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RM35-02 Comparison APSF and Gen (the first 1:1 RM rep)

Justin TK

Known Member
Trusted Dealer
15/1/23
179
320
63
HongKong
This is the first-ever real vs replica comparison of an RM (Richard Mille) in the industry.

Nowadays, many watches labeled as 1:1 are not truly 1:1 in the real sense, but this 35-02 is a genuine 1:1 replica.

I disassembled both the genuine and the APSF replica, genuine on the left, APSF on the right.

IMG_20250603_005122-2.jpg


These are all the components of the RM35-02, except for the movement, which we didn’t disassemble.

IMG_20250603_005242-2.jpg


The case uses a sandwich structure, and the shape and construction of the middle case are accurately replicated in a true 1:1 manner.



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The shape of the middle case has also been perfectly replicated. Without access to a genuine watch for disassembly, most versions on the market are actually based on photo proportions and guesswork.

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There are dedicated screw sleeves inside the case. Many products on the market that claim to be “1:1” don’t actually include this component—they simply drill holes directly into a solid piece of carbon fiber.

IMG_20250603_005346-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_010001-2-scaled.jpg
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The shape of the case and the structure of the strap ends have both been perfectly replicated.

IMG_20250603_005930-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_005832-2.jpg
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The tube and crown are also beautifully crafted.

IMG_20250603_010138-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_010143-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_010153-2.jpg


The shape and curvature of the bezel are completely identical to the genuine one. The NTPT carbon pattern is especially well done — this is where APSF truly excels.

IMG_20250603_010210-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_010221-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_010242-2.jpg
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Both the front and back components are fully compatible and interchangeable with genuine parts.

IMG_20250603_010331-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_010453-2.jpg
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IMG_20250603_010527-2.jpg
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The caseback’s structure and shape, as well as the positioning and size of the engravings, are all very well done.

IMG_20250603_010723-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_010843-2.jpg


The structure of the inner bezel and the color of the text are both well done.

The printing does seem slightly thicker, but without a genuine one right next to it for comparison, it’s virtually impossible to notice.

IMG_20250603_010921-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_011039-2.jpg
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The caseback’s glass and mounting structure have been perfectly replicated.

IMG_20250603_011140-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_011222_1-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_011213-2.jpg
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The front crystal is very well done in terms of shape and curvature, although there is a slight difference in clarity compared to the genuine one.

IMG_20250603_011405-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_011411-2.jpg
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There are many small components and screws inside a watch.



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IMG_20250603_012344_1-2.jpg


The five-prong screws on the bezel, in the four corners inside the case and caseback, APSF and Gen screws are so similar that I was genuinely worried about mixing them up while taking the photos—they’re incredibly well-made.

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The screws and locking plates on the end links (used to connect the case and the strap) are also well replicated.

Since replicas tend to have slight tolerances, the screws are intentionally made slightly shorter.
 

Justin TK

Known Member
Trusted Dealer
15/1/23
179
320
63
HongKong
IMG_20250603_014741-2.jpg


The watch hands are also very well made, with the same length and shape as the original.

IMG_20250603_013000-2.jpg


The movement is still a prototype; the large gears haven’t been sandblasted yet.

The main point is to compare the structure and shape.

The ribs’ sandblasting is already done very well, so there’s no need to wait for a v3 upgrade.

IMG_20250603_012955-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_013047-2.jpg


This photo shows the movement’s balance wheel.

This prototype hasn’t had its decoration finished yet.

IMG_20250603_013249-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013232-2.jpg


The last two photos are of another movement prototype.

It has been decorated and polished, but the balance wheel is missing.



IMG_20250603_013442-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013346-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013332-2.jpg


Before, there wasn’t a truly 1:1 clasp on the market. They all started by copying from pictures and gradually improved through customer feedback.

APSF did an excellent job on the clasp this time. At first glance, it might seem very similar, but the really impressive details are yet to come.

IMG_20250603_013505-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013559-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013617-2.jpg


The clasp’s structure and shape have been perfectly replicated, and the edge polishing curvature, as well as the opening and spring-back tension, are all done exceptionally well.

IMG_20250603_013644-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013624-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_013656-2.jpg


The clasp’s spring-back mechanism is made exactly the same, and its parts can even be interchanged with the original’s components.

IMG_20250603_013816-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013810-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013746-2.jpg
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This is what I personally think is the most impressive part — the clasp welding seams.It’s done extremely well…

Everyone, please pay attention to the welding seams and polishing on the edges. This is the best RM clasp I’ve ever seen.



IMG_20250603_014007-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_014112-2.jpg


The strap comparison shows that the same fluoro rubber material is used, and the texture and firmness feel almost identical to the original.

