GMF released a GMT 3186 clone movement

[KJ2020]

Thanks, I'm thinking I may work on trying this, as the VRF bezels seem to have the serif font "1"s.

Interesting, I would have expected the VRF BLNR and LN to have the same thickness.

Which insert are you talking about using, the CHNR? The new batch of VRF Batman inserts are terrible (18 transition more than halfway Iinto the 8) and the LN is not nearly as good as the ARF. The VRF BLRO is fair but not great, pretty much a toss up to the GMF BLRO which has OK 1 serifs.

 

[shel504]

Which insert are you talking about using, the CHNR? The new batch of VRF Batman inserts are terrible (18 transition more than halfway Iinto the 8) and the LN is not nearly as good as the ARF. The VRF BLRO is fair but not great, pretty much a toss up to the GMF BLRO which has OK 1 serifs.

Yes, the CHNR. I haven't noticed any QC images up close, but at least the font is better. The transition looks fine on the VRF CHNR TD images.

 

[Pippo9]

The selection process for the GMT-Master must be as hard as it gets - I've spend a looong time trawling through various threads on this now. I'm basically after a reliable GMT Pepsi, with decent bezel insert (doesn't need to be perfect in terms of colour tone as even the gens have fluctuated between versions, but want ceramic and a clean transition between colours). I'm more than happy to take the ICHS. At the end of the day, if anyone asks about my watches, I tell them they are replicas. Quite often they don't believe me. What I'm after from the GMT Pepsi is a nice colourful summer / holiday watch.

Noob is ruled out due to high price and movement issues.

I had more or less settled on the GMF, but emailed TT and they said that they would explicitly need to ask GMF to replace the movement with the 2836 (which I have used on a number of reps without issue). They are telling me the Asia clone movements are okay, but after reading up I am highly sceptical. To make things even more confusing, it sounds as though GMF have gone backwards from using the more reliable VR movement to using the timebomb movements again? Am I reading this correctly.

If this is the case, are we basically saying that you can't get hold of a decent (but still flawed) GMT Pepsi with a reliable ICHS movement or reliable clone movement at the moment?

If that's the case, then I need to find another "summer holiday" watch with a bit of colour (already got the Hulk, but want something with blue in).

 

[KJ2020]

They are telling me the Asia clone movements are okay, but after reading up I am highly sceptical. To make things even more confusing, it sounds as though GMF have gone backwards from using the more reliable VR movement to using the timebomb movements again? Am I reading this correctly.

If this is the case, are we basically saying that you can't get hold of a decent (but still flawed) GMT Pepsi with a reliable ICHS movement or reliable clone movement at the moment?

2824 CHS timebombs are still timebombs. Factories calling them a 2836 is misleading. If the hour hand is on the bottom and it's an ETA clone, it's a 2824.

GMT Movements Explained

Why CHS GMT movements fail

See if you like this one, if so email Ryan about availability - it's a 2836 ICHS. Reps with these movements are rapidly becoming scarce. The movement is about twice the cost of the 2824. It won't be long before they are out of production altogether if not already.

https://www.intime05.co/rollie/3626...719-blro-black-dial-on-ss-bracelet-a3186.html

 

[KJ2020]

You could also consider the VRF Pepsi. Always a VR movement

https://forum.replica-watch.info/forum/rolex-tudor-replicas/8974242-vrf-pepsi-released

 

[Tobel]

If that's the case, then I need to find another "summer holiday" watch with a bit of colour (already got the Hulk, but want something with blue in).

A few suggestions of other watches with blue:
Tudor pepsi
16710 pepsi (5 digit, older model)
116613lb
Yachtmaster AP 15500 or 15400 (just did a review in the AP section if you're interested)

in case you want something a little different

 

[Pippo9]

2824 CHS timebombs are still timebombs. Factories calling them a 2836 is misleading. If the hour hand is on the bottom and it's an ETA clone, it's a 2824.

