[pompompurin's] Let's review and franken an ARF 116234 Datejust :D

[pompompurin]

Only think keeping me back is the SH plus high price.

Even if you do the ETA swap (which is a headache in itselve) you would have to atleast service the SH before selling it and that would be a big loss moneywise.

I agree with SH and yuki movement - they all crap out on me lol
but i really reallyyy want to use gen dial without cutting their feet so I got no choice

anyways, here is a sneak preview of my franken-ed 116234 (review + franken process will be coming soon)

 

[pompompurin]

1. Unboxing

2. comparing the ARF plastic box to a gen Rolex AD plastic box
As we know that ARF likes to include a gen Rolex AD plastic box, I will be comparing the ARF plastic box to the gen plastic AD box

The gen Rolex AD plastic box comes in different variations I believe (i.e. big box, small box, and perhaps ones with other smaller variations like different box code etc)

Although the ARF plastic box looks like the gen Rolex AD plastic box, there are notable difference
1. the ARF plastic box doesn't contain a card holder that holds the Rolex warranty card
2. the ARF plastic box is a bit bigger than the gen Rolex AD plastic box
3. the ARF plastic box's styrofoam is a lot harder than the gen Rolex AD plastic box, and the ARF styrofoam has a different dimension

But nevertheless, it is a nice touch from ARF to provide us with an extremely decently-copied plastic box. The gen and ARF styrofoam also contains cutout to store additional and/or unused links

Left is gen Rolex AD plastic box

Right is gen Rolex AD plastic box

Right is gen Rolex styrofoam

Right is gen

3. The watch
The watch I ordered is a Rolex Datejust 116234 from ARF factory (aka... JF). The unique selling point of this watch is for its 904l steel + SH 3135 movement + extremely nice replica accuracy for a modern 36mm datejust (BP and LF alternatives aren't as good)

Here is the watch with the stickers still on

First impression...
1. This thing feels SOLID - I am amazed how nice it is to touch it
2. The fluted bezel sparkles and refract light EXACTLY the same way like gen because the flutes have the right angle and depth.. unlike poor fluted bezel replica (which other factories could never get right... e.g. BP datejust). I don't think that a gen white gold bezel is needed because the fluted bezel is really that good. ARF managed to perfect what seemed to be impossible
3. The date disc font is ugly and that has to go ASAP
4. Crystal has excellent clarity with little glare - although i think all factory gen used normal non-AR crystal. IMO the stock ARF crystal looks better than gen 25 295c non-AR

At a different angle, you can see the sunburst dial effect

Side pics

Previously another member here has raised a point that the ARF's side profile may not match what a gen should look like
I have compared it to online pics and it looks good to me

The SEL is EXTREMELY tight on this watch - it is so tight that I have a hard time trying to remove the bracelet

At this angle, you can sort of see the rehaut engraving. I wished that the engravings were deeper because I think that is what the gen should look like
Also, there are no serial numbers in between the lugs

Back of the watch

 

[pompompurin]

4. concluding thoughts about the stock ARF watch

Pros
- I love that metal tone - somehow it looks different to other rep's metal tone
- the fluted bezel IS A WORK OF ART - seriously i have never seen how light reflects on it like gen reflection. I used to think that rep fluted bezel can never look good as gen because gen uses white gold whereas rep uses steel... but ARF has shown that even a steel fluted bezel (with the right flute dimensions and angle) could shine and sparkle like gen (even though the hue of steel is different to white gold, but nevertheless it is still a bloody work of art)
- overall case dimensions look good when compared to google (e.g. crown/stem/tube height, case curvature, case overall dimensions)
- the bracelet's outer surface area feels so smooth like gen
- the SEL is so tight - i don't think anyone could complain about SEL gaps

