Mainstream Replica Watch Factories Overview
| Factory Name | Main Representative Products (Series) | Features & Market Positioning | Current Activity Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noob Factory (N Factory) | Rolex Submariner (116610/114060), Daytona (4130), GMT, AP 15400 | The veteran king of replicas, once dominated the market. First to release a stable 3135 clone movement (SA3135). Excellent workmanship with good parts interchangeability. | ✅ Discontinued/Semi-disbanded (around post-2021, with some members moving to Clean/VS). Existing stock is mostly old inventory. |
| VS Factory (aka VSF / XF) | Omega Seamaster, Rolex Submariner & Datejust, Panerai | One of the most stable mass-production factories in recent years. High stability of in-house clone movements (e.g., VS3235, VS8500); good polishing and reliable for daily use. | ✅ Still active, one of the most reliable top-tier replica factories. |
| Clean Factory (C Factory) | Rolex Submariner (CLEAN 41mm, Hulk, Kermit), GMT-Master II, Datejust | Founded by former Noob technicians, renowned for its case, crystal, and dial finishing. Surface texture is extremely close to genuine, but movements are often sourced from VS/DD. | ✅ Active and very popular, especially in the Rolex category. |
| ZF Factory | IWC (Portugieser, Portofino, Ingenieur), Cartier, Longines, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin | A top-tier comprehensive factory, excels in detail polishing and case proportion control. Excellent text and dial workmanship; often uses Seagull or Miyota movements. | ✅ Active, with the widest product coverage. |
| APS Factory (AP Factory) | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (especially 15500, 15450, 15510 series) | A new powerhouse, considered the highest quality for AP Royal Oak replicas in recent years. Meticulous case proportion, brushed finishing, and excellent bracelet integration. | ✅ Active, widely recognized as the best for Royal Oak replicas. |
| EW Factory | Entry-level Rolex (DJ, Submariner), Omega Seamaster, Cartier Ballon Bleu | A value-oriented factory, primarily using Miyota or Seagull movements. Workmanship is decent but not top-tier; often the primary choice for entry-level buyers. | ⚠️ Closed. |
| BT Factory | Rolex Daytona (especially 4130 movement models), GMT-Master II | Emphasizes movement stability, competing fiercely with Clean and VS. Features good Geneva stripes and case detailing. | ✅ Active, with a strong product line for Daytona. |
| AR Factory | Rolex Datejust, Submariner, GMT-Master | Formerly associated with JF, known for good case shape and plating techniques. Was once a competitor to Clean. | ⚠️ Production has decreased in recent years, some models are discontinued. |
| JF Factory (J12 Factory) | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, AP 15400, Cartier Santos, Omega | Once the dominant force for the AP series but has since been surpassed by APS/ZF. Solid craftsmanship but its movements are now dated. | ⚠️ Closed. |
| V6 Factory (V6F) | Cartier Ballon Bleu, Cartier Tank, Omega Planet Ocean | One of the early famous factories, known for case shape and mirror polishing. Its influence has gradually faded. | ⚠️ Closed.. |
| GF Factory | Breitling, IWC Ingenieur, Hublot Big Bang | The main factory for the Breitling series; known for good crystal coating and dial workmanship. | ✅ Still active, focusing on the Breitling line. |
| 3K Factory | Patek Philippe Nautilus (5711, 5811), Aquanaut | An emerging factory specializing in the PP Nautilus line. Its case shape and polishing are more natural than older versions from factories like PF and PPF. | ✅ Active, very popular for PP series. |
| PPF Factory | Patek Philippe Nautilus, Aquanaut | Formerly the leading factory for the Nautilus, with decent polishing but has now been surpassed by 3K/APS. | ✅ Active. |
| OM Factory (OMF) | Omega, IWC, Tudor, Rolex DJ | A comprehensive factory with a wide range of products, but quality can be inconsistent. | ⚠️ Positioned in the low-to-mid range. |
| YL Factory (YL) | Longines Master, IWC | Focuses on value for money, with good case shapes but generally average movements. | ✅ Active. |
Brief Classification and Comparison Summary
| Classification | Representative Factories | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Top-Tier / High-End Factories | Clean, VS, ZF, APS, 3K | Fine case polishing, clear dial printing, use of in-house developed or high-quality movements (e.g., VS3235, 3135 Clone), and strict Quality Control (QC). |
| 🥈 Mid-to-High-End / Best Value Factories | EW, GF, BT, YL | Good materials but with simplified movements (e.g., Miyota/NH35), offering a good overall balance; suitable for those seeking a similar look on a limited budget. |
| 🥉 Legacy / Declining Factories | Noob, JF, AR, V6 | Once dominated the market and produced classic models; now mostly discontinued or have had their operations absorbed by other brands. |
| 💡 Specialized Factories | APS (AP), 3K (PP), GF (Breitling), ZF (IWC) | Each factory focuses on perfecting one or a few specific brands, excelling in brand-specific details. |
Relationships and Development Trends Among Factories
-
Disintegration of Noob → Talent disperses to Clean / BT / VS
- Former technicians from Noob scattered to Clean Factory and VS Factory. As a result, these two factories have continued Noob's signature style and craftsmanship, particularly in their Rolex product lines.
-
Long-term Competition Between VS and Clean for Mainstream Rolex Models
- VSF: Holds a distinct advantage in movement stability and quality.
- Clean: Excels in external aesthetics, case finishing, and material quality.
- This has led many buyers to opt for a popular custom build: a "Clean case + VS movement" combination.
-
The Rise of New Powers like APS and 3K
- For watches with complex structures, such as Audemars Piguet (AP) and Patek Philippe (PP), newcomers APS Factory and 3K Factory have established a comprehensive lead over older factories in recent years.
-
ZF Remains the Most Stable and Comprehensive Factory
- ZF Factory has a diverse portfolio covering a wide range of brands, with particularly outstanding models for IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC), and Vacheron Constantin (VC).
-
EW and GF as Stable Suppliers for Niche Markets
- EW Factory and GF Factory provide a steady supply of products, making them suitable for entry-level buyers or for sourcing long-term replacement parts.
| Requirement | Recommended Factory/Factories | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex Replicas (DJ/Sub/GMT) | Clean / VS / BT | The best combination of aesthetics and movement. The VS3235 is stable and reliable. |
| Omega / Panerai | VS | Excellent performance from its in-house 8500 clone movement. |
| Audemars Piguet Royal Oak | APS | Currently the closest replica to the genuine structure available. |
| Breitling | GF | The leading specialist for Breitling models. |
| IWC (Portugieser / Portofino) | ZF | Known for its impeccable polishing and detailing. |
| Patek Philippe Nautilus | 3K / PPF (Second Choice) | 3K offers higher precision and a more natural finish. |
| Budget-Friendly Rolex | EW | Affordable price and simple build, perfect for an entry-level piece. |