The VS Factory Rolex Day-Date (DD) Review: The Gold Standard for Quality

Among replica watches, the Rolex Day-Date (DD) is one of the oldest that’s most sought after. While many factories – from GS, TW, and GMQ to CBD – have produced their own versions, there is one name that’s always in the limelight for its precision in engineering and quality consistency: VS Factory.

Having been veteran practitioners working with other factory styles for many decades, we confidently assert that VS Factory is the standard in the industry today. Their adherence to basic manufacturing practice is fully evident – out of all the mass market factories in 2024, only VS uses full-process CNC machining on all parts, each part being made to precision tolerances that are extreme.hmarks.

Overview: Why the VS Day-Date Shines

Where the other factories look for quantity and variety, VS Factory stays consistent with its targeted strategy. They have only four evergreen color versions in stainless steel nowadays: blue, black, white, and gray dials. This exercise of self-discipline is part of the VS philosophy: not to give the most but to refine what they give. The blue dial version is especially impressive, with its color gradient and sunburst finishing close to industry norms.

Weight vs. Authenticity: A Conscious Decision

Most consumers notice on first contact: the VS Day-Date is feather-light at 147 grams, significantly lighter than the competition like the QF V3 or CBD variants that are more than 200 grams.

The following is the important fact most newcomers miss: this is an intentional design choice, not a concession.

Most counterfeiters employ heavy tungsten alloys or heavy plating in an attempt to replicate actual weight. The caveat? They peel, discolor, or corrode over the long term. VS is dedicated to material integrity with high-grade 904L-equivalent steel which still appears and is worth its weight after decades.

Expert Insight: With high-end replicas, actual quality is not about matching weight – it’s precision of machining, finish quality, and tolerance control. That’s where actual value lies.

The Heart of the Matter: The Dandong 3255 Movement

This is where VS Factory really distinguishes itself from the competition. While everyone else uses Shanghai 3255 or antique ETA 2836 movements, VS consistently employs the authentic Dandong 3255 clone – the closest structurally to the real Rolex caliber.

Why does it make a difference:

• 27 Jewels: Compared to just 9 in most Shanghai movements, providing less friction and longer lifespan
• True Quick-Set Function: Day and date advance simultaneously and immediately, as in genuine Rolex movements
• Proven Reliability: According to repair histories on 100 pieces, the Dandong 3255 demonstrates a failure rate of <2%, while the Shanghai 3255 has 15%

Using the VS Day-Date: It Just Feels Right

Operating this watch is natural and effortless:

1. Unscrew crown for hand winding
2. First click: set day (up) and date (down)
3. Second click: set time

The screw-down crown provides adequate water resistance, so this is a watch that you can wear, rather than just tuck into a box. The day and date displays are precisely centered – another weak point area in most competitors’ offerings.

Finishing and Visual Fidelity: A Closer Look

A close look at the VS Day-Date reveals exceptionally high attention to detail. Sunburst finishing on the dial is perfect, applied Roman numerals are centered dead-on, printing is rich and deep, and the distinctive fluted bezel is cleanly etched with fine polishing. It balances elegance and presence to perfection.

Far more importantly, this quality is not superficial. The plating and surface finishes resist heavy wear and discoloration extremely well.

VS Factory vs. The Competition: A Clear Choice

Feature	VS Factory	QF V3	CBD Factory	RC Factory
Movement	Dandong 3255 (27J) <2% failure rate	Shanghai 3255 ~15% failure rate	Shanghai 3255	2836
Weight	147g	208g	208g	205g
Material	904L-equiv. Steel	Mixed Alloy	Coated Alloy	Coated Alloy
Quickset Function	True Jump	Split Jump	Split Jump	Split Jump
Surface Durability	40% improvement over QF V3 (1-year wear test)	Moderate (fading)	Poor (peeling)	Moderate
After-Sales Issues	Rare	Frequent	Frequent	Frequent

Final Verdict: The Smart Collector’s Choice

The VS Factory Rolex Day-Date shows us how one makes a replica. It is the epitome of authenticity, reliability, and horological craftsmanship.