GMT Movements Explained

Why CHS GMT movements fail

See if you like this one, if so email Ryan about availability - it's a 2836 ICHS. Reps with these movements are rapidly becoming scarce. The movement is about twice the cost of the 2824. It won't be long before they are out of production altogether if not already.

https://www.intime05.co/rollie/3626...719-blro-black-dial-on-ss-bracelet-a3186.html

Very useful, thanks. I asked about the 2836 but TT said they'd need to request GMF to swap this into the case. Seems like the production change has already happened. I've asked a couple of other TDs if they can source an A2836 ICHS.

The main priorities for me on the GMT are 1. Does it tell the time (so many timebomb movements out there) and; 2. Is the bezel insert "good enough" (so no glaring white line or bump between the red/blue). These are the main things that would be noticeable on the wrist. Things like ICHS, differences in shade of red/ blue (especially given variations between version of the gen and different lighting) are less important to me. But I do like the robustness / scratch resistance of ceramic over metal.

VRF might be a good shout otherwise - I guess the issue is finding one with a passable bezel insert.

 

[Pippo9]

A few suggestions of other watches with blue:
Tudor pepsi
16710 pepsi (5 digit, older model)
116613lb
Yachtmaster AP 15500 or 15400 (just did a review in the AP section if you're interested)

in case you want something a little different

I've thought about a yachtmaster - though prefer the grey dial.
AP 15500 and 15400 I think would wear too large for me. Circa 6.75 inch wrist. I also like the Fifty Fathoms blue, but at 45mm I think it would wear too large for me.
16710 - I know the 5 digit Rolex's have a big following, but I prefer the 6 digit models.
116613lb - big fan of this. But I'm steering clear of gold replicas for fear of it wearing off. One day I will get a gen.

Was actually thinking about an Omega GMT GoodPlanet - can't decide if I like it enough.
Tudor - I know they are great watches, but for some reason I'm not that sold on them.

Decisions, decisions....

 

[rahul1407]

After a prolonged period of 5 months, due to the restrictions on courier services, I finally managed to get my Gmt Master II 116710BLNR assembled by a watch maker.
VRF 904L oyster bracelet and case, replaced the bezel insert with another ceramic insert, and superclone 3186 movement with blue balance spring, date adjustable with forward and back movement of hour hand ( although don’t want to take unnecessary risks trying it out repeatedly ). All purchased online from AliExpress.

Working presently at -2 sec in 24 hrs ( watchmaker did the finer adjustments)
Requesting comments if it needs any more mods​​​​​​​

 

[srhoque]

I can't answer that question unequivocally from firsthand experience but here's a GMF insert in a VRF 116710 LN bezel. Fit is perfect

Pretty much all rep, aftermarket, and gen ceramic inserts have a 38.0mm outer diameter. The inner diameter is usually 30.8mm but can vary a little. As long as the inner is greater than 30.5mm it's going to clear the crystal, and the ID is not impacted by the bezel. Both GMF and VRF inserts are adhered in the bezel (not pressure fit) so no worries there.

Interestingly, there are some noticeable differences in insert thicknesses. Below you can see this. You will need to use more or less glue or layers of double-sided tape to compensate. In one rare case, a member chose to shave the very thick Noob Pepsi insert down quite a bit to fit in the very shallow height ARF bezel. This is no easy task, requiring diamond sanding discs and significant skill.

.

I can confirm GMF v3 1167xx inserts will fit ARF and VRF 1167xx cases. Rolex has changed the ceramic insert thickness on the 1267xx line, it is thicker now. Too many people had inserts broken earlier. The new 1267xx bezel well is thicker. Noob is the only one who has tried to replicate that properly with their Pepsi 126710 release. However there are other issues with the Noob bezel build quality that we know of

 

[srhoque]

After a prolonged period of 5 months, due to the restrictions on courier services, I finally managed to get my Gmt Master II 116710BLNR assembled by a watch maker.
VRF 904L oyster bracelet and case, replaced the bezel insert with another ceramic insert, and superclone 3186 movement with blue balance spring, date adjustable with forward and back movement of hour hand ( although don’t want to take unnecessary risks trying it out repeatedly ). All purchased online from AliExpress.

