• Tired of adverts on RWI? - Subscribe by clicking HERE and PMing Trailboss for instructions and they will magically go away!

Noob Vs ARF Datejust 41mm

pistebasher

I'm Pretty Popular
Patron
Supporter
Certified
13/6/20
1,733
1,389
113
UK
I'm having an impossible time choosing between the noob and ARF Datejust 2. One of the main complaints about the noob seems to be pricing based, yet the two are within 10 bucks on trusty. The contenders are:

R2DJ0253B - DJ2 41mm Oyst Flt SS/SS Blue Stk Noob A3235

https://trustytime.shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_294&products_id=20956

R2DJ0257D - DJ2 41mm Oys Flt 904L SS/SS Blue/Stk V3 ARF A2824

https://trustytime.shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_294&products_id=21530

The movement on the noob appears to be based on a Rolex clone Vs an ETA on the ARF. The problems with the date wheel font on the ARF have been done to death. Why is the ARF considered better than the Noob? I would greatly appreciate some advice from the Rolex grandmasters of knowledge here!
 

Teenyweeny

Active Member
29/11/17
300
122
43
5ee1e27cc33abfa45cffc4d4ee66a3ad.jpg

cfcc39aa0bc3d01953f1e7ac9ca1b9b6.jpg

dfd8c16df7c2063374096e4ffb06bc5b.jpg


Here’s my ARF and to me it’s the best out of box, movement good on time and cyclops black hole have improved so much


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: pistebasher

Repmaster1337

TC, WM9 interested❤️
DO NOT TRADE WITH ME
Supporter
Certified
9/9/19
2,646
1,804
113
I've got this arf v3 in blue, feels and look gen. DW not an issue. Noob is nice i guess, but what if the movement breaks in just days? :( ooh and arf bracelet is insane!
 

Adam_Smith

Active Member
Certified
23/6/20
222
141
43
I think the best thing about the ARF is the bracelet, far superior to the Noob. However, the date wheel font is horrible. As for the movement, the choice is between a clone of the original, which is probably more unstable and difficult to repair, or a fairly reliable movement that every watchmaker knows how to work with. In a watch whose caseback is not transparent.

In any case, I'm interested in hearing the opinion of much more expert people. It is a watch that I intend to incorporate into my collection, and I have similar doubts to you.
 

Repmaster1337

TC, WM9 interested❤️
DO NOT TRADE WITH ME
Supporter
Certified
9/9/19
2,646
1,804
113
Look at my arf. The dw is accepteble, not horrible. Just the tds zooming soo close..
xGBGW.jpg
xGlAS.jpg


​​​​​
 
Last edited:

srhoque

Respected Member
28/11/18
3,259
2,467
113
Whenever a factory produces a true clone, it’s a step forward in the right direction. However early release is prone to failure, defects and hard to repair and source parts. For that, hats off to Noob. They have always been innovating over the years. I have the ARF, build quality is stellar with a comfortable bracelet. I am a happy owner but I would always like a clone over ETA. There is rumors about Rolex putting 3235 on the Sub later this year, so it’s only a matter of time that a reliable clone 3235 is made. When that happens, the DJ41 will be taken to the next level. Until then, enjoy the ARF which is tried and proven.
 

James2020

Active Member
1/6/20
422
175
43
Look at my arf. The dw is accepteble, not horrible. Just the tds zooming soo close..

​​​​​

Agreed. The DW font looks bold in the first photo but it looks so much better in the second photo which is zoomed out. And considering the second photo is already enlarged compared to what we would see in real life, I think it will look fine when looking at it while wearing the watch

beautiful watch btw! Makes me kinda regret getting a gen one in the first place...LOL
 
Last edited:

pistebasher

I'm Pretty Popular
Patron
Supporter
Certified
13/6/20
1,733
1,389
113
UK
I used to lust after the Daytona and even am on the waiting list for a gen, but the reality is, the datejust is just a much more versatile, elegant and beautiful watch. It goes with almost everything, it never looks out of place. James2020 what gen combo of dial, strap and metals did you go for?
 

Akilles

Lord Commander
Certified
11/6/17
1,330
1,786
113
The North
Im very happy with my ARF v2. Nothing really to complain about so far. Gen DW and crystal is installed. The blue dial has a fantasic effect imo where the color changes alot depending on the lightning.

f7d35fe20cc9e27c6e67eac602f0d981.jpg



4044200b7ce0f59019410124a121414f.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: James2020

James2020

Active Member
1/6/20
422
175
43
I used to lust after the Daytona and even am on the waiting list for a gen, but the reality is, the datejust is just a much more versatile, elegant and beautiful watch. It goes with almost everything, it never looks out of place. James2020 what gen combo of dial, strap and metals did you go for?

I got the stainless steel blue dial with fluted bezel and oyster bracelet. I had a hard time choosing between jubilee and oyster bracelet but decided on the latter as i thought the jubilee was a little too bling... LOL... But after seeing diamant’s photos, it just look so good with the jubilee bracelet!
 
  • Like
Reactions: pistebasher

altaylar1

Known Member
23/9/20
187
54
28
Sorry to awake an old topic, but has anyone had the chance to compare the rep fluted bezel with the real one? I am curious if the material being SS rather than WG makes a difference.
To be honest, I thought it would, but I am seeing that members when making a Franken project, almost never change the bezel with the gen. Im curious if its because the rep bezel makes no difference, or because the gen would be too expensive (so doesn't worth)
 

Tobel

Respected Member
Supporter
Certified
6/7/17
5,504
3,741
113
Sorry to awake an old topic, but has anyone had the chance to compare the rep fluted bezel with the real one? I am curious if the material being SS rather than WG makes a difference.
To be honest, I thought it would, but I am seeing that members when making a Franken project, almost never change the bezel with the gen. Im curious if its because the rep bezel makes no difference, or because the gen would be too expensive (so doesn't worth)

Take a look at the VSF datejust thread, you'll find what you're looking for
 

pistebasher

I'm Pretty Popular
Patron
Supporter
Certified
13/6/20
1,733
1,389
113
UK
Sorry to awake an old topic, but has anyone had the chance to compare the rep fluted bezel with the real one? I am curious if the material being SS rather than WG makes a difference.
To be honest, I thought it would, but I am seeing that members when making a Franken project, almost never change the bezel with the gen. Im curious if its because the rep bezel makes no difference, or because the gen would be too expensive (so doesn't worth)

In reality it makes very little difference while the watch is shiny and new since the bezel in gen is made of white gold with a high palladium content so it's very similar in colour to SS. I guess white gold will retain its lustre for longer.