Cons
- the movement can be a timebomb. In fact, my manual winding mechanism is barely working because the wig-wag doesn't catch onto the ratchet wheel. I am certain that servicing is needed along the way
- the stock date disc is ugly! That bold font completely ruins the watch but from what I understand, it is inevitable for ARF because I am sure they source their movements externally from elsewhere (hence the JF 16610 and yuki 3135 shares the same ugly date disc font). To make a gen date disc work, it requires some modification to the studs in order to allow the gen date disc to run smoothly
- if I have to be VERY OCD, then the seconds hand doesn't have the same cylindrical pinion like gen, instead it looks flat right in the middle. The gen hands got finesse whereas the rep ARF seconds hand look like it is just a piece of stamped metal
- the bracelet's outer links (i.e. the 2 links that lies parallel from the mid links) isn't polished/cut straightly (but this could be dismissed as overpolishing - not a concrete flaw to suggest being a fake.. in my book/opinion)
- the bracelet's inside feels a bit sharp but nowhere near as bad as the JF 16610 bracelet (which felt like wrapping a series of razor blades around your wrist)
- I think the rehaut engravings could have been deeper

Overall...
1. if you can afford to have the watch serviced and have the date disc swapped out
2. you like 36mm (this watch feels heftier than the older datejust - that's for sure)
... then this is a decent watch for your consideration

Personally, I rather stick with a 16000 superfranken datejust with gen case set + 2824-2 movement for reliability reasons... this is because I can sorta fix an ETA 2824-2 but i don't have the guts yet to properly fix a 3135 movement (and i hate them). But the problem with this idea is that a 16000 feels tiny after i got used to this modern 36mm datejust

 

[gamba66]

4. concluding thoughts about the stock ARF watch

Pros
- the fluted bezel IS A WORK OF ART - seriously i have never seen how light reflects on it like gen reflection. I used to think that rep fluted bezel can never look good as gen because gen uses white gold whereas rep uses steel... but ARF has shown that even a steel fluted bezel (with the right flute dimensions and angle) could shine and sparkle like gen (even though the hue of steel is different to white gold, but nevertheless it is still a bloody work of art)

First of all, fantastic extensive review. You know how much love I have for you bro, thank you for all your help on this board and personally via PM. I learned ALOT from you alone

I agree with your opinion above but you are wrong with one point, these are not simply steel, high-polished steel wouldn't reflect that much.

I own two of the ARF fluted bezel (thanks to fantastic members who exchanged them to gen) and I can confirm these are rhodium-coated, thats why you get the reflection the way that you do. Now its good for the gen-like reflection but durability isnt the same as genuine.

So a genuine bezel is still nicer because its solid whitegold and you won't have to worry about scratching off plating. Plus in the comparison pictures the whitegold did shine a little more (could be the solution they use to plate).

Probably it is not labeled that way on the website because they simply didn't know better.

I am a huge fan but if there is a way to get the Datejust with a case and bracelet only I would try to go that way first. SH is just too much of a headache and I would feel really bad selling a stock one without service (with service it would take away alot of money..)

 

[pompompurin]

I own two of the ARF fluted bezel (thanks to fantastic members who exchanged them to gen) and I can confirm these are rhodium-coated, thats why you get the reflection the way that you do. Now its good for the gen-like reflection but durability isnt the same as genuine.

sweet then that may also explain why

I wouldn't be too bothered to replace the bezel if that is the case too because a proper fluted white gold bezel isn't cheap

 

[d4m.test]

Great review, thank you very much ! can i have your point of view for the dial, is it like the Gen or different ?

 

[Timmetje83]

sweet then that may also explain why

I wouldn't be too bothered to replace the bezel if that is the case too because a proper fluted white gold bezel isn't cheap

You can try aftermarket 18k wso bezel, they are around 300 USD.

Sent from the RWI App

 

[d4m.test]

4. concluding thoughts about the stock ARF watch

Pros
- I love that metal tone - somehow it looks different to other rep's metal tone
- the fluted bezel IS A WORK OF ART - seriously i have never seen how light reflects on it like gen reflection. I used to think that rep fluted bezel can never look good as gen because gen uses white gold whereas rep uses steel... but ARF has shown that even a steel fluted bezel (with the right flute dimensions and angle) could shine and sparkle like gen (even though the hue of steel is different to white gold, but nevertheless it is still a bloody work of art)
- overall case dimensions look good when compared to google (e.g. crown/stem/tube height, case curvature, case overall dimensions)
- the bracelet's outer surface area feels so smooth like gen
- the SEL is so tight - i don't think anyone could complain about SEL gaps