Though it is not the heaviest going, it is certainly the most authentically engineered, reliable replica version available today. This is a timepiece that you can buy with confidence and wear for decades without factoring mechanical failure into the equation.

⭐ Our Expert Rating:

• Build Quality: 9.5/10
• Movement Authenticity: 9/10
• Visual Accuracy: 9.3/10
• Durability: 9.7/10
• Overall Value: ★★★★★

The Bottom Line:

If you need a replica Day-Date to wear and own for years to come – not a fleeting novelty piece – the VS Factory model is the still-the-only-uncontested-benchmark. It clearly shows why engineering integrity will always surpass superficial realism.

Hi everyone, I’m John, and we’ve got something fantastic planned – the APS Factory 26420. This beast is constructed from the same material as last year’s darling 26240, both of which house the 4401 molded movement. But this year? Macho-ized – 2mm bigger case diameter and 2mm taller, straightforward macho size! We already received desert gradient, black warrior choices, and rumor is APS will reproduce all the original colors. Today let’s take a critical look at the desert gradient and determine if the workmanship stands up.

First Impressions

Discuss presence! 14.4mm thick and 44mm wide, this ain’t for wrist twigs, but if you’re tank-built, it’s gonna be lit. All 316L steel case + ceramic bezel affair, even pushers and crown are ceramic – just according to original specs. Hat tip for these niceties:

Sapphire crystal so glassy it’s like wearing on air

No burs on indices/hands, ideal lume fill (though only hour markers are lumed – that’s original design)
Printing on inner ring readable, date window centered, bold font printing

Movement Deep Dive

4401 movement is old news for our vets – flyback chrono functions well. Heads-up: base model does not have balance weights (original is weightless regulation), but APS has upgraded weightless balance wheel for additional ducats – still in third-party mods. Finishing of movement remains first-rate, back engravings sharp enough to shave with.

Wearing It

Gray stock strap is second skin, quick-release system is nice but changing straps will be easier than upgrading phones. Come on – this weight will catch on suit cuffs. Reserve this for day-to-day flexing. Small-wristed combatants should just leave it at 26240.

Final Verdict

APS keeps bringing military-grade quality with 26420 – big size, same deadly build. 4401 movement’s reliability is guaranteed, just not for skinny wrists. If you’re hungry for maximum face + museum-quality precision, now’s the time to jump – wait until full color lineup drops and prices could go through the roof!

Hi everyone, I’m John. Today’s write-up is VS Factory’s latest Rolex Daytona series. They have two platinum ones – one with black diamond face and the other with stick indexes. This one is the rubber strap model, but steel bracelet versions of the identical models are available too. VS has thus far finished the complete Daytona series, i.e., steel Daytona, two-tone Daytona, full gold Daytona, and rubber strap Daytona, for one-stop shopping for Daytona fans.

The largest upgrade over VS this time is the movement, now employing the DanDong 4131 integrated movement (as compared to the previous Shanghai 4131). The DanDong 4131 features improvements in stability, accuracy, and reduced return rates, with improved finishing. The Côtes de Genève, pearl engraving, and chamfering on the bridges are all nicely executed, naked-eye visible. Even though the previous Shanghai 4131 features an out-of-alignment position of the balance wheel, the DanDong one precisely mimics the original in balance wheel position, diameter, and shock absorber shape with higher simulation accuracy.

Dressing-wise, the platinum case is composed of 904L stainless steel coated with platinum, giving a lustrous color closest to real platinum without the dullest or grayish tone. The brushing and polishing are great, smooth, no rough edge, and well-curved lugs resting comfortably on the wrist. The bezel is of ceramic, black ceramic bezel indices filled with platinum powder, which imparts a silver-white color with no yellow. Edges of indexes are spotlessly clean without burrs, and ceramic bezel edges are chamfered with silky touch.

