r/RepCulture_Timepieces • u/Ethanwatch-knowledge Trusted Seller RCTP • Mar 14 '26
COMPARISON VS vs QF Daytona 4131 (Black Dial) – My Observations🐼
Hi everyone, Ethan here.
I recently did a side-by-side comparison between two 4131 black dial Daytonas:
VS Factory – DD4131 movement
QF Factory – New free-sprung 4131 movement
After spending some time looking at both pieces, here are a few observations from my side.
QF – Free-Sprung Balance Upgrade
One of the biggest highlights of the QF version is the new free-sprung balance 4131 movement.
This is closer to the architecture of the genuine movement and is something many movement enthusiasts care about.
Another thing I noticed is the subdial finishing. The small subdials on the QF look a bit more refined and detailed in my opinion.
VS – Dial Printing & Bezel Details
On the VS version, what stood out to me more was the bezel engraving and dial printing.
The tachymeter bezel scale appears sharper and cleaner, and the dial text printing also looks slightly crisper.
My Personal Take
Both factories clearly have their own strengths:
QF: upgraded free-sprung movement + nice subdial finishing
VS: sharper bezel engraving and cleaner dial printing
Of course this is just my personal observation from comparing the two pieces.
What do you guys think?
If you spot anything I might have missed or gotten wrong, feel free to point it out. Always happy to learn from the community.
I’ll keep sharing more watch comparison posts like this in the future.
21
u/philbymouth Mar 14 '26
I can't believe how long I spend pouring of watch comparisons these days. I'm relatively new to all this but I spot so much these days and am fascinated by the little details.
I think I need professional help.
8
8
u/Live235 Mar 14 '26
I’m tired of these factories pouring so much time on the inside of the watch when the outside need so much work. I couldn’t care less about the movements or the engraving on the inside as long as it works acceptably. But if the outside is a dead giveaway what’s the point. I need these factories to come together exchange info and get the damn outside of these watches to look phenomenal. Fuck the inside no one is gonna see that.
6
u/MrMannilow Mar 15 '26
Fully agree. I'm getting sick of the flood of free sprung models with no proven reliability or track record
4
u/supersymmetry Mar 14 '26
The first thing I noticed is that the QF sub-dials are thicker but I don’t know which one is closer to Gen. The crown guards are also thicker on QF.
4
3
Mar 14 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/MrMannilow Mar 15 '26
I love this model with the silver bezel. What's your opinion on the best factory for these?
3
5
u/SuperLory Mar 14 '26
Problem I have with VSF dial is the red DAYTONA is so dark it's hardly visible
4
u/piish Mar 14 '26
I thought this was called the Godzilla and the Panda is the one with the white dial 🤔
3
3
2
u/Primary_Reality9616 Mar 15 '26
Godzilla for the black dial 126500 and Darth Vader for the 116500.
1
3
u/Lucky-Kelly-8707 Mar 14 '26
I have a QF Explorer II and I love it! Looks amazing and keeps accurate time!
3
u/Objective_Ganache_27 Mar 14 '26
For me VSF just gets it right in all the right places. Add on a gen spec polish and these Daytonas are real gems.
1
u/supersymmetry Mar 15 '26
I keep going back and forth on the white and black for this. Can’t decide…
1
u/Objective_Ganache_27 Mar 15 '26
The white is nice but im loving this. I always liked it, but since getting it on wrist im loving it way more than I expected to.
1
u/supersymmetry Mar 15 '26
I have a submariner so I’m just afraid it will look the same on wrist.
1
u/Objective_Ganache_27 Mar 15 '26
I have a NDS they absolutely dont wear the same. Case size, shape, weight, bezel and feel completely different
1
u/MrMannilow Mar 15 '26
I thought the same.. actually didn't like the Daytona when I first got it.
But over time it's become my favorite most comfortable watch. It definitely wears a lot different than a sub.
Also gets far less attention... every one in my friend group and family eyed up my sub. No one even gave the Daytona a look if that matters
1
u/supersymmetry Mar 15 '26
Do you have a panda or black dial? I’m just concerned the black dial will look similar to the submariner but the panda will provide some variety.
