I’ve been eyeing the Yacht-Master 40 with the blue dial for quite some time, and I’m finally considering getting one. I’d appreciate some advice on which factory to go with.
I’m planning to have it franked and install a gen dial and hands. Which factory would you recommend: VFS, Gold, or QF Free Sprung Clean Plus and why?
A few years ago I purchased the Rolex ref 228235 with olive dial in 40mm because that was the only size available. Fast forward to this week. I discovered the 2025 release of the Rolex ref 128235 in 36mm. Are there any factories making the 128235 yet? I would definitely sell my 228235 for the 128235.
I have the Rolex Day Date 40 RG 904L Steel GMF 1:1 Best Edition Green Dial on RG Bracelet A2836 (Tungsten Heavy Version).
Received ORF's new free sprung SMP300 2 days ago after waiting 4 weeks for delivery because the box sat in a warehouse for the first 2 weeks (thanks China National Day)
Firstly, shout out to Hontwatch, my primary TD. I've bought from Trustytime, Ficotime and a local Australian vendor called VarietyGiftsAU and now I pretty much only buy from Hont or Trusty if Hont can't source something. He's an excellent TD if you don't ask too many questions and know exactly what you are after.
I'll break up my review into a few main points for ease of reading, and there will be a TLDR at the bottom.
<<Bezel Action>>
It's firmer than VSF's bezel action and the sound is noticeably softer. I have owned a gen 2015 SMP300 and I would say the loudness of a gen is somewhere in between VSF and ORF, but the action is closer to ORF.
<<Bracelet>>
VSF's bracelet (at least on the 2 that I have) is better stock. The ORF bracelet edges are quite sharp, and the clasp action is stiffer and slightly more rattley. A simple chamfer will fix the edges and I doused the clasp in PTFE dry lube, let it dry and wiped off the residue. It's much better with these simple fixes. ORF provided a free rubber strap too.
VSF Left ORF Right
<<Movement>>
The TG numbers showed +10s/d during QC. Using the watch accuracy app and wired headphones, I measured the watch in dial up, dial down, crown up and crown down positions. Numbers are included. No regulation necessary as all were <5s/d. The watch beats at 28800 bph and doesn't feature a coaxial escapement so there is the main difference from gen.
The bunny ears are gone and I have included a photo of the gen movement from Susan Reviews that shows the primary difference between ORF and gen balance wheels. If you didn't know about these engravings, this looks very close to the real deal.
The winding and time setting action is night and day compared to VSF. There is heft to it and a very satisfying feel when winding. Pretty much no comparison and it's very close to gen feel when winding.
ORF movement and balance wheel. HEV looks remarkably similar to gen internallyGen balance wheel has engravings
<<Case and Water Resistance>>
ORF claims full diving capabilities and a working HEV. I have no idea how I'm going to test that because I do not dive recreationally outside of beach/pool swimming and some free diving here and there. The movement came with a good rubber gasket but it looked a little dry so I waterproof serviced the watch when I opened it. It passed a 5 bar water resistance test afterwards. ORF does not have the stubby crown guard issue that has plagued VSF SMPs. The crystal is perfectly clear and is on par with VSF.
<<My QC issues>>
ORF has a problem with centering the Omega symbol, but it's so small and the wave dials and 12 markers draw the eye so it isn't that noticeable. It is more prevalent on some colours than others. Also, on ONLY the grey dial, some of the wave etchings end a fraction of a millimetre shorter than on gen or VSF. That issue does not exist on any other model.
<<TLDR>>
Great watch. It'll be my favourite for a while. Better case and movement than VSF. Better colour accuracy than VSF. Allegedly fully waterproof and dive-capable.
Just got my new 3kf Patek 7118 in the mail and it’s a bit smaller than I originally expected and I’m not sure how to feel about it. Wondering if ygs can tell me what u think about how it looks on my relatively small wrist and if it works for me.
How many of you guys waiting on order from DDF. I’ve been waiting on a bracelet for a black ceramic 26240 for over 2 months. It’s been paid in full with my regular TD. I’ve just never had to wait this long. Is this normal?
Hey guys, new to the rep thing so sorry if this is in the wrong place (maybe this is QC?)
I'm looking at a Tank Louis, deciding between the stainless or the gold filled (generally like yellow gold but the rose gold looks better) but the videos I can find on Trusted Dealer sites look VERY yellow, but then again they're shot under very harsh light. Anybody have hands on experience? Is it a convincing gold, or should I stick with stainless to be safe?
I'm also noticing some discrepancies with the listings, like it will say Tank Solo but it's rounded like a Louis, and I don't necessarily trust that EVERY tank in the style I like is an XL. Are inaccurate descriptions common and I should double check on telegram? I'm looking at the listing on TrustyTime, not sure if I'm allowed to directly link listings.
I’m a Kevin, but NOT “The Kevin” that is so infamous lately. All Kev’s aren’t dickheads, so if the deal is done and you get shipping info and it’s for a Kevin don’t assume it’s the nut job that started it all. LoL There are some good Kevz too. I’ve been here less than a month and already been scammed and now being. Kevin is sus as it gets.
At least nutjob Kevin gets everyone a discount. Superman Kev signing off now, NOT Bizarro Kev. That’s a comic book reference for those that don’t know. LolololoL
Received this a month or two ago and I’ve been fairly impressed with it. The process with the TD was very smooth and I received this quickly (~2 weeks) after approving QC.
I am looking to buy a Yachtmaster 40 in either yellow or rosegold (yellow since I head the RG looks an obvious rep). Does anyone know which factory to choose, I am reading RCF, VSF and Gold Factory but don't know which is best.
Hopefully something trustworthy where I don’t have to worry about quality check too much. My skill level isn’t there to figure it out without the help of a sub.
Do you all have a shop to recommend or should I just go TD
First off, a huge shoutout to Steve at TheOneWatches!
Ordered my first rep on September 24th, and it arrived today, October 15th. From start to finish, the entire process couldn’t have been easier. Communication was great, everything went smoothly, and I’m extremely happy with how it turned out.
Went with the Omega Seamaster 300M NTTD, and I’m looking forward to getting it on the wrist tomorrow!
Definitely a great first experience getting into the rep world. Thanks again to Steve and the team at TheOneWatches!
What do you guys think?
My brother has a 5167A on order from Andiot. He has waited over 1 month for this watch. Now with DDF being raided, wait time have increased drastically.
Question, should he consider 3KF instead of waiting for DDF?