Some Q's (I have done a lot of research, need some assistance).

[jennybear]

Hello!

Female here looking to purchase my first rep watch (I guess that's obvious). I began on reddit and came here to further advance my knowledge. I am looking at a 31mm datejust (278274), and have narrowed down 2 options. Since this size is not made in too many factories, I am limited to GMF and ARF. I have currently, as of this moment, unless I research otherwise, decided to go with theonewatches as my seller, and he has two options for this watch listed, the GMF and ARF.

GMF: https://www.theonewatches.ws/index....81&search=datejust+31&description=true&page=8
ARF: https://www.theonewatches.ws/index....89&search=datejust+31&description=true&page=3

My understanding is that the Asian 2824 movement and 904L are more superior than the Asian clone 2236 and 316L - what this means in real life, I actually don't know, though.

When view the two side by side, compared to the auth, it *appears* the ARF looks closer to the auth. So, I guess my question is, if this is true, based on a bit of feedback from other's here of RWI, how much does the movement and bracelet matter when comparing these two.

Also, I am going to assume the bezel is not white gold like auth, since it's CNY, I don't want to bother anyone, but what are the bezels actually made of (it doesn't say, just says fluted). I really like the sheen/shine of the auth bezel, and of course, the bezel is one of the details on the GMF/ARF that seems off. So, question is, what is the material of rep bezels on these, and, who can I go to for a better bezel in white gold (I did search the forum, but only came up with sellers who are selling larger milimetres).

As you can see, I have put a lot of work in so far, I just need to bring it to another level with some assistance!

*photos below are GMF compared to ARF, and GMF/ARF/AUTH

23QvVY.png hosted at ClickPix.org

Image 23QvVY.png hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

23Quks.png hosted at ClickPix.org

Image 23Quks.png hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

 

[eBoy]

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[MikeHunt4244]

Hello!

Female here looking to purchase my first rep watch (I guess that's obvious). I began on reddit and came here to further advance my knowledge. I am looking at a 31mm datejust (278274), and have narrowed down 2 options. Since this size is not made in too many factories, I am limited to GMF and ARF. I have currently, as of this moment, unless I research otherwise, decided to go with theonewatches as my seller, and he has two options for this watch listed, the GMF and ARF.

GMF: https://www.theonewatches.ws/index....81&search=datejust+31&description=true&page=8
ARF: https://www.theonewatches.ws/index....89&search=datejust+31&description=true&page=3

My understanding is that the Asian 2824 movement and 904L are more superior than the Asian clone 2236 and 316L - what this means in real life, I actually don't know, though.

When view the two side by side, compared to the auth, it *appears* the ARF looks closer to the auth. So, I guess my question is, if this is true, based on a bit of feedback from other's here of RWI, how much does the movement and bracelet matter when comparing these two.

Also, I am going to assume the bezel is not white gold like auth, since it's CNY, I don't want to bother anyone, but what are the bezels actually made of (it doesn't say, just says fluted). I really like the sheen/shine of the auth bezel, and of course, the bezel is one of the details on the GMF/ARF that seems off. So, question is, what is the material of rep bezels on these, and, who can I go to for a better bezel in white gold (I did search the forum, but only came up with sellers who are selling larger milimetres).

As you can see, I have put a lot of work in so far, I just need to bring it to another level with some assistance!

*photos below are GMF compared to ARF, and GMF/ARF/AUTH

23QvVY.png hosted at ClickPix.org

Image 23QvVY.png hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

23Quks.png hosted at ClickPix.org

Image 23Quks.png hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

Are you not using a TD?

 

[Mkempes]

Welcome to RWI. Great to see a female member joining our forum.

Unfortunaltly there are not very many good reps for women, at least not smaller. The 36mm options are far better. I know, because my wife likes the smaller watches too.

Firstly; The One Watches is a great choice as TD to start with. Timing is not perfect, because you'll need to wait for Steve to come back from CNY holidays.

As said, unfortunatly the 31mm Rolex are not very well repped. From those you chose, the GMF is the better option. The 2824 is a reliable movement, even the asian clone. And if if fails it can be easily repaired or replaced. The other one is not ARF, which is also a reputable factory but JARF. That factory is unknown to me. JARF's movement is not a true 2236 Rolex clone. They don't exist. It's a decorated something I'd stay away if I was you. BTW: there's also a new release from THB that might not be on his website.

