deju 1,873 Posted March 27, 2018 « 2018 noob 1:1 Clone movement 4130 Rolex Daytona 116520 » A Noob vs ARF vs Gen prospective. About the watch : The Rolex Daytona 116520 has been out for over 18 years as 2000 saw the debut of the Rolex Daytona 116520 and with it the famed Rolex 4130. The replica for those who haven’t been following, has been under development for about 2 years - at least- actively. It’s pretty much a grail for many and by design less boring than most Rolex designs. I pine after a Paul Newman but that truely will always be a grail watch as unless I won the Lottery, it's out my reach. I have always loved my mates gen 116520 and on one occassion went to my prefered Rolex dealer, had the watch in my hand and out the corner of my eye another watch caught my eye and I didn't pull the trigger. I did come to realise as much as I love the watch it doesn't excite me as much as the vintage ones I can't afford, so a Rep is a good way to have one without locking up too much funds. Technical datasheet from the seller : Factory | Noob Factory CASE | Stainless Steel Case, (316L) MOVEMENT | Asia Clone SA 4130 Working Chronograph movement,Same Design Bridges and Engravings all Present, Preforated Rotor with Full Chronograph Functions. 28800vph DIMENSIONS | 39mm x 13mm CRYSTAL | Scratch-proof Sapphire Crystal BRACELET | Bracelet (316L) Notes of interest: Etatw2011 has stated a 904L will follow, but I would imagine that will add at least $100 to the price. Those of you that follow Etatw2011 will know he's not a rumour merchant. The presentation : ARF presentation box Noob Don’t think this is much of a factor but apart from a dial/bezel condom protector, the noob lacks the wow factor of the otb presentation. No service box or dealer card like ARF. Also the plastic protective wrapping is not to the same level of detail as ARF watches. I have the theory that the parts are sourced from the same part manufacturers doing stuff for ARF. The clasp and case are wrapped in the same protectors as ARF. The case : The case good no standard rep sharp edges. Pushers don’t look as long as ARF. Very good finish. The thickness with the gen is spot on. with them side on you really cant see any difference. The seating of the crystal even matches up with the gen. The dial : On comparison to the gen, the dial is probably the only tell for me. So far I felt the ARF dial was better (more crisp). On it's own it looks of a very good standard but side by side it's just not going to make the cut. Toro has confirmed that the noob accepts a gen dial. If I am to keep this I will definitely fit a gen dial. Lume is of the high standard we have come to accept The presentation : The exciting part! Now with any replica there is much trepidation using any special features – yikes- I can confirm the chrono feels good when engaging and disengaging and sweeps satisfactorily smooth. When setting the time it is very smooth and does have a quality feel. With reps setting the time is always either far too light as if there is no friction or its like a bag of grit. Setting the time actually feels good, very similar to the gen. Unlike the ARF the movement rotor doesn't sound like a bag of nails OTB. The finish of the movement is in no way rolex level, this isn't a watch you can take to an AD for servicing. I really don't care as it's closed caseback anyways. The bracelet & clasp : The bracelet edges are smoother than ARF. Clasp is good nice solid feel.OK again As with ARF im not 100% on the SEL gap. Is my more to my conspiracy theory I feel the gap at the lugs is off exactly like my ARF and that the same factory makes both. For me where it doesn’t feel as good as ARF is it feels like it has some link wiggle. Only way I can explain is when you get “stretch” in older Gen bracelets. It seems to have 1-2,mm play. That said on the wrist it feels solid and the clasp snaps shut well and feels secure. ARF Vs GEN : So last night I met up with my mate in the pub. He has a gen 116520, similar to most of us he also has a love for replicas and thanks to him doing alot of business in China has amassed a good collection himself. I can't beleive how close this watch actually is, even he said it's the best replica he's ever seen. Apart from those of us that reallyt get stuck in on the wrist I doubt it would get called out. We handed both watches round everyone and told them to pick which was gen and which was rep and it was 50/50 split, which is crazy for something that is less than 4% of the value. As much as the group seemed baffled my friend and I thought there are two things that are slightly different. - The Rep Crown feels slightly bigger - The bezel is slightly different and not as good a finish in the numbers. Franken Dial and this thing is a sick watch for sure. GEN VS NOOB GEN VS NOOB My overall impression & Some beauty shots : So far I think first impressions of the movement are that this is a giant leap and I want them to start on a skydwealler movement ASAP! The release is slightly less impressive on the Basis that frankly ARF took things to another level and the OTB quality raised the expectations bar. This shouldn’t take away from Noob’s release. Less than 6months ago many would have been climbing walls for this and really for the 1:1 fan boys this really is a put up or shut up moment. I would hail this as a success for the movement. I think for the guy’s making frankens and rocking phong cases, this movement will be great to get near as gen as possible. Yes I think a lot of people will just be happy with non working Chrono ARF and that we are going to see long winded arguments of 904L versus working movement discussions, which will be boring and teadious. Thanks for reading ! The link : Purchased from this TD http://www.toro.fun/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=2828 The thanks : Shout out to @Glaude For the Review & Template Advice 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,873 Posted March 27, 2018 Added some more pictures, unfortunately got back late so never had time to take any daylight shots :( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mo05eoo 0 Posted March 27, 2018 Very nice write up .patting your back I’m now waiting for the half gold version to be released I do own a JF Daytona working crono but find it a little clunky .Following this Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frazzle 5 Posted March 27, 2018 Great review, thanks! Look forward to the gen comparison later in the week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr_B 2,401 Posted March 27, 2018 Good review, Look forward to the daylight pics mate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KaiserSosa 0 Posted March 27, 2018 Fascinating review! Will look forward to more