (114300) with a white dial. I studied gens, reps and TDs but tbh the load of information is kind of overwhelming. At the same time I feel like this watch is not very popular and specific information are rare.

I identified four factories: GMF, ARF, BP and UBF.


I identified three dealers:
Thrustytime
JustOneWatches
Chazing Time

What I am overwhelmed with is mainly the price difference (UBF starting at 298 USD, ARF for 478 USD). I contacted a TD already and he told me the ARF is not available within the next weeks/months. He recommended GMF. I am not able to identify the main differences. Is it just the movement and steel used?
Is there a movement you can recommend for this watch? At some dealers I am able to configure a movement of my choice.

Any other experience? Photos? Recommendations?

Thanks a lot in advance for your support! Really excited about my first purchase.

Best,
Hendrik

 

[Storm.]

The differences are mostly these:

Appearance and quality of the watch, especially dial print and dial markers, watch hands

Movements, either asian eta clones or real clones of the swiss movements made in china (these are newer, but so far a few good ones have proven to be very reliable)

And the quality of bracelet, case and crystal.

If you cannot see the differences, we have loads of topics on almost every watch where the difference, sometimes very small, are discussed and it's mostly agreed upon which version is the best.

So try using the search function with either the watch model number or name and you will find almost all information you are looking for.

Welcome to the rabbit hole.

 

[wubsub]

to make it simple for you: best for this model is ARF.

grey, white and black are the most accurate.

best upgrades would be hands, dial and automatic module or just reversing wheels

 

[Feefo]

^^^ what they say. Can't do much wrong with ARF, higher tier factory, best bracelets around.
As for the price differences, main drivers are movements and steel type, as already mentioned, and "prestige" of a factory to a certain extent (so, demand, essentially). So yes if you want high tier and money is not an issue, go with arf. On the other hand other factories usually offer decent alternatives at a fair pricing. And, concerning the movement, I prefer the idea of the ETA clone because it's a 1:1 swap with a Gen ETA if it craps out, and that will last you a lifetime.
My first buy was an OP 36mm BP factory. Didn't want to go all in with my first test round. Very satisfied with the piece. If your ocd allows, then I wouldn't bother with high tier. Personal opinion, mind you.
For research purposes use Google and add: "...site:forum.replica-watch.info" to your research and you'll find all you need

 

[HendrikWatch]

Thank you guys! Appreciate it!

 

[KJ2020]

Any other experience? Photos? Recommendations?
Thanks a lot

GMF and BP are partner factories so they will be nearly indistinguishable in appearance. Like you said, just steel and movement. UBF is not a top tier factory, I rejected several of those for defects on the hour marker side walls and dials not centered properly. They've also had issues with wrong hands length.

I settled on a BP. It's not ARF quality but it's very good for the price IMO. This isn't a favorite model of mine, I just had to have one to check the OP block (like Pokemon you gotta catch em all, haha).

I just happened to wear it today and it always pleases me, nice and simple I'm happy with it and as mentioned when the movement dies it's an easy fix with a $60 or so Seagull 2824 or even a gen ETA if it's a keeper. No mods or upgrades on this one for me, it's strictly an OOTB block checker.

UBF reject

 

[HendrikWatch]

Hi guys,

Thanks for your input so far. I ordered a 114300 white dial from a RWI member and got scammed. I hope I’ll get my money back eventually.

I decided to order a watch from a TD and will probably go for this one after a longer decision process:

https://www.pfc8188.com/r36djs-551s-126234-ss-ss-fluted-oyster-2019-white-sticks-a-2824.html?___SID=U

I contacted listed TDS and they have this particular watch in stock.

Do you guys know if this watch was ever actually built by Rolex? I am not sure.
I am deciding between BP and GMF. I lean towards BP because I don’t want to go all in after my first experience. Any recommendations regarding factory?

Thank you guys!

 

[Feefo]

Don't take my words for gold, just did a quick google research, seems like the 126234 white dial just comes with roman numerals, while stick markers are present on a silver dial. But again, it was a 2 min research.
As noted earlier in the thread, GMF and BP are somehow connected, so I think BP is a solid choice, good value for money imo.

 

[KJ2020]

Fluted bezel on the 126

Rolex 126234 Stainless Steel Datejust 36mm Fluted Bezel Silver... for $11,325 for sale from a Trusted Seller on Chrono24

Rolex Datejust 36 Listing: $11,325 Rolex 126234 Stainless Steel Datejust 36mm Fluted Bezel Silver..., Reference number 126234; Steel; Automatic; Condition Unworn; Year 2021; Watch with original box

www.chrono24.com

 

[HendrikWatch]

thanks! Silver dial tho

 

[KJ2020]

thanks! Silver dial tho

Rolex Datejust 36 LC 100 Ref.116234 Service/2021 for $9,932 for sale from a Trusted Seller on Chrono24

Rolex Datejust 36 Listing: $9,932 Rolex Datejust 36 LC 100 Ref.116234 Service/2021, Reference number 116234; Steel; Automatic; Condition Very good; Year 2017; Watch with original

www.chrono24.com

 

[HendrikWatch]

Hi guys, thank you very much for your input. Highly appreciated.

I did some more Research and afaik the DJ 36mm with a white dial was offered with a smooth bezel and oyster bracelet BUT only with railroad tracks as shown above. The exact model I am looking for wasn’t produced I think.