Hello everyone, I’m CH Watch Industry. I’m passionate about sharing knowledge on replica watches, comparing originals and replicas, conducting dissections, and evaluations. I aim to be your guide in the world of watch collecting, helping you navigate the complexities and avoid getting lost.

What’s the difference between large and small factories? Essentially, both large and small “factories” are actually private assembly teams, not actual manufacturing plants as one might expect from the term. The differences lie mainly in two areas: accessory specifications and production scale. Larger factories with higher budgets tend to source higher-quality parts, often from specialized accessory producers, or pay higher prices for better bulk purchases. Smaller factories, on the other hand, might lower costs by sourcing cheaper, lower-quality parts.

Aside from movements, various watch components like cases, straps, crowns, hands, dials, and luminous materials are often supplied by different specialized accessory factories—these are the real factories. Well-known names like VS, V6, and Clean Factory are actually assembly groups. The term “factory” caught on when N Factory started using it about a decade ago, and it’s been used widely ever since. Due to higher production volumes, renowned “factories” like BT and Clean invest heavily in custom movement development with movement suppliers, securing exclusive agreements on purchase quantities and terms. For instance, only BT and Clean order the 4130 movement in large enough quantities to secure competitive pricing. Other companies end up buying 4130 movements at retail prices, making their watches more expensive and less competitive. This is why most other brands still use the 7750 movement. All photos in this article feature Clean Factory’s Rolex Daytona models equipped with the 4130 movement.

The quality of replica watch components has indeed improved over time (and naturally, so have prices). However, whether it’s a genuine or a replica watch, items with brand prestige often come with a price that surpasses their intrinsic value. At the very top, they may justify their cost, but let’s use cars as a comparison. Is the experience of a 200,000-300,000 entry-level luxury car significantly better than a 100,000 car? Sure, but the difference between a 1 million car and an 800,000 car is often marginal. Each price level offers varying levels of enhancement, so it’s ultimately about choosing what fits your budget.

Let’s first discuss the Daytona with the 7750 movement (unrelated to the picture). Overall, or just for casual use, the 7750 model is quite decent, though it’s nearly half the price of other options! When it comes to the 7750 Daytona models that are considered well-made on the market, I personally find it superior to those from J and N factories. There are no rough edges on the hands, and it provides good value for what you pay. While I won’t judge if it’s “the best,” I’d say it offers reasonable quality for the price. If you’re not a hardcore watch enthusiast, the 7750 version is a solid choice!

Cost performance is one thing, but there are still noticeable differences! In terms of details, several aspects stand out. I won’t dive into the differences in the movement, as most are aware of the thickness and structural differences between the 7750 and other models. Instead, let’s focus on the visual elements. For example, Clean Factory’s version has the resources to source authentic watches to match the colors, resulting in a shade that resembles champagne. While it might not be as apparent in photos, you can notice subtle color differences with the naked eye. Color durability is also a critical factor—Clean Factory claims to use the highest-specification PVD electroplating process. Quality electroplating holds up much better than lower-grade alternatives often used in smaller workshops. We’ve recently advised against gold plating if the process isn’t top-notch, as substandard plating is unreliable and complicates after-sales support.

In terms of electroplating technology, the 7750 models generally lag behind. Clean Factory offers better color durability due to superior processes. Reflecting on the earlier 4130 Daytonas from N Factory, which once dominated the market, there were quality issues—one particular batch had shockingly poor plating that altered color within just two months of storage. It was a case of poor quality control, driven by profit without regard for long-term standards.

When it comes to watch strap craftsmanship, higher-end manufacturers invest more in the finer details. For example, with gold straps, Clean Factory ensures that the entire strap, including the sides, is fully gold-plated without any white showing. On the other hand, more budget-friendly factories often skip disassembling each segment for individual coloring to save on production time, resulting in visible white gaps between the sections of the strap.

The same goes for buttons; budget manufacturers often cut costs by skimping on the color on the back of the buttons, which can easily go unnoticed. To give a cost comparison for straps: a Clean Factory strap could cost around 800 yuan, whereas a strap from a manufacturer like 7750 might only be about 200 to 300 yuan.

The same issue exists with the inner buckle. To illustrate the price differences between major and minor manufacturers, let’s consider Clean Factory as an example. Beyond the movement and case, which have varying shipping costs, Clean Factory typically has higher profit margins due to its reputation and pricing power. It’s important not to get fixated on a single option; many first-line manufacturers offer a range of choices. The Daytona we’re discussing today highlights this well, as the price variations sometimes lead to inflated items on the market. I hope CH Watch Industry’s insights have been helpful. If interested, stay tuned for more in-depth disassemblies, real-world evaluations, and comparisons between authentic and replica pieces. For those who appreciate straightforward information, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp for further consultation.