comparisons~ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,873 Posted March 27, 2018 36 minutes ago, mo05eoo said: Very nice write up .patting your back I’m now waiting for the half gold version to be released I do own a JF Daytona working crono but find it a little clunky . Following this Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Thanks! There was chat that ARF is one and the same factory as JF as well. This one certainly doesn't feel clunky on the wrist for sure. 32 minutes ago, Frazzle said: Great review, thanks! Look forward to the gen comparison later in the week. Thanks man, my mates just as excited, he like loves reps too I'll need to remind him he needs to bring his Daytona, his JF AP 15400 hasn't been off his wrist haha! 14 minutes ago, Mr_B said: Good review, Look forward to the daylight pics mate Cheers, Need to get home early So hard to take photos it's very reflective haha Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nunu78 1,741 Posted March 27, 2018 thanks mate for the good review. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glaude 1,615 Posted March 27, 2018 Great review so far ! Do you want my full template for your review ? If so send me a PM Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,873 Posted March 28, 2018 10 hours ago, Glaude said: Great review so far ! Do you want my full template for your review ? If so send me a PM Cheers mate will do added a few daylight ones before work, swapped back to a quartz Tudor.... don’t want clients thinking I wear £12k watches to work Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GingerApple 7,285 Posted March 28, 2018 Good man, thanks for taking the time. Looking at your two comparison shots, the spacing of the subdials look radically different between the two of them. If the Noob can take a Gen dial, presumably the Noob subdials are in the right place and the ARF totally wrong??!? Though to my eye, the ARF dial looks a lot better. But then I am a bit of an ARF fanboy.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joyjoyk 0 Posted March 28, 2018 Thanks for the great write up! Any reason why you went for the stainless steel bezel vs ceramic besides for some variety? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,873 Posted March 28, 2018 17 minutes ago, GingerBubba said: Good man, thanks for taking the time. Looking at your two comparison shots, the spacing of the subdials look radically different between the two of them. If the Noob can take a Gen dial, presumably the Noob subdials are in the right place and the ARF totally wrong??!? Though to my eye, the ARF dial looks a lot better. But then I am a bit of an ARF fanboy.... I’m sure someone mentioned the ARF sundial was too high or something. I would totally agree the ARF dial was of a superior finish to me as well, mostly in the way the writing paint catches the light while on wrist. 1 minute ago, Joyjoyk said: Thanks for the great write up! Any reason why you went for the stainless steel bezel vs ceramic besides for some variety? I loved the Ceramic, it was just very sporty. My friend has a gen 520 and I think will suit a shirt better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GingerApple 7,285 Posted March 28, 2018 51 minutes ago, deju said: I’m sure someone mentioned the ARF sundial was too high or something. Perhaps I was being premature. Looking again, they seem more alike than I first thought. Maybe just camera angles, different dial colour etc playing tricks on me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,873 Posted March 29, 2018 Versus gen.... shits close Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glaude 1,615 Posted March 29, 2018 2 minutes ago, deju said: Versus gen.... shits close Impressive indeed ! Still waiting for your PM if you want the template Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GingerApple 7,285 Posted March 29, 2018 19 minutes ago, deju said: Versus gen.... shits close They look like two DHGate cheapies the photography is so bad Which is Gen, I've not got a clue? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,873 Posted March 29, 2018 36 minutes ago, GingerBubba said: They look like two DHGate cheapies the photography is so bad Which is Gen, I've not got a clue? Mate we’re in the pub you’re lucky it’s not a picture of my shoe mate these are bloody close, my mate with the gen is into reps like us and he even said it’s the best he’s ever seen. We handed both round our friends and it was 50/50 on guessing which is which and that was pure guessing. Weight and thickness are bang on, for me a gen dial makes it super rep territory. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GingerApple 7,285 Posted March 29, 2018 26 minutes ago, deju said: Mate we’re in the pub you’re lucky it’s not a picture of my shoe mate these are bloody close, my mate with the gen is into reps like us and he even said it’s the best he’s ever seen. We handed both round our friends and it was 50/50 on guessing which is which and that was pure guessing. Weight and thickness are bang on, for me a gen dial makes it super rep territory. Wow, sounds super impressive! I've always said ARF are shit. "Stick with Noob" people would hear me cry and, "These ARF idiots are just the Emperor's New Clothes." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GC 4,487 Posted March 29, 2018 1 hour ago, deju said: Versus gen.... shits close My guess, gen on left. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wrldsgr8st10 0 Posted March 29, 2018 Excellent review. Love to see the side-by-side comparison! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,873 Posted March 29, 2018 3 minutes ago, GingerBubba said: Wow, sounds super impressive! I've always said ARF are shit. "Stick with Noob" people would hear me cry and, "These ARF idiots are just the Emperor's New Clothes." I think ARF dial it holds its own better than noob! I wish I had a chance to compare the ARF 116500 when I had it but my mate was out the country. The crown looks slightly larger on the noob rep also but very ocd slightly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wrldsgr8st10 0 Posted March 29, 2018 Wow, just noticed the gen vs rep pic- excellent! Good bang for your buck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,873 Posted March 29, 2018 9 minutes ago, GC said: My guess, gen on left. Yeah! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glaude 1,615 Posted March 29, 2018 16 minutes ago, GingerBubba said: I've always said ARF are shit. "Stick with Noob" people would hear me cry and, "These ARF idiots are just the Emperor's New Clothes." I can confirm, everytime someone talks about ARF you're like " pfff Noob or nothing !" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites