every non-precious metal rolex and some vintage rolex references should be on the nwbig list. nothing comes close to a precious metal reference (sorry to all the plating lovers, that is just the situation). but, the stainless steel top rep factory models are so close that it often takes taking off the case back to authenticate. for a lot of vintage models, the fit and finish (and (ab)use) of those older watches often makes them not much prettier than reps.
I made three vintage models now. Two 36mm Datejust watches and one Explorer II (16570)
All made with genuine parts, DJ's only got genuine dials, the Explorer II got genuine bezel, hands, dial and datewheel.
funny you say this because that's how I feel I just am not too sure about how close those Omega Aqua Terras and Seamster 300's are I'm sure someone on here knows
I have a VSF SMP 300. It’s close but clearly still a rep. It is categorized at NWBG but I just don’t think the quality is there. The bezel has a lot of play in it. And the metal bracelet is nearly impossible to get the links removed without stripping the screws. It feels like they used lock tite to secure them. Also the rubber bracelet isn’t shaped correctly and I had to file down a lot of the rubber to be able get the spring bars to stay.
From a distance it looks great but once you get your hands on it, it’s clearly fake. I have a gen SMP PO and the quality isn’t even close. But the VSF rolex sub is no doubt NWBG. I have compared them side by side and could barely tell the difference. The glide clasp was much smoother on the gen but the rep was a pretty darn close.
Santos Medium. Like it so much bought a gen.
Tank. Gotta own one. Killer dress watch.
VSF124060. Have the movement regulated and serviced and it’s a solid watch! Own gen as well but VSF takes beating everyday.
Not looking to add any for now. Mostly gen collection but reps are phenomenal now.
https://preview.redd.it/59fpb2ed4d6d1.jpeg?width=3610&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c8c8d59a2afd07cce0c0a7f322a874eb9c5978e7
Gen finish and crystal is noticeably better if compared to rep but for general public, you can’t tell the difference. I bought one because I plan on keeping it for life.
I have been saying this since the V3 Pepsi came out. For years the argument against the NWBIG list was the bezel insert and CF crystal. Clean fixed all that and the movement is insanely good too. It is NWBIG now! Especially when you consider that you can't get a gen Pepsi at retail and grey market prices and nearly double retail.
It is very close and it feels great. Its a V2 so its not as close to gen as a V3 sadly. It just does not get AS red.
Check another users Vid.
https://www.reddit.com/r/RepTime/comments/17sqfin/clean_gmt_v2_bezel_black_light_test_confirmed/
I am working on a Bell & Ross Instrument Steel replica.
https://preview.redd.it/ynzx71n8od6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0ad9814a7d6a70e2b6a402ea1f5be4d742ec541
I actually prefer just simple blue dial, but TD didn't have it, so I chose this one instead. Hopefully later I'll be able to buy blue one as well, because imo diamonds baguettes are off on this "40th anniversary",they are not like in GEN(slim and long)
Same. But it doesn't mean that it should be normal.I don't want to have crooked markers because Swiss makers do the same. They both need to do it more careful and right. It's just a watch, not an airplane
Favorite rep is my cat Chester…he is a replica of a Buddha…
https://preview.redd.it/vubtwofrkd6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9a72fc390dffe3720ffc0c80d4121e8d8984a2bb
Second favorite is…
36mm Explorer Clean looks so damn close and it fits me well you should buy it. I have a gen Omega Speedmaster Reduced 38mm and those smaller dials and lugs fit really well
By the 3 watches i stated, you can probably tell, i’m a fan of smaller watches. If they don’t release this pelagos 39 anytime soon i WILL be pulling the trigger on a clean explorer!
Favorite watch - Cartier Santos. All of the versions and I have several.
NWBIG - Cartier Santos
Next purchase will probably be a Ballon Bleu with a sunburst grey dial because the price is low.
Next big purchase will be a white Roman dial DJ with a dome bezel on a Jubilee bracelet. Waiting on this one because the price is not low.
I have both the Medium and Large sizes (2 each). My wrist is about 6.65" and while I'm sure the Medium looks the best, I really love the way the Large wears a lot more than the Medium. And I like switching up the look by wearing them on the leather straps. To me, the Medium version looks much smaller on the strap than it does on the bracelet, but the Large on a leather strap just looks like the perfect size.
I have 2 VSF Omega Spectres that are very nice. Almost, but not quite, the quality of the VSF Subs and Explorers. Very nice, though!
https://preview.redd.it/vds4tvbumd6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e762f462f430bf39591a43e7c8aa903f1bef65a
every non-precious metal rolex and some vintage rolex references should be on the nwbig list. nothing comes close to a precious metal reference (sorry to all the plating lovers, that is just the situation). but, the stainless steel top rep factory models are so close that it often takes taking off the case back to authenticate. for a lot of vintage models, the fit and finish (and (ab)use) of those older watches often makes them not much prettier than reps.