Cons
- the movement can be a timebomb. In fact, my manual winding mechanism is barely working because the wig-wag doesn't catch onto the ratchet wheel. I am certain that servicing is needed along the way
- the stock date disc is ugly! That bold font completely ruins the watch but from what I understand, it is inevitable for ARF because I am sure they source their movements externally from elsewhere (hence the JF 16610 and yuki 3135 shares the same ugly date disc font). To make a gen date disc work, it requires some modification to the studs in order to allow the gen date disc to run smoothly
- if I have to be VERY OCD, then the seconds hand doesn't have the same cylindrical pinion like gen, instead it looks flat right in the middle. The gen hands got finesse whereas the rep ARF seconds hand look like it is just a piece of stamped metal
- the bracelet's outer links (i.e. the 2 links that lies parallel from the mid links) isn't polished/cut straightly (but this could be dismissed as overpolishing - not a concrete flaw to suggest being a fake.. in my book/opinion)
- the bracelet's inside feels a bit sharp but nowhere near as bad as the JF 16610 bracelet (which felt like wrapping a series of razor blades around your wrist)
- I think the rehaut engravings could have been deeper

Overall...
1. if you can afford to have the watch serviced and have the date disc swapped out
2. you like 36mm (this watch feels heftier than the older datejust - that's for sure)
... then this is a decent watch for your consideration

Personally, I rather stick with a 16000 superfranken datejust with gen case set + 2824-2 movement for reliability reasons... this is because I can sorta fix an ETA 2824-2 but i don't have the guts yet to properly fix a 3135 movement (and i hate them). But the problem with this idea is that a 16000 feels tiny after i got used to this modern 36mm datejust

Man, I always love your posts and your the only guy in here that I rely on!!! You should be made head reviewer. They should even send you stuff for free just to review. I am kind of over the REP game and just got in again after 10 years bc it seems not much has really changed but the exterior corrections, seems the movements are just getting worse..I will only buy a future watch based on your reviews!!!
Seriuosly.
The Arf Datejust is probably the only watch I would think about buying at this point.
Thank you!
DNA


Sent from the RWI App

 

[Spatiumtemporis]

So excited to see how this ends up. Solid watch this arf dj... The fluted bezel really is great. Great work again Pom

 

[pompompurin]

Great review, thank you very much ! can i have your point of view for the dial, is it like the Gen or different ?

Yup dial comparison and franken process section is coming soon. I will have to do the write up first

 

[pompompurin]

You can try aftermarket 18k wso bezel, they are around 300 USD.

Sent from the RWI App

$300 usd is too much for a bezel unfortunately to me because I need to allocate fund for a 16613 project now as well hehe

 

[pompompurin]

Man, I always love your posts and your the only guy in here that I rely on!!! You should be made head reviewer. They should even send you stuff for free just to review. I am kind of over the REP game and just got in again after 10 years bc it seems not much has really changed but the exterior corrections, seems the movements are just getting worse..I will only buy a future watch based on your reviews!!!
Seriuosly.
The Arf Datejust is probably the only watch I would think about buying at this point.
Thank you!
DNA


Sent from the RWI App

LOL thank you for the motivation. Chinese are coming up with their own in-house / proprietary movement (like those panerai clone movements or those IWC Portuguese movement). They all seem to work fine but somehow the sh3135 movement still sucks out of the box from factory! I still promote rolex rep owners to choose 2824-2 over superclone movement, unless they are going to franken the watch which demands gen dial.

I wished I started the watch + rep game sooner like you did - seems to me gen Rolex were much more affordable back then (even if you consider inflation). I am also curious to know how those wm9 v3 / euromariner / noobmariner / beautiful Sean 16610 cases were like back 10 years ago.