The crystal is sapphire with improved transparency and chamfered edges for convenience. For the dials: black diamond model has black lacquered dial and VS custom-cut diamonds that closely resemble the original in facets and brilliance. The bases of the diamonds are polished for added brilliance. The stick index model has a black lacquered dial and stick indices with chamfered edges and full fill of luminescent material (no spill) in bright blue-green color. The original Rolex Daytona hands have solid center axes the same size as the originals, smooth edges, and full fills of lume.

The side crown comes with triple-lock design for greater water resistance, an ornate small crown which is well-finished to avoid scratching. Chronograph pushers are screwed in and require turning in a counterclockwise direction prior to use, with stiff and sensitive feedback. The case back is solid with polished edges, brushed center, and decent-engraved inscriptions with adequate depth.

The rubber strap employs FKM material for superior softness without stiffness, with grooves for ventilation from the inside to avoid summer sweating. The strap features satin finishing with rolled edges to avoid cracking. Oysterlock clasp has a 3D machined crown and smooth operation.

The case thickness is 12.3mm, the same as the original. The platinum version appears classy luxury suitable for everyday wear, while black diamond version or stick index version is suitable for formal occasions. VS’s platinum Daytona does everything perfectly in movement, appearance, craftsmanship, and touches, and it is the best replica Daytona now. Daytona enthusiasts can be assured to pick this one.

Hello everyone. In this issue, let’s talk about the new products of VS Factory. It has to be said that VS Factory has really been making great efforts this year. The 8800 movement of the Seamaster 300 series was upgraded, followed by the Daytona counterweight version, which is now the most popular one. Although its weight has not yet reached the same standard as the original version, it is very stable, and it is also supported by the workmanship and the 4131 movement.

Last year, some of the GMT Master series were produced, all under the name of SBF. But it’s not the Dandong movement. In the past one or two years, the clean factory has monopolized the 3285 movement, which is extremely popular and has basically occupied the market share. In fact, many factories are producing the GMT Master series. Everyone knows the importance of the movement, but they can’t compete with the clean factory, including the VS factory, because they don’t have the 3285 movement. Why can VS’s GMT Master replica now be equipped with Dandong movements? It’s because the contract for the Dandong 3285 from the clean factory is about to expire.

VS has now obtained the 3285 movement, so its quality has greatly improved now. The Coke ring from the clean factory, along with all other derivative versions, might have been slightly slackened due to the presence of this movement, and no improvements were made in various details. Now that VS Factory has emerged, it has directly formed a crushing situation, with a generation gap. What is meant by the generation gap? It was just that there was no progress in any aspect. He just held onto this Dandong 3285 movement without making any improvements. So the current products of VS really outshine those of clean Factory. 

The competition between Clean Factory and VS Factory seems to be intensifying this year. In the following months, Clean Factory still has some good news. It has obtained the Dandong 3235 movement, and all the 3235 series may be changed to Dandong machines. I’m talking about datejust, Oyster Perpetual Date, Submariner, and Yacht Master series. So the competition will be very fierce this year. This batch of products from VS factory comes out in four colors: the old version of Sprite and the V3 version of cola. The cola of V3 is not about how many versions of VS it has released, but refers to the circle of this V3. The cost of this circle opening is actually quite high. So, whether it’s the cola from clean Factory or that from VS Factory, they are all very costly at present. Compared to these color schemes, there is another one, the precious metal version of Sprite, which is a different story. Since it’s not accurate to say the weight, these steel models are more recommended.

In fact, the rim of the two factories is quite similar. The one from VS factory might be a little redder. Both are one-piece rims. When illuminated with that ultraviolet light, they all show a uniform red color. The only difference might be that the V3 of VS is a bit darker, and this one is a little more pink. Of course, compared to the V2 of Clean Factory, the rim is even redder. Then this is still a comparison of circles.

