The world of high-end replica watches has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, with Clean Factory (C Factory) emerging as one of the leading manufacturers of Rolex replicas, particularly in the Cosmograph Daytona series. This comparison review focuses on their reproduction of the coveted Rolex Daytona reference m116515ln-0059 - a stunning rose gold model with a black dial and rubber strap. We'll examine how this replica watch stacks up against the genuine article across multiple dimensions including materials, movement, dial details, and overall craftsmanship.
Clean Factory employs a piece-by-piece electroplating process rather than plating the complete case at once. This method ensures more uniform coverage and reduces the risk of "bare steel" spots where plating might wear off first. The PVD coating reportedly maintains its color for 3+ years with normal use without oxidizing or fading significantly.
While the weight difference is noticeable when handling both watches (about 22g lighter for the replica), the visual appearance of the gold tone is remarkably close - approximately 95% color match according to side-by-side comparisons. The case shape and proportions are accurately replicated, including the distinctive pump-style pushers and screw-down crown with Rolex coronet.
The replica watch's dial is one of its strongest elements. Clean Factory uses a multi-layer printing process that creates adequate dimensionality to the text. The subdials show proper depth and the chronograph hands align perfectly when reset. Some eagle-eyed collectors note that the rose gold tone on the hands and markers might be 1-2 shades lighter than genuine, particularly under certain lighting conditions.
The lume application is surprisingly good for a replica watch, using Swiss-grade material that glows brightly and lasts through the night. The color matches the genuine's blue-ish emission rather than the green tint found on cheaper replicas.
Clean Factory has built its reputation partly on exceptional bezel quality, and this model continues that tradition. The ceramic material has appropriate hardness and sheen, while the engraved tachymeter scale shows proper depth. The platinum-colored numerals are filled cleanly without overflow, though under magnification, the genuine shows slightly sharper edges.
The crystal sits at the correct height with proper curvature matching the genuine article. The hidden coronet at 6 o'clock is present and correctly sized. Some users report the AR coating isn't quite as effective as Rolex's proprietary treatment, showing marginally more glare in direct light.
The Dandong 4130 in this replica watch represents the pinnacle of Chinese clone movements, offering true 1:1 functionality compared to the genuine 4130. All chronograph functions work identically - start, stop, reset - with proper sequencing and no skipping. The power reserve approaches the genuine's 72 hours, typically delivering 65-70 hours in practice.
While the decoration can't match Rolex's exquisite finishing, Clean Factory has improved the visual appearance with deeper engraving and better-performed perlage than earlier replicas. The movement operates at 28,800 vph like the genuine, producing the characteristic smooth seconds sweep.
Clean Factory's rubber strap represents a significant upgrade over earlier replica attempts. The memory steel inserts properly mimic the genuine's core system, providing both flexibility and structure. The rose gold PVD on the clasp matches the case well, though the deployment mechanism isn't quite as buttery-smooth as Rolex's.
The strap tapers correctly from 20mm at the lugs to 16mm at the clasp, and the molded ridges underneath aid ventilation just like the genuine. Some users note the rubber might feel slightly less premium than Rolex's proprietary compound, but the difference is minimal in daily wear.
Case and Materials Comparison
Genuine Specifications:
- Case Material: Solid 18ct Everose gold (Rolex's proprietary rose gold alloy)
- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 12.2mm thickness
- Weight: Approximately 162g (due to solid gold construction)
- Finish: Polished throughout with perfect edge transitions
Clean Factory Replica:
- Case Material: 904L stainless steel with PVD rose gold plating
- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 12.3mm thickness (nearly identical)
- Weight: Approximately 140g (lighter due to steel construction)
- Finish: High-quality polishing mimicking genuine edges and surfaces
Clean Factory employs a piece-by-piece electroplating process rather than plating the complete case at once. This method ensures more uniform coverage and reduces the risk of "bare steel" spots where plating might wear off first. The PVD coating reportedly maintains its color for 3+ years with normal use without oxidizing or fading significantly.
While the weight difference is noticeable when handling both watches (about 22g lighter for the replica), the visual appearance of the gold tone is remarkably close - approximately 95% color match according to side-by-side comparisons. The case shape and proportions are accurately replicated, including the distinctive pump-style pushers and screw-down crown with Rolex coronet.
