Vsf / xf sea dweller now comes with vs3235 !

[Plenitude]

False, Gen SELs are closer to the ARF V4 than anything. VSF/XF SELs are awful and the reason I sold mine. For reference, here is the latest of the last XF and ARF V4. I have more if you really need to see. And pix with Gen as well.

And what about arf v4 insert?

 

[tongsui]

Thanks for the conclusion
So if i get you right the XF and VSF are the same watch according to case/bezel/bracelet - it‘s just the clone movement now (and dial/hands)?

So it doesn‘t matter which one i order, unless i want to do a franken project?!

To be excact ,dial feet, hands and date wheel are different between the two

If you not planning to franken then the xf is enough

 

[Vi-Lo]

I have the xf with gen crystal, but already received the qc of this new 3235 vsf.

If you plan to sell the XF and you’re in the EU then let me know

 

[BiH855]

I have the xf with gen crystal, but already received the qc of this new 3235 vsf.

Nice, how was the swap and did it fit without issues? Do you have a pic of the crystal height now? I don't believe that the XF/VSF crystal is such a fat crystal like the original lol so curious about the outcome

 

[Plenitude]

Nice, how was the swap and did it fit without issues? Do you have a pic of the crystal height now? I don't believe that the XF/VSF crystal is such a fat crystal like the original lol so curious about the outcome

Without issue

 

[SS72]

Thanks for the conclusion
So if i get you right the XF and VSF are the same watch according to case/bezel/bracelet - it‘s just the clone movement now (and dial/hands)?

So it doesn‘t matter which one i order, unless i want to do a franken project?!

Clasp codes are the same, but that's doesn't mean the entire bracelet is. Hopefully someone else can confirm.

Other than that, it looks to me like the case is the same. Insert also looks the same, but bezel teeth look a tad smaller on the VSF. Could just be these pics, though.

Yeah, an XF with the A2824, or ETA, if you want to drop one in, versus the VS3235, which should take gen dial and hands.

 

[Repmaster1337]

I have the xf with gen crystal, but already received the qc of this new 3235 vsf.

Please share

 

[BiH855]

Without issue

Good to know, this looks perfect. Thanks for the pics !

 

[Seadwellermike]

Thanks for the conclusion
So if i get you right the XF and VSF are the same watch according to case/bezel/bracelet - it‘s just the clone movement now (and dial/hands)?

So it doesn‘t matter which one i order, unless i want to do a franken project?!

As a whole, that is true. XF is A2824, and VSF is same exact watch with 3x35. Historically that’s the differentiator.

 

[Seadwellermike]

If i wanted to buy a SD43 now i‘d be completely confused now after reading this thread!
I was thinking about the XF SD43 because i read a lot positive statements about it as OOTB Rep - can someone point out clearly what have been the main differences between the XF Mk2 and the VSF Version (before new update) while staying objective?

Same basic watch, same small HEV, same cringe SELs, same wonderful CGs tho, and same wonderful insert.

The lugs feel small and pointy in hand, and the bracelet is no match for the ARF (V3 or 4)

The best possible version would be an ARF V4 with reshaped CG’s and XF/VSF insert. ARF V4 crystal is the best I’ve seen yet, and almost negates the need for Gen.

XF and ARF dials are now both near perfect, proper color, proper finish, proper markers, fonts fixed on all (serif on “1” correct on both now, no more floating “m” either)

Some XF/VSF still have the 3x cyclops, some don’t. Early ARF’s also had this issue.

ARF HEV is the right size on all versions, measured against Gen. XF/VSF hev color is better (darker) but looks wonky cause it’s so small when next to ARF and Gen.

Gen dials are impossible to find, and when found are 2k USD (or damaged) Gen inserts are impossible to find, and when found are priced to the moon or broken. Gen crystals can be found, but are 600+ USD. Gen hands are not needed on either the latest XF/VSF nor the ARF V4.

That’s should help the confusion of what’s best and why.

 

[Vi-Lo]

@Seadwellermike awesome!! thanks a lot for your detailed description

I think i‘d go for a XF or VSF then… and add a gen crystal.
Do you have any experiences if an ARF bracelet would fit without completely messing up the SELs? (Which aren‘t perfect anyways)

 

[Seadwellermike]

The ARF bracelet does indeed fit, and the springbars are specific (the little nub that goes into the lug is larger) I have found the $17 Everest bars to fit the best on both ARF and XF/VSF. Putting the ARF in the XF/VSF will help the SEL fitment, but ultimately it’s dude to the lug shape. So it’s better but not great.

Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm 1.5mm Spring Bars | Everest Bands

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I bought those and they look the same as the ARF stock ones, but fit differently ever so.

 

[Vi-Lo]

@Seadwellermike great that you share such specific knowledge!
Now i just would‘ve to find a TD in EU who can source a 126600 ARF Bracelet separately

 

[tongsui]

Same basic watch, same small HEV, same cringe SELs, same wonderful CGs tho, and same wonderful insert.

The lugs feel small and pointy in hand, and the bracelet is no match for the ARF (V3 or 4)

The best possible version would be an ARF V4 with reshaped CG’s and XF/VSF insert. ARF V4 crystal is the best I’ve seen yet, and almost negates the need for Gen.

XF and ARF dials are now both near perfect, proper color, proper finish, proper markers, fonts fixed on all (serif on “1” correct on both now, no more floating “m” either)

Some XF/VSF still have the 3x cyclops, some don’t. Early ARF’s also had this issue.

ARF HEV is the right size on all versions, measured against Gen. XF/VSF hev color is better (darker) but looks wonky cause it’s so small when next to ARF and Gen.

Gen dials are impossible to find, and when found are 2k USD (or damaged) Gen inserts are impossible to find, and when found are priced to the moon or broken. Gen crystals can be found, but are 600+ USD. Gen hands are not needed on either the latest XF/VSF nor the ARF V4.

That’s should help the confusion of what’s best and why.

Thanks for sharing ! Valuable insight

 

[Plenitude]

Bonus pic.
But warning.
do not go to sea, I had the same problem as a sd noob of many years ago: the springs under the bezel have rusted resulting in a brown halo around the bezel.

 

[Marbe78]

Tengo una duda con el VSF y su movimiento vs3235.
Si se rompe, ¿podría arreglarlo un relojero local?

 

[muiramas]

^ I’ve never seen a good ARF crystal. Never. Every time they bought out a new version it seemed to get worse. Mag usually too big, no / next to no black hole and no halo.

 

[NPD]

Tengo una duda con el VSF y su movimiento vs3235.
Si se rompe, ¿podría arreglarlo un relojero local?

As long as it's a "rep-friendly" watchmaker, yes, you shouldn't have any issues - do keep in mind that VS3235 spare parts are reportedly hard-to-find and may not be easily available in case of failure. That would theoretically mean following one of two paths, replacing that part with gen (€€€) or replacing the whole movement with a new rep movement.

 

[Plenitude]

^ I’ve never seen a good ARF crystal. Never. Every time they bought out a new version it seemed to get worse. Mag usually too big, no / next to no black hole and no halo.

I agree.

 

[Fisherman1980]

I would say just swap the xtal on a xf/vsf and its a great watch