After comparing the circle opening, it’s actually this pointer. There’s basically no significant difference. Then, there’s one more point to mention about this circle opening. The VS factory uses the latest 2022 version available on the market. The teeth of this bezel are much finer, with only one bezel opening, which can distinguish between Clean factory and VS. Then there are these crowns. Actually, I didn’t see much about this crown. It’s just that the gap in the middle of the VS factory one is larger, claiming it’s less likely to wear out the case. Is there any difference between this and the original version?

Overall, the new products launched by VS Factory, such as the GMT Master series, Sprite and Cola Ring series, are exquisitely crafted in detail and stand out in comparison with other brands. Technological progress and the dominant position of the movement have given VS a significant advantage in the market, earning high praise both within and outside the industry.

Hi everyone, I’m John. Today, I am presenting you with a watch comparison and review of one very familiar model: the Rolex Daytona Panda Day. Official model number: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona M116500LN-0001 (Panda Day).

This write-up of a refurbished Panda Day comes a little late. Well, there are just too many online write-ups of this mythical watch already, and of these, the quality produced by clean factories is of course the best. Since the clean factory was seized, if you really want to own a good Panda Daytona 116500, the two best shops to purchase a Rolex Panda Day nowadays are BT and VS.

This Panda Day of VS factory is poorly constructed. After all, the clean factory’s quality was quite good then, so it was hard to capture market share. Naturally, VS was penny-pinching on this model and worked harder on other models. The just out Rolex Panda Daytona of BT factory was okay, but once the clean factory launched the new dial version, it lost the competitive advantage and could only give way on price. For case modifications, the best-loved Daytona factory is BT, as it also uses a clean factory ceramic bezel and a real Dandong 4130 movement.

This Rolex Daytona Panda Daytona 116500 has been case back modified by a BT factory, the dial has been replaced, buffed hands, and high-gloss lens.

Perhaps the color of the dial and the problem of the hands require differences in details or sensory perception, but misaligned BT factory mirrors are most apparent when looked at from the side. This can be observed on the video comparison review, and here is the following photo showing a side view with an installed high-lens mirror. It would appear this eliminates the BT factory misalignment and is closer to the original.

Another point is that a high-lens mirror permits viewing of the dial with no obstruction of reflections, and with no apparent blocking of light by a large reflection. This can’t be done even with a factory-fresh clean, and only is possible with a replacement dial. This plays a big role in the degree of restoration, so most replica watchmakers advise that a high-lens mirror must be employed in place of the dial.

The hands become buffed because:

Good steel, highly polished

The curves of the hand are precisely the same as the original, and the end of the hand is smooth

The luminosity grooves have a finer edge work, and the hue of the luminosity is precisely the same as the original

The hands also are more textured, heavy, and three-dimensional

The minute and hour hands and chronograph hand are on parallel center axes, and center axis perforations in the hands have the same shape

Simply put, replacing the replacement dial is to reduce color variations and achieve optimal color alignment.

In the picture below, where, under the same lighting conditions, the BT factory and clean factory dials are evidently cooler white, while the factory N dial is pretty yellower white. The replacement dial is a warm milky white only. Sure enough, a head-to-head comparison, the color of the replacement dial is nearest to the original, and the appearance is nearest to the original.

Since the customer has chosen to refurbish the dial through a replacement, they are no longer comparing to a spotless factory. While the craftsmanship of a spotless factory Panda Di is already superb, it remains a replica. A refurbished “replacement dial” is made to be taken to the same level as the original. Therefore, a replica dial of a BT factory Panda Di is nearly the same as the authentic and it is difficult to discern the authenticity under regular wear.

When the lights are off, each watch emits a blue glow, which makes people feel very comfortable. Yet the replacement dial of the BT factory Panda Di and its polished hands glow more strongly and slightly transparently, with a halo over the case and crystal, a phenomenon known to aficionados of watches accustomed to original Rolexes.

Also, in low lighting, replacement dial and original factory dial color temperature contrast is even more dramatic. It is not an exaggeration to say that this Rolex Panda Di replacement dial is absolutely spectacular!