Hi quick questions before I purchase my first rep: movements

[imsuchanoobandidontcare]

Apologies for the newb, after checking the various guides on RWI and reddit, all of this stuff is kinda overwhelming. I have seen a few mentions that the VSF ones on Andiot are one of the best NWBIG watches for Rolex Sub right now.
I am wondering about the pros/cons for the 3130 vs 3230 vs 2836 movements but that's really all the things I am unsure about before I pull the trigger on my first purchase. I get that the 3130 and 3230 are more accurate, but how serviceable to someone in the US? Is it something my local jeweler could repair or more complicated than that?

Less concerened, I'm confused on whether the VFS or BP factory is the better buy for the price range. I see some VFS ones for close to $1000 on some other sites as well and don't get the difference between those and the ones for ~$400 on Andiot.

 

[Mkempes]

If you're concerned about serviceability then go for the VSF Youth version. The movement is easy to fix and to swap.

The difference in price is that the other sites are trying to scam you + Andiot has the best prices here.

 

[imsuchanoobandidontcare]

If you're concerned about serviceability then go for the VSF Youth version. The movement is easy to fix and to swap.

The difference in price is that the other sites are trying to scam you + Andiot has the best prices here.

Why is it called the youth version? Im guessing for the target audience and not the size of the watch

 

[Karbon74]

Why is it called the youth version? Im guessing for the target audience and not the size of the watch

It’s a chinese concept that cannot be directly translated in English.

“青春版” (qīngchūn bǎn)


Plays and books were simplified and made more accessible to a younger audience, often with younger actors

This term came in everyday language to designate simpler and cheaper versions of a product

 

[Hor-Fan]

The only reason to go for the Rolex clone movements is if you intend to mod it with gen dial, hands, date wheel. Otherwise, the eta clone movement is the way to go, imo

 

[Karbon74]

The only reason to go for the Rolex clone movements is if you intend to mod it with gen dial, hands, date wheel. Otherwise, the eta clone movement is the way to go, imo

While I have made many many builds with eta clones, seagull, PT5000 and asian, I find the winding and time set of the rolex clones much smoother, unless you pop in some Swiss parts

 

[Hor-Fan]

While I have made many many builds with eta clones, seagull, PT5000 and asian, I find the winding and time set of the rolex clones much smoother, unless you pop in some Swiss parts

Yes, the Rolex clones are quite nice, but if you’re looking for serviceability at a local level you’ve got better chances with the eta clone.
With the money saved buying the youth version, you can buy a Gen Swiss Eta to install…if it’s smooth winding you want.

 

[Maximillian]

Apologies for the newb, after checking the various guides on RWI and reddit, all of this stuff is kinda overwhelming. I have seen a few mentions that the VSF ones on Andiot are one of the best NWBIG watches for Rolex Sub right now.
I am wondering about the pros/cons for the 3130 vs 3230 vs 2836 movements but that's really all the things I am unsure about before I pull the trigger on my first purchase. I get that the 3130 and 3230 are more accurate, but how serviceable to someone in the US? Is it something my local jeweler could repair or more complicated than that?

Less concerened, I'm confused on whether the VFS or BP factory is the better buy for the price range. I see some VFS ones for close to $1000 on some other sites as well and don't get the difference between those and the ones for ~$400 on Andiot.

Unless you plan to upgrade the clone movement, like swapping in a gen balance or similar, you're better off getting a VSF Sub with an A2824 inside. The 2824 is a widely used movement, easy to swap out for another or even an ETA, so you won’t have to worry about servicing the original in the long run. Just remember to keep the datewheel when changing movements, and avoid the Seagull ST2130 since the rep Rolex datewheel needs modification to fit that one.

Also, not all so-called Rolex clone movements are created equal. In general, the VS movement is better than the VR. Issues might not show up in the first six months, but even for a VS clone, you'll still want to replace the barrel, clicks, and winding wheel etc if you want that smooth feel when winding or setting the time.

 

[Karbon74]

Yes, the Rolex clones are quite nice, but if you’re looking for serviceability at a local level you’ve got better chances with the eta clone.
With the money saved buying the youth version, you can buy a Gen Swiss Eta to install…if it’s smooth winding you want.

True that
Also I forget that I can repair myself most of it within reason, or source a new VS3235 to swap it if too much work is needed

so the way I look at things at not at all OP’s

 

[Michaelh]

It’s a chinese concept that cannot be directly translated in English.

“青春版” (qīngchūn bǎn)


Plays and books were simplified and made more accessible to a younger audience, often with younger actors

This term came in everyday language to designate simpler and cheaper versions of a product

This is so cool, I love etymology! Thanks! I assumed it was a cheaper product and pragmatically designed for a demograph just starting out in watches, like youths.

 

[Reaps]

You're in the FFZ so you'll get serious responses here without flaming. But i suggest you post less and read more. You want a quick and easy fix but you won't put in the time to read. You probably also skipped all the intro posts you were introduced to, otherwise you wouldn't write these questions.

Reaps Generic Guide to The Replica Game in 2025. How Do I Do Research? Which Model Should I Pick? Waterproofing? TD selection/issues? FAQ and more....

Reaps Generic Guide to The Replica Game in 2025. How Do I Do Research? Which Model Should I Pick? Waterproofing? TD selection/issues? FAQ and more.... Changelog : Last...

forum.replica-watch.info

 

[CurioLeo]

Like countless noobs before you, you are asking "who has the best Sub" for your first rep. For the record, it won't matter what you buy. You will be enamored with whatever choice you make, you will be convinced it is incredible value for money and that everyone who buys the real deal is either a total idiot or has been taken for a ride / scammed by the genuine manufacturer. Then the little details will begin to bug you, you will notice the watch doesn't wear quite comfortable as you would like, doesn't run quite as reliable as you thought, doesn't make you feel special whenever you wear it. Then you start looking for more and more options, go the mod/franken/superfranken route before maybe eventually getting out of reps all together. BTW, I am not flaming you, just laying out the probable journey. Reps are an expensive hobby (albeit cheaper than genuine watches ). All I can suggest is keep it real, don't go crazy, try to enjoy each rep you purchase for what it is - a foray into sampling watches you like for a fraction of the real cost with hopefully the same fraction of expectations.