In regard to the stainless steel. You wont see or feel a difference between 904L and 316L. IMHO it's pure marketing.

The bezel is not white gold, it's polished stainless steel. If you want it white gold you would need to get it plated by a modder.

You can ask Steve also directly about your choice. He's helpful and will support you in your decision.

 

[Karbon74]

Any of them you will enjoy. So don’t overthink this.
At worse if you don’t connect with the watch you can always resell it.

The 2824 has the advantage that you can put a swiss ETA in it if the mvt fails
Replacing a 2236 « clone « will be more difficult for sourcing the mvt

But having said that, ARF is a serious factory and I have not seen horror stories of bad watches. They also have the reputation of excellent bracelets.

Last words, it’s less that $400. Don’t overthink this you are not buying a multiple thousand dollar gen… there will be other purchases after

 

[jennybear]

Are you not using a TD?

Yes, I am, I mentioned it!

 

[jennybear]

Welcome to RWI. Great to see a female member joining our forum.

Unfortunaltly there are not very many good reps for women, at least not smaller. The 36mm options are far better. I know, because my wife likes the smaller watches too.

Firstly; The One Watches is a great choice as TD to start with. Timing is not perfect, because you'll need to wait for Steve to come back from CNY holidays.

As said, unfortunatly the 31mm Rolex are not very well repped. From those you chose, the GMF is the better option. The 2824 is a reliable movement, even the asian clone. And if if fails it can be easily repaired or replaced. The other one is not ARF, which is also a reputable factory but JARF. That factory is unknown to me. JARF's movement is not a true 2236 Rolex clone. They don't exist. It's a decorated something I'd stay away if I was you. BTW: there's also a new release from THB that might not be on his website.

In regard to the stainless steel. You wont see or feel a difference between 904L and 316L. IMHO it's pure marketing.

The bezel is not white gold, it's polished stainless steel. If you want it white gold you would need to get it plated by a modder.

You can ask Steve also directly about your choice. He's helpful and will support you in your decision.

Ooh, good to know regarding (J)ARF, that may have tricked me as I was researching ARF with favorable posts.

Thank you very, very kindly for answering all my points, is there a recommended modder on this page. I will eventually go down that rabbit hole, but just for future sake to keep my eye out to replace the bezel!

 

[jennybear]

Any of them you will enjoy. So don’t overthink this.
At worse if you don’t connect with the watch you can always resell it.

The 2824 has the advantage that you can put a swiss ETA in it if the mvt fails
Replacing a 2236 « clone « will be more difficult for sourcing the mvt

But having said that, ARF is a serious factory and I have not seen horror stories of bad watches. They also have the reputation of excellent bracelets.

Last words, it’s less that $400. Don’t overthink this you are not buying a multiple thousand dollar gen… there will be other purchases after

Thank you kindly!

 

[Mkempes]

Ooh, good to know regarding (J)ARF, that may have tricked me as I was researching ARF with favorable posts.

Thank you very, very kindly for answering all my points, is there a recommended modder on this page. I will eventually go down that rabbit hole, but just for future sake to keep my eye out to replace the bezel!

I'm not up to date regarding plating. Nick and Flandad used to do it. As far as I remember there were some issues with both of them lately. Check the Service and Provider section for someone in your region: https://forum.replica-watch.info/categories/service-and-parts-providers.10835951/

And don't forget to read the respective review section.

 

[jennybear]

I'm not up to date regarding plating. Nick and Flandad used to do it. As far as I remember there were some issues with both of them lately. Check the Service and Provider section for someone in your region: https://forum.replica-watch.info/categories/service-and-parts-providers.10835951/

And don't forget to read the respective review section.

Thank you, will do! It's all pretty exciting.

 

[Mkempes]

Thank you, will do! It's all pretty exciting.

You're welcome. I can feel your excitement.

I fell into the rabbit hole a litte more than a year ago. Caution it's deep and can be costly, but fun too. The great thing about reps is that you can try them and pass them on for little loss here as @Karbon74 said. BTW: There're some nice Cartier reps for ladies

 

[jennybear]

You're welcome. I can feel your excitement.

I fell into the rabbit hole a litte more than a year ago. Caution it's deep and can be costly, but fun too. The great thing about reps is that you can try them and pass them on for little loss here as @Karbon74 said. BTW: Cartier has some nice reps for ladies

Well, that's the thing, right! The more you dig, the more you want to know!