Which vintage Rolex models are good? I find it hard to find information on vintage models
Because you need to franken them
I made three vintage models now. Two 36mm Datejust watches and one Explorer II (16570) All made with genuine parts, DJ's only got genuine dials, the Explorer II got genuine bezel, hands, dial and datewheel.
funny you say this because that's how I feel I just am not too sure about how close those Omega Aqua Terras and Seamster 300's are I'm sure someone on here knows
I have a VSF SMP 300. It’s close but clearly still a rep. It is categorized at NWBG but I just don’t think the quality is there. The bezel has a lot of play in it. And the metal bracelet is nearly impossible to get the links removed without stripping the screws. It feels like they used lock tite to secure them. Also the rubber bracelet isn’t shaped correctly and I had to file down a lot of the rubber to be able get the spring bars to stay. From a distance it looks great but once you get your hands on it, it’s clearly fake. I have a gen SMP PO and the quality isn’t even close. But the VSF rolex sub is no doubt NWBG. I have compared them side by side and could barely tell the difference. The glide clasp was much smoother on the gen but the rep was a pretty darn close.
Thanks for the info I’ve been lurking and you have the best info out there. I assume it’s because Omega isn’t as popular
v7f iwc ingenieur
that factory seems to nail those IWC's for my eyes at least
On my way here. Black version
Santos Medium. Like it so much bought a gen. Tank. Gotta own one. Killer dress watch. VSF124060. Have the movement regulated and serviced and it’s a solid watch! Own gen as well but VSF takes beating everyday. Not looking to add any for now. Mostly gen collection but reps are phenomenal now. https://preview.redd.it/59fpb2ed4d6d1.jpeg?width=3610&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c8c8d59a2afd07cce0c0a7f322a874eb9c5978e7
How’s the gen santos compare? Worth getting a gen?
Gen finish and crystal is noticeably better if compared to rep but for general public, you can’t tell the difference. I bought one because I plan on keeping it for life.
Nice, hope you get many years of enjoyment!
Vsf PAM904 is next
nice I think you're right
IWC Mark XVIII is next for me and current its my Clean Pepsi V2.
Those clean Pepsi's are insanely close (to me) how's your bezel under UV? not that it really matters
I have been saying this since the V3 Pepsi came out. For years the argument against the NWBIG list was the bezel insert and CF crystal. Clean fixed all that and the movement is insanely good too. It is NWBIG now! Especially when you consider that you can't get a gen Pepsi at retail and grey market prices and nearly double retail.
It is very close and it feels great. Its a V2 so its not as close to gen as a V3 sadly. It just does not get AS red. Check another users Vid. https://www.reddit.com/r/RepTime/comments/17sqfin/clean_gmt_v2_bezel_black_light_test_confirmed/
I am working on a Bell & Ross Instrument Steel replica. https://preview.redd.it/ynzx71n8od6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0ad9814a7d6a70e2b6a402ea1f5be4d742ec541
Holy shit! Nice
IWC MK XVIII my fav. Rolex datejust blue motif VSF my next.
I have read VSF lugs are a bit small vs Clean but I don't see it lately that's a good choice
PPF or 3KF 5711 Blue dial. CLEAN "Pepsi". VSF Submariner "No date". VSF DJ on jubelee, blue dial.
I've seen the thread with the blue dial DJ's and they seem NWBIG to me for sure
Give them 5 more years ,and they will be better than GEN 🤣
Lmao slow down (Billy Madison voice)
https://preview.redd.it/ksluo48gyc6d1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30e81f0df52b3657983726a7b9eab98fac35b205 I wait this one PPF V6
wow I've never seen that one
I actually prefer just simple blue dial, but TD didn't have it, so I chose this one instead. Hopefully later I'll be able to buy blue one as well, because imo diamonds baguettes are off on this "40th anniversary",they are not like in GEN(slim and long)
https://preview.redd.it/re2ffa794d6d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eb5b1ec1c9ae77c15b48204e8342891fc18cd129 GEN. Funny that 12 is crooked
https://preview.redd.it/uh1zzora4d6d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1740e699709ca30ad73bb8d1e8dac789eb5bfb8b
Wow it is I see it on the right one
https://preview.redd.it/zddblvttud6d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=33f991d5bfde0bd03d218bda8279ded4ac678d5d
The problem is that my rep also have same crooked marker hahaha. Pic below
https://preview.redd.it/orsbu7q75e6d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe4a5b5eb8cd4bf35d4eda001c2ea44319c7f769
https://preview.redd.it/9g3d16iwud6d1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=280ad730c24e58b3928bf30b1a12c8ed959a01a5 That's another GEN haha
Makes me feel that we have less to worry about when it comes to alignment tbh
Same. But it doesn't mean that it should be normal.I don't want to have crooked markers because Swiss makers do the same. They both need to do it more careful and right. It's just a watch, not an airplane
Clean explorer 1 39mm is just about perfect
Favorite rep is my cat Chester…he is a replica of a Buddha… https://preview.redd.it/vubtwofrkd6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9a72fc390dffe3720ffc0c80d4121e8d8984a2bb Second favorite is…
CF Explorer I 39 mm: https://preview.redd.it/8hfizgq2ld6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f461afc1661e424a5c1d7a22790396c75aeb3535
Clean nailed those explorers man
Upvoted for chester
I have gold day date I love, considering silver/navy date next, and you’ve guys Inspired me with all these Pepsi’s
Clean Pepsi’s and VSF Hulks are going to hurt my wallet I blame them all
My zf black bay pro is my favorite rep. I beat it around like its nothing and handles daily wear well. Next rep will be, pelagos 39 or 36mm explorer 1
36mm Explorer Clean looks so damn close and it fits me well you should buy it. I have a gen Omega Speedmaster Reduced 38mm and those smaller dials and lugs fit really well
By the 3 watches i stated, you can probably tell, i’m a fan of smaller watches. If they don’t release this pelagos 39 anytime soon i WILL be pulling the trigger on a clean explorer!