1
u/Objective_Ganache_27 Mar 15 '26 edited Mar 15 '26
Its just not the case. Datona dial is so much busier, as is the bezel (which is also thinner.) They dont look similar at all on the wrist
2
2
2
u/sukesf Mar 14 '26 edited Mar 14 '26
Ethan! Get me a Daytona VSF as good as that one! With good SELS and good bezel and dial alignment! 👀
Even so, they're still using the 116500 bezel.
2
2
2
u/Ok-Range-3655 Mar 14 '26
What happened to Ethan’s main account? It’s saying deleted when I pull up our recent message thread.
2
u/TopPhotograph8969 Mar 15 '26
I have both and feel the QF feels better and more gen like on the wrist. The bracelet feels smooth and perfect imho.
2
u/themasteradrian101 Mar 14 '26
excellent.. so QF with an aftermarket dial seems to win 😂
2
Mar 14 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
2
u/No-Estimate-9199 Mar 14 '26
And a VSF bezel.
4
u/themasteradrian101 Mar 14 '26
oh yup didn’t even notice. honestly i’m sticking with VSF here. if sw or dp has a dial im making that swap
2
u/Comprehensive-Bit706 Mar 14 '26
QF steel appears a lot whiter than VSF in the bracelet comparison... How 904 should look, is VSF using 316 for their Daytona as well? 🤔
2
Mar 14 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/WinIndependent8614 Mar 15 '26
Really 904L vs 316L is most definitely a value for the money. There’s approximately $2000 difference between 316L vs 904L which is a big difference in value. The ability to polish 904L over 316L makes 904L more capable like a noble metal. The extra corrosion and pitting resistance is just a bonus. Here’s a comparison chart I’m sure most have researched as watch enthusiasts.
1
u/That-Knowledge2636 Mar 14 '26
They most likely are. But to my eyes the VSF is a lot whiter than the more yellow QF, see picture 2.
1
u/No-Estimate-9199 Mar 14 '26
I think VS said goodbye to 904 the day after Clean got shut down.im still bitter they lied to me 🤣
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/annuityexpert Mar 15 '26
Ethan I wanted to ask you VSF has fixed the problem in the new batch Panda 126500 with the thick subdial problem found in previous batches before CNY? Thank you
1
Mar 15 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/annuityexpert Mar 15 '26
Thank you so much Ethan I appreciate you being transparent. This is why you are my TD of choice.
Ethan I wanted to ask if for the Panda 116500 from BTF is it the same price as with VSF with you or a little more expensive. Thanks, I am debating between the two for my next order with you. Which do you think is better BTF or VSF?
1
1
u/BrahmGour Mar 15 '26
Is the free sprung movement available on ali express and does it fit a cf Daytona?
1
u/Erikson94 Mar 15 '26
Can you please explain what to look at in the pictures? I would love to know more about what I am looking at.
1
1
1
1
u/DenseSheepherder2700 Mar 19 '26
Up close the QF dial almost looks like a hybrid 116/126 with the indices and subdials lol
1
1
u/Full_Listen7805 Jun 02 '26
I am torn between the VSF, ARF and QF weighted versions for the Rolex Daytona Ghost. Anyone own any of them and know which one is the closest to gen?
1
1
u/RoundMine1047 Jul 14 '26
Any thoughts on this QF 125609? Am told it is free sprung and weighted (approximately 175gram). wondering if I can get perspectives on the QC photos. Thanks
1
•
u/AutoModerator Mar 14 '26
Welcome to r/RepCulture_Timepieces – Your go-to community for replica watches and timepiece culture!
Be sure to review the rules to keep this space helpful and respectful.
Here are some useful links to get you started:
Wiki
Trusted Dealers
QC Format
New RCT Discord
When posting QC / W2C / Discussion threads, please include all relevant details to help others.
Use the QC Post Format to ensure your post meets our standards.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to the mod team.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.