Dial and Hands Analysis
Genuine Features:
- Dial: Lacquered black with perfect gloss finish
- Subdials: Matte black concentric circles with crisp edges
- Markers: Applied 18ct gold with luminescent filling
- Hands: Rose gold-plated with perfect proportions and lume
- Printing: Ultra-sharp with perfect spacing and depth
Replica Execution:
- Dial: High-gloss black that captures the genuine's reflectivity
- Subdials: Well-executed concentric circles though slightly less refined texture
- Markers: Cleanly applied with good lume (Swiss Super-LumiNova)
- Hands: Excellent shape matching, though some report slight color variance
- Printing: Nearly identical font size and spacing; slightly less ink depth
The replica watch's dial is one of its strongest elements. Clean Factory uses a multi-layer printing process that creates adequate dimensionality to the text. The subdials show proper depth and the chronograph hands align perfectly when reset. Some eagle-eyed collectors note that the rose gold tone on the hands and markers might be 1-2 shades lighter than genuine, particularly under certain lighting conditions.
The lume application is surprisingly good for a replica watch, using Swiss-grade material that glows brightly and lasts through the night. The color matches the genuine's blue-ish emission rather than the green tint found on cheaper replicas.
Bezel and Crystal Examination
Genuine Components:
- Bezel: Black Cerachrom ceramic with engraved and platinum-filled numerals
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating and cyclops at 6 o'clock (for date)
- Edge Treatment: Perfectly smooth transition between crystal and bezel
Replica Components:
- Bezel: High-quality ceramic with engraved/PVD-filled numerals
- Crystal: Sapphire with AR coating (slightly less effective than genuine)
- Edge Treatment: Excellent execution with no visible gaps
Clean Factory has built its reputation partly on exceptional bezel quality, and this model continues that tradition. The ceramic material has appropriate hardness and sheen, while the engraved tachymeter scale shows proper depth. The platinum-colored numerals are filled cleanly without overflow, though under magnification, the genuine shows slightly sharper edges.
The crystal sits at the correct height with proper curvature matching the genuine article. The hidden coronet at 6 o'clock is present and correctly sized. Some users report the AR coating isn't quite as effective as Rolex's proprietary treatment, showing marginally more glare in direct light.
Movement and Functionality
Genuine Movement:
- Caliber: Rolex 4130, in-house automatic chronograph
- Features: Column wheel, vertical clutch, 72h power reserve
- Accuracy: COSC-certified (-2/+2 sec/day)
- Decoration: Perlage and Geneva stripes on bridges
Replica Movement:
- Caliber: Dandong 4130 (best Chinese clone of 4130)
- Features: Functional column wheel and chronograph
- Accuracy: Typically ±5 sec/day (after regulation)
- Decoration: Attempts to mimic genuine finishing
The Dandong 4130 in this replica watch represents the pinnacle of Chinese clone movements, offering true 1:1 functionality compared to the genuine 4130. All chronograph functions work identically - start, stop, reset - with proper sequencing and no skipping. The power reserve approaches the genuine's 72 hours, typically delivering 65-70 hours in practice.
While the decoration can't match Rolex's exquisite finishing, Clean Factory has improved the visual appearance with deeper engraving and better-performed perlage than earlier replicas. The movement operates at 28,800 vph like the genuine, producing the characteristic smooth seconds sweep.
Bracelet and Clasp Evaluation
Genuine Oysterflex:
- Material: Patented elastomer with titanium and nickel alloy core
- Clasp: 18ct Everose gold Oysterlock with Easylink extension
- Feel: Supple yet substantial with perfect molding
Replica Version:
- Material: High-grade rubber with memory steel inserts
- Clasp: Steel with PVD coating and functional extension
- Feel: Very close to genuine in flexibility and comfort
Clean Factory's rubber strap represents a significant upgrade over earlier replica attempts. The memory steel inserts properly mimic the genuine's core system, providing both flexibility and structure. The rose gold PVD on the clasp matches the case well, though the deployment mechanism isn't quite as buttery-smooth as Rolex's.
The strap tapers correctly from 20mm at the lugs to 16mm at the clasp, and the molded ridges underneath aid ventilation just like the genuine. Some users note the rubber might feel slightly less premium than Rolex's proprietary compound, but the difference is minimal in daily wear.
Overall Conclusions
After thorough examination, Clean Factory's m116515ln-0059 replica watch achieves approximately 90-95% visual similarity to the genuine article at a small fraction of the cost. The most significant differences remain:- Weight and Material Authenticity (steel vs. solid gold)
- Movement Finishing (functional but less refined)
- Precision of Small Details (slightly less crisp engravings)
- Overall Aesthetic Accuracy
- Functional Chronograph Performance
- Wear Comfort and Durability