Working presently at -2 sec in 24 hrs ( watchmaker did the finer adjustments)
Requesting comments if it needs any more mods​​​​​​​

Great build, appreciate your persistence. Wear in good health!! Since you have gone the extra mile, I suggest you put in a GMF v3 insert, currently the best rep insert on market. Will definitely enhance the overall aesthetics of the watch. Also, let us know about the long term 3186 reliability. I have been staying away from the SH3186, would be curious about your feedback.

 

[rahul1407]

Sincerely appreciate your inputs. Will follow up on the GMF V3 insert.. and post an update on the working of 3186 and mod

 

[KJ2020]

After a prolonged period of 5 months, due to the restrictions on courier services, I finally managed to get my Gmt Master II 116710BLNR assembled by a watch maker.
VRF 904L oyster bracelet and case, replaced the bezel insert with another ceramic insert, and superclone 3186 movement with blue balance spring, date adjustable with forward and back movement of hour hand ( although don’t want to take unnecessary risks trying it out repeatedly ). All purchased online from AliExpress.

Working presently at -2 sec in 24 hrs ( watchmaker did the finer adjustments)
Requesting comments if it needs any more mods

I'm not sure I'm understanding if you had the movement changed or not. The VRF comes with the VR3185 movement (the one you describe having, RWI calls it the VR3185).

Regarding your insert, it's the greatest challenge on 6 digit Rolexes. The one you used as a replacement is not the best looking one I've seen, maybe it's better than what you started with. It looks like it was not installed to be flush with the bezel rim, that does not help the appearance.

Have a look at these posts for more info if interested

Ceramic insert paint mod

​​​​​​​https://forum.replica-watch.info/fo...176877-noob-yacht-master-bezel-insert-fitment

 

[rahul1407]

I ordered the 3186 movement first and the watch assembly i.e the watch strap ( it had VRF 904L printed on the protective wrapper), the case, the watch hands and the fitting assy together separately, from the same supplier.
Movement $145 and the watch assy $330.
Yes even I felt that the bezel insert has not been fitted properly by the watch repairs guy. But don’t want to take the chance of removing again till I have a replacement in hand

 

[bertieng]

srhoque
"I can confirm GMF v3 1167xx inserts will fit ARF"

You mean you could press fit the insert onto the ARF bezel? It is well known that the ARF bezel ring has a pretty shadow thickness for the insert fitting, is the GMP insert thin enough to sit flush against the bezel lip? Or you just use double sided tape to stick the insert onto the bezel?

 

[rahul1407]

 

[sickopsycho]

I ordered the 3186 movement first and the watch assembly i.e the watch strap ( it had VRF 904L printed on the protective wrapper), the case, the watch hands and the fitting assy together separately, from the same supplier.
Movement $145 and the watch assy $330.
Yes even I felt that the bezel insert has not been fitted properly by the watch repairs guy. But don’t want to take the chance of removing again till I have a replacement in hand

It sounds to me like you built a VRF that is already available from a TD using the parts that come in it and a BLNR insert. That's certainly one way to do it... ????

 

[rahul1407]

Yup ! Just need a good insert to make it look better

 

[srhoque]

srhoque
"I can confirm GMF v3 1167xx inserts will fit ARF"

You mean you could press fit the insert onto the ARF bezel? It is well known that the ARF bezel ring has a pretty shadow thickness for the insert fitting, is the GMP insert thin enough to sit flush against the bezel lip? Or you just use double sided tape to stick the insert onto the bezel?

Use the tape that comes with the GMF insert.

 

[KJ2020]

srhoque
"I can confirm GMF v3 1167xx inserts will fit ARF"

You mean you could press fit the insert onto the ARF bezel? It is well known that the ARF bezel ring has a pretty shadow thickness for the insert fitting, is the GMP insert thin enough to sit flush against the bezel lip? Or you just use double sided tape to stick the insert onto the bezel?

The ARF insert support ring can be removed as it is not needed if an insert is to be taped in. This allows room for a thicker insert than the skinny ARF.