So I'm new to the replica watch game and I don't plan on going all in. But I've been after an Air King with a 3130/3131 movement and have quite a few questions after having done some research.
I've already ordered a DHGate Air King before having read anything about anything. It was cheap so I figured I'd get it, get a generic dial and apply waterslide decals to make it an homage. Then I started reading about the different replicas and got interested. From what I read, the BP or GMF watches are the best (?) so far but they come with the SA3130/3131 which apparently isn't well liked. For me that's fine, I'd swap in a VR3130/3131. Then I read about the VSF 3135 and about how that's apparently the best movement so far and you can swap the balance out with a real Rolex balance. Herein is where my questions lie:
Which is the best Air King, BP, JF, AR or GMF? Does VSF make a 3130 and can a Rolex balance and balance bridge really be swapped on to a VSF movement? I read that a Rolex balance can't be put on a VR movement. Is that true and how would one go about making it so that a real balance can be used on a VR? Is there anything else I should know? I've read that the JF bracelet is better than the BP which is apparently so-so. Personally I think I'm leaning towards the GMF but I honestly have no idea.
I like to tinker which is why I ask about the movements. Swapping for real parts to create a franken is something that intrigues me. If I'm able to, I'd plan to swap as many parts as possible, from the automatic works to the train wheels, from the escapement to the barrel. Whatever I can get. My goal would ideally be to make the movement greater than 55% gen not including the screws. To this end, I've bought a cheap SA3135 to practice working on the movement.
Thanks for any help and I really hope you guys don't chew me out for asking any of these questions. I really am new and am sincerely looking for some help.
I've already ordered a DHGate Air King before having read anything about anything. It was cheap so I figured I'd get it, get a generic dial and apply waterslide decals to make it an homage. Then I started reading about the different replicas and got interested. From what I read, the BP or GMF watches are the best (?) so far but they come with the SA3130/3131 which apparently isn't well liked. For me that's fine, I'd swap in a VR3130/3131. Then I read about the VSF 3135 and about how that's apparently the best movement so far and you can swap the balance out with a real Rolex balance. Herein is where my questions lie:
Which is the best Air King, BP, JF, AR or GMF? Does VSF make a 3130 and can a Rolex balance and balance bridge really be swapped on to a VSF movement? I read that a Rolex balance can't be put on a VR movement. Is that true and how would one go about making it so that a real balance can be used on a VR? Is there anything else I should know? I've read that the JF bracelet is better than the BP which is apparently so-so. Personally I think I'm leaning towards the GMF but I honestly have no idea.
I like to tinker which is why I ask about the movements. Swapping for real parts to create a franken is something that intrigues me. If I'm able to, I'd plan to swap as many parts as possible, from the automatic works to the train wheels, from the escapement to the barrel. Whatever I can get. My goal would ideally be to make the movement greater than 55% gen not including the screws. To this end, I've bought a cheap SA3135 to practice working on the movement.
Thanks for any help and I really hope you guys don't chew me out for asking any of these questions. I really am new and am sincerely looking for some help.
