Clean Factory Daytona 126518 replica watch vs. authentic review

Introduction​

Clean Factory (C Factory) is well-known for producing accurate Rolex replicas, especially the Daytona series. In this review, we will detail their 126518LN "Shawn Shawn" Daytona and compare it to the original. We will carefully examine every key aspect - from materials and movement to dial details and weight - to determine how close this replica watch is to the original.

1. Case and Materials: Original vs. Replica​

Authentic Rolex Daytona 126518​

• Material: Made of 18K white gold (750 yellow gold), giving it a unique weight and premium texture.
• Finish: Highly polished and brushed surfaces with smooth transitions.
• Engraving: Deep and clear iconic markings (including the St. Bernard dog head), all laser-engraved with precision.

Pure original replica watch​

• Material: Made of 904L stainless steel, plated with 18K gold, close to the color tone of the original. Although the appearance is similar, it is lighter because pure gold is not used.
• Surface treatment: Surprisingly good, with smooth edges and exquisite brushing. However, under a magnifying glass, the engraving (especially the dog head) is slightly inferior.
• Case shape: The curvature, button design and bottom cover angle are almost accurate90%.

**Key points: **The visual effect of this replica watch is excellent, but for those who are familiar with the original white gold Rolex, weight and material density are the most important.

2. Dial and bezel: How close are the two?​

Authentic Rolex​

• Sunburst effect: Perfectly even, with smooth gradient in the light.
• Subdials: Clear and sharp laser-etched scales with perfect concentric circles.
• Ceramic bezel: Platinum-filled numerals with a slightly glossy surface.

Pure Factory replica watch​

• Sunburst effect: Vacuum PVD coating (thickness 4μm) is used, which is superior to cheaper spraying methods. However, some models (especially the gray dial) look slightly darker than the original.
• Subdials: Clear gradation, but under a magnifying glass, there may be slight inconsistencies in the radial finishing.
• Ceramic bezel: Platinum-filled is very close, although the edges of the font may not be rounded enough.

Key points: The dial is a highlight of Clean Factory, but color accuracy (especially on the gray model) is still a challenge.

3. Movement: The Biggest Difference​

Original Rolex 4131 Movement​

• Manufactured Movement: **COSC-certified, *72-hour power reserve* and chronometer-certified.
• Finishing: Perlage, Côtes de Genève, and blued screws—all meticulously finished by hand.

Clean Factory Shanghai 4131 Replica​

• **Functions: **Fully functional chronograph, approximately 70 hours of power reserve, and decent accuracy (±10 sec/day).
• **Limitations: *Rotor is noisy*, and the finish lacks *the high-end finish of the original*.

**Key Points: **While the replica movement is reliable, anyone who opens the caseback will immediately notice the difference.

4. Strap and clasp: comfort and precision​

Authentic Rolex Oysterflex​

• **Material: *High-grade rubber with titanium/nickel alloy core*, combining flexibility and durability.
• **Clasp: *Moderate weight*, smooth operation, *Beautiful engraving*.

Clean Factory version​

• Material: Fluororubber embedded with memory steel—comfortable to wear, but harder than the original.
• Clasp: AR Factory clasp, well made, not as delicate as the original.

Key points: The strap looks very similar, but flexibility and clasp mechanism are obvious differences.

5. Weight and wearing experience: The ultimate test​

• **Authentic (18K white gold): **approximately160 grams (heavy texture, high-end feel).
• **Clean Factory (gold-plated steel): *approx* 130g** (lighter, but not as thick as real gold).

**Key points: **If you touch the genuine product with your hands, the weight difference is obvious, but ordinary people will not notice it.

**Final conclusion: Can it be considered genuine? **​

Pros:

• Case shape and craftsmanship (90% match)
• Dial and bezel (almost indistinguishable at first glance)
• Functional chronograph with good power reserve

Cons:

• Material and weight (not pure gold)
• Movement craftsmanship (not as refined as the genuine product)
• Minor flaws in engraving (dog head, bottom cover marks)

Rating:

• Accuracy: 9/10 (long distance)
• Details: 8/10 (under scrutiny)
• Value: 9.5/10 (for the price)

Discussion Questions​

1. Material vs. Appearance: Would you prefer a replica that looks perfect but feels lighter, or one that uses tungsten to match the weight (even if it costs more)?
2. Movement Trade-Offs: Clean Factory uses a Shanghai 4131—would you rather have a less reliable but more visually accurate decorated movement?
3. Ethics of High-End Replicas: With replicas reaching this level, do they hurt the genuine watch market, or do they serve a different audience?
4. Most Noticeable "Tell": What’s the one detail that gives away even the best replicas to you?
5. Future Improvements: If Clean Factory could perfect one more aspect, what should it be? (e.g., better engraving, movement decoration, or dial color accuracy?)

Let’s hear your thoughts! Have you handled both the genuine and Clean Factory versions? What was your experience?