The Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" (Ref. 126710BLRO) is one of the most sought-after luxury watches, known for its iconic red-and-blue ceramic bezel and GMT functionality. Given its high retail price and scarcity, many enthusiasts turn to high-quality replica watches as an alternative. Among the top-tier replicas, VS Factory's GMT-Master II "Pepsi" has gained significant attention for its claimed improvements over previous versions.
In this objective comparison, we will evaluate the VS Factory V3 GMT-Master II "Pepsi" against the genuine Rolex, covering key aspects such as case construction, bezel, dial, movement, and overall wearability.
1. Case & Build Quality
Genuine Rolex
- Material: 904L stainless steel (Rolex's proprietary "Oystersteel")
- Finish: High-polished and brushed surfaces with precise transitions
- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 12.1mm thickness
- Weight: ~140g (feels solid and premium)
- Crown Guards: Well-defined, with smooth edges
VS Factory Replica
- Material: 904L stainless steel (same as genuine)
- Finish: Nearly identical polishing and brushing, though some sharp edges may be slightly less refined
- Dimensions: 12.1mm thickness (matches genuine, unlike other replicas at 12.5mm)
- Weight: Very close to genuine (~138g)
- Crown Guards: Correct shape, but the crown screw-down leaves a 0.25mm gap (same as genuine to reduce friction, unlike other replicas that screw all the way down)
Verdict: The VS Factory case is extremely close to the genuine, with correct dimensions and weight. The only minor difference is in the finishing precision, which is slightly less refined under a loupe.
2. Bezel (Cerachrom Insert)
Genuine Rolex
- Color: Deep, vibrant red ("Pepsi" red) and rich blue
- UV Reaction: Under UV light, the entire bezel glows red (a unique Rolex feature)
- Engraving & Teeth: Crisp numerals, perfect alignment, and evenly spaced teeth
VS Factory Replica
- Color: Improved V3 color—red is closer to genuine (not too dark or orange)
- UV Reaction: Glows red under UV light, just like the genuine
- Engraving & Teeth: Correct tooth size and spacing (unlike other replicas with oversized teeth)
- Rotation: Smooth, with a satisfying click (though slightly less refined than genuine)
Verdict: The VS V3 bezel is one of the best in the replica watch market, with accurate colors and UV reaction. The only slight difference is the click sound, which is a bit softer than the genuine.
3. Dial & Crystal
Genuine Rolex
- Dial Print: Crisp, flawless printing with perfect spacing
- Date Magnification: 2.5x cyclops with white-pink AR coating
- Hands: Sharp, polished, with perfect lume application
- GMT Hand: Bright red (not dark or dull)
VS Factory Replica
- Dial Print: Very close, but some small text may appear slightly thicker under magnification
- Date Magnification: 2.5x cyclops with correct white-pink AR coating (unlike other replicas with blue tint)
- Hands: Sharpest in the market, with correct GMT hand color (bright red)
- Crystal Clarity: High transparency, minimal distortion (better than most replicas)
Verdict: The VS dial is nearly flawless, with only minor differences in text thickness. The cyclops and AR coating are the best among replicas.
4. Movement (GMT Functionality)
Genuine Rolex
- Caliber 3285: 70-hour power reserve, smooth jumping GMT hand, and instant date change
- Adjustment: Independent hour hand for quick timezone changes
VS Factory Replica
- Modified DanDong 3285 movement:
- 72-hour power reserve (better than most replicas)
- Reverse quick-set date (same as genuine)
- GMT hand adjusts independently (correct functionality)
- Reliability: Generally stable, but long-term durability is uncertain
Verdict: The VS movement is the best in the replica market, closely mimicking the genuine 3285. However, longevity and accuracy over time remain a question.
5. Bracelet & Clasp
Genuine Rolex
- Jubilee Bracelet: Silky smooth, perfect articulation
- Clasp: Tight, with a refined click mechanism
VS Factory Replica
- Jubilee Bracelet: Very close, but slightly less fluid in movement
- Clasp: Good, but not as crisp as genuine
Verdict: The VS bracelet is well-made, but the clasp action is the biggest tell compared to genuine.
Final Verdict: How Close Is VS Factory to Genuine?
Pros of VS Factory Replica:
- Best bezel color & UV reaction in replicas
- Correct case thickness (12.1mm)
- High-clarity crystal with proper AR coating
- DanDong 3285 movement with correct GMT function
- Sharp hands and dial details
Cons of VS Factory Replica:
- Clasp action not as refined as genuine
- Movement long-term reliability unproven
- Minor text thickness differences under magnification
Discussion Questions:
1. For those who own both genuine and VS Factory GMTs, what are the most noticeable differences in daily wear?
2. Do you think the VS Factory movement will hold up long-term, or is it still a gamble compared to genuine?
This replica watch comparison is based on real observations and aims to provide an unbiased review. Whether you're considering a replica watch as an alternative or just curious about the differences, this breakdown should help make an informed decision.
Would love to hear your thoughts—how close do you think VS Factory really is?