IMG_20250603_014014-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_014043-2.jpg


The strap’s perforations and structure have been replicated exactly.

The flexibility when folding the strap is just like the original.

IMG_20250603_014100-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_014340-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_014217-2.jpg
The endlinks’ openings, thickness, and structure are identical to the original.

The straps are fully interchangeable with the original ones.



That’s the full content of this comparison.

Once the final movement sample is ready, I’ll reassemble everything and take photos of the complete watch for a full comparison.
 

VBLKR

Getting To Know The Place
17/6/24
26
22
3
Netherlands
How do we buy this
IMG_20250603_014741-2.jpg


The watch hands are also very well made, with the same length and shape as the original.

IMG_20250603_013000-2.jpg


The movement is still a prototype; the large gears haven’t been sandblasted yet.

The main point is to compare the structure and shape.

The ribs’ sandblasting is already done very well, so there’s no need to wait for a v3 upgrade.

IMG_20250603_012955-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_013047-2.jpg


This photo shows the movement’s balance wheel.

This prototype hasn’t had its decoration finished yet.

IMG_20250603_013249-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013232-2.jpg


The last two photos are of another movement prototype.

It has been decorated and polished, but the balance wheel is missing.



IMG_20250603_013442-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013346-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013332-2.jpg


Before, there wasn’t a truly 1:1 clasp on the market. They all started by copying from pictures and gradually improved through customer feedback.

APSF did an excellent job on the clasp this time. At first glance, it might seem very similar, but the really impressive details are yet to come.

IMG_20250603_013505-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013559-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013617-2.jpg


The clasp’s structure and shape have been perfectly replicated, and the edge polishing curvature, as well as the opening and spring-back tension, are all done exceptionally well.

IMG_20250603_013644-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013624-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_013656-2.jpg


The clasp’s spring-back mechanism is made exactly the same, and its parts can even be interchanged with the original’s components.

IMG_20250603_013816-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013810-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013746-2.jpg
IMG_20250603_013738-2.jpg


This is what I personally think is the most impressive part — the clasp welding seams.It’s done extremely well…

Everyone, please pay attention to the welding seams and polishing on the edges. This is the best RM clasp I’ve ever seen.



IMG_20250603_014007-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_014112-2.jpg


The strap comparison shows that the same fluoro rubber material is used, and the texture and firmness feel almost identical to the original.

IMG_20250603_014014-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_014043-2.jpg


The strap’s perforations and structure have been replicated exactly.

The flexibility when folding the strap is just like the original.

IMG_20250603_014100-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_014340-2.jpg


IMG_20250603_014217-2.jpg
The endlinks’ openings, thickness, and structure are identical to the original.

The straps are fully interchangeable with the original ones.



That’s the full content of this comparison.

Once the final movement sample is ready, I’ll reassemble everything and take photos of the complete watch for a full comparison.
How do we get our hands on these?

I checked your website and doesn't seem to have it
 

Corvax

Getting To Know The Place
16/11/18
83
141
33
Sometimes some news in this industry can really surprise you!

Thanks for such a great review, looks very promising.

Would be interesting to know about release dates, approximate price, and also will the movement be finalized or perhaps offered as an option, with a free balance spring?

P.S..
I think the prices of the custom versions will become more attractive as this watch goes on sale.
 
  • Like
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Justin TK

Known Member
Trusted Dealer
15/1/23
179
320
63
HongKong
Sometimes some news in this industry can really surprise you!

Thanks for such a great review, looks very promising.

Would be interesting to know about release dates, approximate price, and also will the movement be finalized or perhaps offered as an option, with a free balance spring?

P.S..
I think the prices of the custom versions will become more attractive as this watch goes on sale.
We still need to wait a few more days for the final price and models to be confirmed.
 

Justin TK

Known Member
Trusted Dealer
15/1/23
179
320
63
HongKong
Only obvious notice to me is that the space between the letters is bigger on replica model. Shouldn’t be too hard to fix?
I’ve already told the factory about these issues, and they will make corrections. If you notice any other problems, feel free to point them out, I’ll pass everything along to the factory so they’re aware of areas for improvement.
 

SergioM123

Bworker
30/3/25
9
3
3
Vahallah
I’ve already told the factory about these issues, and they will make corrections. If you notice any other problems, feel free to point them out, I’ll pass everything along to the factory so they’re aware of areas for improvement.
Thanks, great to hear, the only other two points of resemblance that could be improved is one: the inner texture of the letters on titanium, the genuine one has a little darker inner section in each letter. And secondly the amount if layers (carbon) that appears on the genuine one versus the replica. Would be great if they can make it in such thin layers too. See picture.