Speaking of which, if I replaced the bezel on the GMF, would there be any other modifications (aesthetically) that you would recommend, that would bring it closer to the auth. I wore my last watch for almost 10 years, so I don't mind putting a bit of money towards it, I guess where it matters most, that is, I know some details are hyper-fixated on, but doesn't matter too much.

 

[Karbon74]

My advice to you.
It might seem weird at first but…

Get yourself a Panda Daytona

Daytona 126500LN 40mm SS/SS White Dial Clean SH4131 Super Clone

Daytona 126500LN 40mm SS/SS White Dial Clean SH4131 Super Clone

www.theonewatches.ws

You will be the cool one, instead of the stereotypical small DJ cookie cutter for woman

 

[jennybear]

My advice to you.
It might seem weird at first but…

Get yourself a Panda Daytona

Daytona 126500LN 40mm SS/SS White Dial Clean SH4131 Super Clone

Daytona 126500LN 40mm SS/SS White Dial Clean SH4131 Super Clone

www.theonewatches.ws

You will be the cool one, instead of the stereotypical small DJ cookie cutter for woman

My wrist is 5.75, I tried on the 36 and it was massive, so anything even bigger would be terrible lol. Give me a minute and I'll see if I can add the photos in my next post (they were Tudor's, but just so you can see 31 vs 36).

 

[jennybear]

My advice to you.
It might seem weird at first but…

Get yourself a Panda Daytona

Daytona 126500LN 40mm SS/SS White Dial Clean SH4131 Super Clone

Daytona 126500LN 40mm SS/SS White Dial Clean SH4131 Super Clone

www.theonewatches.ws

You will be the cool one, instead of the stereotypical small DJ cookie cutter for woman

IMG 7149

Image IMG 7149 hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

IMG 7150

Image IMG 7150 hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

IMG 7148

Image IMG 7148 hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

 

[Mkempes]

Well, that's the thing, right! The more you dig, the more you want to know!

Speaking of which, if I replaced the bezel on the GMF, would there be any other modifications (aesthetically) that you would recommend, that would bring it closer to the auth. I wore my last watch for almost 10 years, so I don't mind putting a bit of money towards it, I guess where it matters most, that is, I know some details are hyper-fixated on, but doesn't matter too much.

I'm not a DJ specialist and can't say whether it's worthwhile and/or noticable. The usual mod is changing the crystal for a gen. I don't think that more mods make sense or can even be applied as the movement is not gen spec. Some member spend a lot in Franken their watches with gen datewheel, gen dial, gen bracelet, even gen movement.

Frankly speaking this can get very costly and most reps are so good nowadays so this is not really needed to get a watch noone will detect as rep on arms length.

 

[Karbon74]

My wrist is 5.75, I tried on the 36 and it was massive, so anything even bigger would be terrible lol. Give me a minute and I'll see if I can add the photos in my next post (they were Tudor's, but just so you can see 31 vs 36).

It will seem weird indeed, but it’s a Panda Daytona. Something magical will happen when you put in on.

Just google « daytona on a woman wrist »
You will see.

 

[jennybear]

I'm not a DJ specialist and can't say whether it's worthwhile and/or noticable. The usual mod is changing the crystal for a gen. I don't think that more mods make sense or can even be applied as the movement is not gen spec. Some member spend a lot in Franken their watches with gen datewheel, gen dial, gen bracelet, even gen movement.

Frankly speaking this can get very costly and most reps are so good nowadays so this is not really needed to get a watch noone will detect as rep on arms length.

Right, I'd say especially with a 31mm. I think it may come down most to the bezel, in terms of sheen/shine that may lack, if anything, in the rep. Maybe I'll just do that, if/when I find someone!

 

[Sparkie]

31 is absolutely tiny. If you think the 36 was massive (it wasn't), maybe look at 34mm options in other models? Or get a 36mm DJ and if you can't get used to the size after a couple of weeks sell it on. The 31mm will be much hard to sell if you decide you don't like it.

 

[Karbon74]

IMG 7149

Image IMG 7149 hosted in ClickPix.org

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IMG 7150

Image IMG 7150 hosted in ClickPix.org

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IMG 7148

Image IMG 7148 hosted in ClickPix.org

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The Daytona magic only works with a Panda Daytona.

You cannot wear a diver, and watches for ladies are badly repped.
A good safe option is Cartier Tank and Santos. But that’s so boring.