Introduction
Clean Factory (C Factory) has gained a strong reputation in the replica watch community for its high-quality Rolex reproductions. Their latest release, the Explorer II M226570-0001 (white dial, orange GMT hand), claims to be one of the most accurate replicas on the market. But how close is it to the genuine Rolex Explorer II?This objective review will compare the Clean Factory Explorer II with the authentic model, analyzing key aspects such as case construction, dial details, movement, bracelet, and overall finishing.
1. Case & Dimensions
✔ Size & Material
- Both the genuine and Clean Factory Explorer II measure 42mm in diameter and use 904L stainless steel, matching Rolex’s proprietary alloy.
- The weight is nearly identical, with the Clean version being slightly lighter (difference of ~5g), which is imperceptible on the wrist.
✔ Bezel & Engravings
- The fixed 24-hour bezel is laser-engraved with crisp numerals. Clean Factory’s bezel text spacing and depth are extremely close to the original.
- Some minor differences in paint fill texture exist under macro, but they are not noticeable in normal viewing conditions.
✔ Crystal & Cyclops
- Clean Factory uses a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, just like the genuine model.
- The date magnification (cyclops) is well-aligned, but some replicas may have a slightly weaker AR coating compared to Rolex’s.
2. Dial & Hands
✔ Dial Printing & Color
- The white dial is nearly flawless—Clean Factory’s printing is sharp, with no bleeding or misalignment.
- The orange GMT hand is the correct shade, though some replicas may have a slightly duller tone under certain lighting.
✔ Lume & Markers
- The Chromalight lume (blue emission) is well-replicated, but the genuine Rolex lume lasts longer and is slightly brighter.
- The applied indices are perfectly aligned, with no gaps or unevenness.
✔ Date Wheel & Font
- The date window is correctly positioned (unlike older replicas that had a left-aligned issue).
- The font is 99% accurate, but under extreme magnification, the genuine Rolex has smoother edges.
3. Movement: Clean Factory’s Dandong 3285 vs. Rolex Cal. 3285
✔ Performance & Power Reserve
- Clean Factory uses a Dandong 3285 clone movement, which mimics the 72-hour power reserve of the genuine Cal. 3285.
- The GMT function works correctly, but the rotor noise is slightly louder than the genuine Rolex.
✔ Reliability & Longevity
- While the Dandong 3285 is stable, it doesn’t match Rolex’s chronometer-grade precision (-2/+2 sec/day). Expect ±5-10 sec/day on the replica.
- Servicing intervals will be shorter than a genuine Rolex.
4. Bracelet & Clasp
✔ Build Quality
- Clean Factory’s Oyster bracelet is made by AR Factory, known for high-quality reps. The brushing and polishing are excellent.
- The clasp engraving ("8GY") is deep and crisp, though the glide-lock mechanism is slightly less smooth than the genuine.
✔ Comfort & Fit
- The weight and feel are nearly identical to the genuine Rolex.
- Some users report minor sharp edges on the replica’s links, but this varies by unit.
5. Overall Verdict: How Close Is It?
| Category | Clean Factory M226570-0001 | Genuine Rolex | Difference? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case & Material | 904L Steel, 42mm | 904L Steel, 42mm | Minimal |
| Dial & Printing | Near-perfect replication | Original Rolex | Minor lume difference |
| Movement | Dandong 3285 (72h PR) | Rolex Cal. 3285 | Less precise, louder rotor |
| Bracelet | AR Factory, 904L steel | Rolex Oyster | Slightly less refined clasp |
| Price | ~$400-$600 | ~$10,000+ | Huge cost difference |
Final Thoughts:
The Clean Factory Explorer II M226570-0001 is one of the best replicas available, with 95%+ accuracy in appearance. The main differences lie in the movement precision, lume brightness, and clasp refinement.Who should buy this?
- Enthusiasts who want a high-quality rep without paying Rolex prices.
- Collectors looking for a "placeholder" while saving for a genuine model.
- Daily wearers who don’t need Swiss-level accuracy.
- Perfectionists who demand 100% movement accuracy.
- Those who care about resale value (replicas depreciate instantly).
Conclusion:
If you want a near-perfect Explorer II at 5% of the retail price, Clean Factory’s version is an outstanding choice.What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
