Introduction:

Hello everyone, this is the CLEAN Factory editor here. Today, we’re bringing you a detailed review of the CLEAN Factory Rolex Daytona 126509 Black Diamond Dial, featuring a white gold bezel and powered by the 4131 movement. As always, whenever CLEAN releases a new Daytona model, it sparks a flurry of reviews from enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, including myself. This version of the Platinum Daytona with black diamond indices has been highly anticipated, and we will take a detailed look to see if it stands up to the original and meets the highest standards.

Craftsmanship Overview:

The basic specifications of this watch have been matched as closely as possible to the original, which is not surprising given CLEAN Factory’s long-standing reputation. Upon handling the watch personally, I could immediately sense the luxury akin to high-end authentic watches. However, this is also where many smaller replica workshops fall short, often producing watches that appear plasticky or flawed after plating. Even with CLEAN Factory’s meticulous electroplating, some limitations remain. Under close examination, the luster of the plated surface can’t completely mimic the exact finish of true platinum, but it’s a close match given the limitations of the material. One potential solution is opting for an 18K platinum upgrade, which makes the case more similar in material quality to the original.

Material Considerations:

Since the original version of this watch is made of platinum, CLEAN Factory couldn’t use the precious metal for production due to cost limitations, instead using 904L steel with electroplating. The most common issue with 904L steel is that the weight cannot truly match that of the original. There’s an option to add weight to the case to better match the authentic version’s weight, but while this modification can bring the weight closer to 200 grams, it still doesn’t quite reach the hefty 270 grams typical of an authentic platinum case. However, even this adjustment makes a significant difference in hand feel. The diamond hour markers on the dial are Moissanite, a high-quality alternative to genuine diamonds. While genuine diamonds are available for customization, I don’t personally recommend it, considering the decline in diamond values and the cost-to-benefit ratio in terms of visual effect. The Moissanite markers complement the case well, especially when combined with the platinum upgrade.

Customization vs. Standard Version — Which One to Choose?

The key difference between the customized and the standard CLEAN Factory version comes down to the added weight and platinum coating. For those who value a truly premium look and feel, the upgraded version is worth considering. It adds another level of authenticity and permanence to the piece, which explains why watch modification studios have gained popularity in recent years. However, if you just want to enjoy the look and feel of this luxury timepiece without going to the extremes of customization, the standard version still has plenty to offer, considering it’s built on an already impressive base. The Daytona 126509 by CLEAN Factory uses the 4131 movement, a proprietary feature at this price point, similar to the previous Dandong 4130 that set the bar high for accuracy.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, whether to go for the upgraded modified version or stick with the standard CLEAN Factory offering depends on personal preferences and how much one values the finer differences. Both versions have their respective advantages, which we’ve highlighted above to help guide your choice.

Thanks for reading this review, and stay tuned for more insights!