 

[pompompurin]

So excited to see how this ends up. Solid watch this arf dj... The fluted bezel really is great. Great work again Pom

Thank you for the kind words, it's fun to share and this watch can definitely become a solid watch after a movement service! Lol

 

[pompompurin]

Sneak preview of the franken-ed 116234

I have installed the following parts from yesterday:
Gen dial
Gen (used) 25 295c crystal with LEC
Gen 3135 date disc

 

[lpl]

Very closely following this thread. You sir, are one of a kind! Beautiful work as always.

 

[NickOT]

unfortunately nobody in Hong Kong seems to repair or touch replica watches so it sucks when things screw up here

the best modders and rep watchmakers are in Europe and in the States lol

the biggest advantage for living in Hong Kong is that I get to receive my reps quickly from China with barely any customs risk

Props to another Hong Kong based franken builder!
Congrats and thanks on your build and very detailed posts and photos! Can't believe what ARF has been pulling off with their new releases, completely blowing away noob.

I totally agree, just assembling something yourself gives that sense of achievement and satisfaction. I have built a few frankens (panerais and IWC) myself and dabbled in franken Rolex too.

Yeah it seems in HK watches are a huge status symbols so I feel reps here are shunned. The watchsmiths probably don't want to touch reps either in case word gets out and they might have their reputation tarnished or misunderstanding they are scamming?
It's a pain that if there is something out of my skills I have to send halfway around the world for the other modder's help.

 

[wm9z]

Pompum..you install a gen tube as well with a gen crown?

 

[pompompurin]

Props to another Hong Kong based franken builder!
Congrats and thanks on your build and very detailed posts and photos! Can't believe what ARF has been pulling off with their new releases, completely blowing away noob.

I totally agree, just assembling something yourself gives that sense of achievement and satisfaction. I have built a few frankens (panerais and IWC) myself and dabbled in franken Rolex too.

Yeah it seems in HK watches are a huge status symbols so I feel reps here are shunned. The watchsmiths probably don't want to touch reps either in case word gets out and they might have their reputation tarnished or misunderstanding they are scamming?
It's a pain that if there is something out of my skills I have to send halfway around the world for the other modder's help.

Hello!

I assume you are also based in Hong Kong as well? I hope that you are so at least I know that there are more franken builders around here! I went to CWR few weeks ago and they mentioned that a lot of their local clients would like to learn horology, but unfortunately there isn't much work-life balance in Hong Kong for them to do so.

I agree that in Hong Kong, watches (especially and solely for Rolex) are a status symbol - I can easily spot up 10 submariner wearers in Hong Kong. Sport models are by far the most common (sub, sea dweller, GMT) and the classic datejust / tudor oyster models are worn by the older population. Unfortunately, nobody seems to like 6 digits Datejust in Hong Kong and there are plenty of them in stock in local ADs (by comparison... even the Sub and GMT LN has a few months of wait list now lol!)

CWR is currently servicing my personal franken panerai with an ETA 6497-1 ebauche LOL so there is some hope I guess. But then again, my panerai is running on a common ebauche movement so that may be the reason why they are willing to service it

as for yuki movements, i rather ship it to specialists like tickleshoes as he holds spare parts and he has extensive experience in making the damn movement work. I hate SH 3135 and Yuki 3135 with a passion, but I got no choice because i don't want to cut those poor gen dial feet and all aftermarket ETA sub hands suck

 

[pompompurin]

Pompum..you install a gen tube as well with a gen crown?

nah i didn't do that - I don't see the need to do it because IMO the crown is decent and the tube is extremely decent for now. Although some people have reported about the crown's problem, I think that the problem may partially have to do with the poorly-lubricated/unlubricated wig-wag in the movement (i.e. this causes the crown to spin freely on the first position as it doesn't allow manual winding)

but if you plan to franken a SH 3135 movement with a gen date disc, be sure to follow my tutorial because a gen date disc doesn't flip/work properly on a SH 3135 movement if you don't lift the studs

https://forum.replica-watch.info/th...-sh3135-no-sanding-no-gen-part-needed.388304/

 

[Bsg25]

Only lately have I been seeing the term ARF. Unfortunately I’m not familiar with it. Is it a new factory? If so, what TD sells them. I’d like to do some research on them.


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