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deju

Noob Daytona 116520 4130 2018 Clone Review - A Noob/ARF/GEN prospective

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deju

https://i.imgur.com/MfO8ZIy.png

« 2018 noob 1:1 Clone movement 4130 Rolex Daytona 116520 »


A Noob vs ARF vs Gen prospective.

 

DAYTONAS.jpg

 

https://i.imgur.com/QuQi34P.pngAbout the watch :

https://s17.postimg.cc/hjbohnbnz/087489ed2def647db76b54547b859267_1024x1024.jpg


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. 

 

https://i.imgur.com/QuQi34P.pngTechnical datasheet from the seller  :

https://s17.postimg.cc/rhwn3wnlr/servicing_rolex_components_0001_840x720.jpg


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.

 

https://i.imgur.com/QuQi34P.pngThe presentation :

QDM7be5.jpg

ARF presentation box

https://s17.postimg.cc/hge0p93rj/6_B94252_E-85_E8-4_E2_F-_A25_E-7_D556_AE3_A417.jpg

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.

  

https://i.imgur.com/QuQi34P.pngThe case :

https://s14.postimg.cc/uj3r78b1t/image.jpg

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.

 

https://i.imgur.com/QuQi34P.pngThe dial :

https://s14.postimg.cc/mj2qh2rz5/DAYTONA.jpg

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

 

https://i.imgur.com/QuQi34P.pngThe presentation :

https://s14.postimg.cc/6s4dp4qa9/image.jpg

https://s14.postimg.cc/gco0c0v1t/image.jpg

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.  

  

https://i.imgur.com/QuQi34P.pngThe bracelet & clasp :

https://s14.postimg.cc/kyk4kd8v5/image.jpg

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.

 

https://i.imgur.com/QuQi34P.png  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.

https://s14.postimg.cc/h17f8h069/0_E4216_DE-1_B00-4_D88-9_E9_A-2_E856_C337229.jpg

GEN VS NOOB

https://s7.postimg.cc/p0tqeqt2j/18_ED9_FE5-_AA9_F-4622-8848-9_CA5_D07_ED227.jpg

GEN VS NOOB

 

https://i.imgur.com/QuQi34P.png 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 !

https://s14.postimg.cc/j6r5pff7l/image.jpg

  https://s14.postimg.cc/gco0c07wh/image.jpg

https://s14.postimg.cc/uj3r78b1t/image.jpg

https://s14.postimg.cc/kyk4kd8v5/image.jpg

https://s14.postimg.cc/6s4dp4qa9/image.jpg

https://s14.postimg.cc/gco0c0v1t/image.jpg

https://s7.postimg.cc/ypjjdv0uj/48_CE5791-7892-4188-83_E4-15_AAF4_B26395.jpg

https://s7.postimg.cc/4z1059ki3/57_E27_F3_B-002_C-484_A-86_D5-_E729_FD8_F38_B7.jpg 

https://s7.postimg.cc/9w9zd84zf/84_D56_BED-4583-42_E0-8080-9710_BA8918_D8.jpg 

https://s7.postimg.cc/a91djefjf/951_F7744-_E350-4631-_AC98-76_A7_EF3_F48_E1.jpg 

https://s7.postimg.cc/xahyp57h7/E6182615-_DBA1-40_D9-_AE3_A-0_A6654_B04_B42.jpg

https://s14.postimg.cc/925ryh4vl/DAYTONA-_LUME.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QuQi34P.png The link :

 Purchased from this TD http://www.toro.fun/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=2828

https://i.imgur.com/QuQi34P.png The thanks :

 Shout out to @Glaude For the Review & Template Advice :) 

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deju

Added some more pictures, unfortunately got back late so never had time to take any daylight shots :( 

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mo05eoo

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

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Frazzle

Great review, thanks! Look forward to the gen comparison later in the week. :thumbsup:

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Mr_B

Good review, Look forward to the daylight pics mate :thumbsup:

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KaiserSosa

Fascinating review!  Will look forward to more comparisons~

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deju
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. :thumbsup:

Thanks man, my mates just as excited, he like loves reps too  :D  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 :thumbsup:

 Cheers, Need to get home early So hard to take photos it's very reflective haha

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nunu78

thanks mate for the good review.

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Glaude

Great review so far ! :thumbsup:

Do you want my full template for your review ? If so send me a PM :) 

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deju
10 hours ago, Glaude said:

Great review so far ! :thumbsup:

Do you want my full template for your review ? If so send me a PM :) 

Cheers mate will do :D 

added a few daylight ones before work, swapped back to a quartz Tudor.... don’t want clients thinking I wear £12k watches to work :rofl: 

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GingerApple

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....

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Joyjoyk

Thanks for the great write up! Any reason why you went for the stainless steel bezel vs ceramic besides for some variety?

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deju
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. 

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GingerApple
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.

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deju

Versus gen.... shits close 

0_E4216_DE-1_B00-4_D88-9_E9_A-2_E856_C33

 

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Glaude
2 minutes ago, deju said:

Versus gen.... shits close 

0_E4216_DE-1_B00-4_D88-9_E9_A-2_E856_C33

 

Impressive indeed !

Still waiting for your PM if you want the template ;) 

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GingerApple
19 minutes ago, deju said:

Versus gen.... shits close 

0_E4216_DE-1_B00-4_D88-9_E9_A-2_E856_C33

 

They look like two DHGate cheapies the photography is so bad :rofl:

Which is Gen, I've not got a clue?

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deju
36 minutes ago, GingerBubba said:

They look like two DHGate cheapies the photography is so bad :rofl:

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 :lol::beer:  

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. 

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GingerApple
26 minutes ago, deju said:

Mate we’re in the pub you’re lucky it’s not a picture of my shoe :lol::beer:  

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."

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GC
1 hour ago, deju said:

Versus gen.... shits close 

0_E4216_DE-1_B00-4_D88-9_E9_A-2_E856_C33

 

My guess, gen on left. 

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wrldsgr8st10

Excellent review. Love to see the side-by-side comparison! 

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deju
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. 

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wrldsgr8st10

Wow, just noticed the gen vs rep pic- excellent! Good bang for your buck! 

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deju
9 minutes ago, GC said:

My guess, gen on left. 

Yeah! 

18_ED9_FE5-_AA9_F-4622-8848-9_CA5_D07_ED

 

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Glaude
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."

:rofl: 
I can confirm, everytime someone talks about ARF you're like " pfff Noob or nothing !"

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