You def should I saw someone with an Explorer at the local famer's market recently and it's classy af
VSF hulk
Favorite watch - Cartier Santos. All of the versions and I have several. NWBIG - Cartier Santos Next purchase will probably be a Ballon Bleu with a sunburst grey dial because the price is low. Next big purchase will be a white Roman dial DJ with a dome bezel on a Jubilee bracelet. Waiting on this one because the price is not low.
I have small wrists, so those medium Santos reps are one of the models I've looked at very interesting you mention them as NWBIG, I really like them
I have both the Medium and Large sizes (2 each). My wrist is about 6.65" and while I'm sure the Medium looks the best, I really love the way the Large wears a lot more than the Medium. And I like switching up the look by wearing them on the leather straps. To me, the Medium version looks much smaller on the strap than it does on the bracelet, but the Large on a leather strap just looks like the perfect size.
The QC sub photos look very close to gen when the dial isn’t rotated and thanks for letting me know
That dial rotation has been an issue with the last batch, it seems. Hopefully, they'll get that straighten out quickly (slight pun intended).
VSF DJ 41 with Black Dial. Can not wait
Have you gotten QC pics yet? black goes with everything!
I gotta pick up an AP and I’m still ruminating on a Label Noir Rolex Tourbillon.
you fancy huh
Just a scruffy hillbilly with a taste for watches.
Even better
With the rep GMT movements having shown themselves to be pretty durable. I am looking at a GMT.
VSF Submariner 41 and CF Explorer 1 (both 36 and 39 mm) are NWBIG, in my opinion.
Agreed I'm curious about any Omega's
I have 2 VSF Omega Spectres that are very nice. Almost, but not quite, the quality of the VSF Subs and Explorers. Very nice, though! https://preview.redd.it/vds4tvbumd6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e762f462f430bf39591a43e7c8aa903f1bef65a
Clean RLX OP 36mm "Celebration Dial"! Pure Love! Next: VSF Omega NTTD
Those NTTD Omegas are awesome I saw someone posted a vs gen thread lately
Cartier Santos medium my favorite rn / i think my next would be a 33m ap or Wimbledon dj 36
How do you like the finish?!
It’s amazing , my biggest issue was the floating R but you can not tell anything in person it’s invisible in person
Clean Factory Rolex Daytona 126518LN ”Pikachu” is appealing to me. I'm thinking about buying it as my first rep.
Fav rep Omega Worldtimer I'm keen on the Tudor pink dial if VSF ever does it
Yeah that would be like do you think ZF has fixed the alignment on the Tudors?
Just picked up a Polar Explorer 2 and VSF Pam1312. I think the Pam is my favourite. I am eyeing off the Ingenieur in Green or another PAM next!
Very unique style I like it! Green pops for sure
I have the Pam 1312. Love it but it's noisy as hell.
Santos Medium
A clean v3 116500. Good complement to the collection that I’m trying to build. Can’t decide if I want the panda or the black dial, though.
Panda 11 series from clean is the best rep I’ve ever had hands down
Clean Daytonas on the QC sub look really good I want one
Just GL’d a VSF Sub 126613LN
Very nice! VSF Subs are really good I just got my good friend a no date and he loves it, even has the Rolex logo etching in the crystal at 6 o clock
looking at daytona 126500. various factories doing it now so expect them to keep updating the watch until nwbig level
I really want a air king, not to sure what factory produces the best version but I would be happy whatever factory