In this objective comparison, we will evaluate the VS Factory V3 GMT-Master II "Pepsi" against the genuine Rolex, covering key aspects such as case construction, bezel, dial, movement, and overall wearability.
1. Case & Build Quality
Genuine Rolex
- Material: 904L stainless steel (Rolex's proprietary "Oystersteel")
- Finish: High-polished and brushed surfaces with precise transitions
- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 12.1mm thickness
- Weight: ~140g (feels solid and premium)
- Crown Guards: Well-defined, with smooth edges
VS Factory Replica
- Material: 904L stainless steel (same as genuine)
- Finish: Nearly identical polishing and brushing, though some sharp edges may be slightly less refined
- Dimensions: 12.1mm thickness (matches genuine, unlike other replicas at 12.5mm)
- Weight: Very close to genuine (~138g)
- Crown Guards: Correct shape, but the crown screw-down leaves a 0.25mm gap (same as genuine to reduce friction, unlike other replicas that screw all the way down)
Verdict: The VS Factory case is extremely close to the genuine, with correct dimensions and weight. The only minor difference is in the finishing precision, which is slightly less refined under a loupe.
2. Bezel (Cerachrom Insert)
Genuine Rolex
- Color: Deep, vibrant red ("Pepsi" red) and rich blue
- UV Reaction: Under UV light, the entire bezel glows red (a unique Rolex feature)
- Engraving & Teeth: Crisp numerals, perfect alignment, and evenly spaced teeth
VS Factory Replica
- Color: Improved V3 color—red is closer to genuine (not too dark or orange)
- UV Reaction: Glows red under UV light, just like the genuine
- Engraving & Teeth: Correct tooth size and spacing (unlike other replicas with oversized teeth)
- Rotation: Smooth, with a satisfying click (though slightly less refined than genuine)
Verdict: The VS V3 bezel is one of the best in the replica watch market, with accurate colors and UV reaction. The only slight difference is the click sound, which is a bit softer than the genuine.
3. Dial & Crystal
Genuine Rolex
- Dial Print: Crisp, flawless printing with perfect spacing
- Date Magnification: 2.5x cyclops with white-pink AR coating
- Hands: Sharp, polished, with perfect lume application
- GMT Hand: Bright red (not dark or dull)
VS Factory Replica
- Dial Print: Very close, but some small text may appear slightly thicker under magnification
- Date Magnification: 2.5x cyclops with correct white-pink AR coating (unlike other replicas with blue tint)
- Hands: Sharpest in the market, with correct GMT hand color (bright red)
- Crystal Clarity: High transparency, minimal distortion (better than most replicas)
Verdict: The VS dial is nearly flawless, with only minor differences in text thickness. The cyclops and AR coating are the best among replicas.
4. Movement (GMT Functionality)
Genuine Rolex
- Caliber 3285: 70-hour power reserve, smooth jumping GMT hand, and instant date change
- Adjustment: Independent hour hand for quick timezone changes
VS Factory Replica
- Modified DanDong 3285 movement:
- 72-hour power reserve (better than most replicas)
- Reverse quick-set date (same as genuine)
- GMT hand adjusts independently (correct functionality)
- Reliability: Generally stable, but long-term durability is uncertain
Verdict: The VS movement is the best in the replica market, closely mimicking the genuine 3285. However, longevity and accuracy over time remain a question.
5. Bracelet & Clasp
Genuine Rolex
- Jubilee Bracelet: Silky smooth, perfect articulation
- Clasp: Tight, with a refined click mechanism
VS Factory Replica
- Jubilee Bracelet: Very close, but slightly less fluid in movement
- Clasp: Good, but not as crisp as genuine
Verdict: The VS bracelet is well-made, but the clasp action is the biggest tell compared to genuine.
Final Verdict: How Close Is VS Factory to Genuine?
| Category | VS Factory Replica | Genuine Rolex | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case & Finish | 95% match | Perfect | Minor edge finishing |
| Bezel | 98% match (best in market) | Perfect | Slightly softer click |
| Dial & Crystal | 97% match | Perfect | Slightly thicker text |
| Movement | 90% match (best clone) | Perfect | Long-term reliability? |
| Bracelet | 90% match | Perfect | Clasp action less refined |
Pros of VS Factory Replica:
- Best bezel color & UV reaction in replicas
- Correct case thickness (12.1mm)
- High-clarity crystal with proper AR coating
- DanDong 3285 movement with correct GMT function
- Sharp hands and dial details
Cons of VS Factory Replica:
- Clasp action not as refined as genuine
- Movement long-term reliability unproven
- Minor text thickness differences under magnification
Discussion Questions:
1. For those who own both genuine and VS Factory GMTs, what are the most noticeable differences in daily wear?
2. Do you think the VS Factory movement will hold up long-term, or is it still a gamble compared to genuine?
This replica watch comparison is based on real observations and aims to provide an unbiased review. Whether you're considering a replica watch as an alternative or just curious about the differences, this breakdown should help make an informed decision.
Would love to hear your thoughts—how close do you think VS Factory really is?