Hey everyone! Today, we’re diving into one of the hottest pieces from Clean Factory—the Rolex Daytona Panda. Rolex has an array of popular models, from the Submariner to the Datejust, but when it comes to sporty luxury, the Daytona stands out. Its multi-functional chronograph and iconic three-register dial make it a visual and technical marvel. Because of its popularity, countless replica factories have had a go at recreating this legend. From the initial efforts by N Factory to more recent models by BT Factory, it’s clear this watch has captivated a lot of attention. Today, let’s focus on Clean Factory’s rendition, which uses the much-talked-about 4130 movement. How does it stack up against the original? Let’s find out together.

Clean Factory and Its Background

First, a little backstory about Clean Factory, often known as Clean Factory. When they started, they specialized in parts, particularly bezel components. Back in the day, N Factory dominated the Daytona scene because they had exclusive rights to the 4130 movement, leaving other manufacturers in the dust. While N Factory’s version was impressive, their bezel still had room for improvement. This is where C Factory came in—producing bezels so good that many collectors swapped them onto their N Factory Daytonas, even though it meant paying extra. Eventually, Clean Factory gained enough traction to start assembling their own watches, beginning with classics like the Panda Daytona. Now, after N Factory’s shutdown, C Factory has taken the torch, establishing itself alongside BT Factory as a major player in the replica scene.

The Craftsmanship

Clean Factory’s Daytona is truly impressive. They’ve used 904L stainless steel, just like Rolex, and the watch is beautifully polished and brushed. The feel on the wrist? Smooth and comfortable, with none of those rough edges you sometimes find in lower-quality replicas. Even the side profile of the watch is done right, with the screw-down crown precisely engraved. And just like the original, this version maintains all the functional aspects down to the smallest details. The overall thickness is 12.2mm, and the weight comes in around 140 grams, which matches the genuine article.

Bezel and Dial Details

The bezel is where Clean Factory really shines. Their bezels are beautifully crafted, with deep engravings that are highly legible and have that three-dimensional look that makes it pop. One of the common issues with earlier replica Daytonas was that the bezels would fade over time, but Clean Factory seems to have solved that problem. Each bezel also has unique inner engravings, matching the authentic ones closely, even down to the crown symbol at 12 o’clock. Fun fact: this little crown doesn’t always line up perfectly on the original Daytonas, and Clean Factory kept this inconsistency—talk about dedication to authenticity!

The sapphire crystal on this watch is equally impressive—clear, scratch-resistant, and featuring the laser-etched crown at the six o’clock position, just like the original. The Panda dial comes in two options: black and white, and both have incredibly well-applied indices. The dial markings are crisp, and the sub-dials are recessed perfectly, creating that layered look that gives the watch depth. And let’s not forget, the functional layout is fully replicated: the sub-dial at six is the running seconds, while the other two handle the chronograph duties. All in all, the dial work and functionality are about as good as it gets for a replica.

Using the Chronograph Functions

A quick note on the chronograph functions: while they work well and replicate the original’s layout perfectly, I’d advise not overusing them. Like the original Daytona, the buttons are screw-down, and you have to unscrew them to start or reset the chrono. It’s a cool feature, but it also puts extra strain on the movement. That said, Clean Factory’s 4130 movement handles it admirably, but it’s always better to play it safe. These replicas, after all, aren’t cheap.

Movement and Case Back

Speaking of the movement, the 4130 caliber is what makes this Clean Factory Daytona so impressive. While it’s not a genuine Rolex movement, it’s a darn good replica, right down to the appearance of the bridges and plates. There is one notable difference—this replica movement has an additional regulating screw that makes it easier to adjust, which can be handy for servicing. The case back is the classic screw-down style, just like Rolex’s Oyster cases, which further enhances its water resistance.

Bracelet and Final Thoughts

The Oyster bracelet is also well done—polished and brushed to give it that characteristic Rolex look. The bracelet links are solid, not hollow, which adds a substantial feel to the watch. Interestingly, Clean Factory sources its bracelets from AR Factory, one of the best in the business, ensuring a very high-quality finish and a smooth wearing experience.

Conclusion

So, how does the Clean Factory Rolex Daytona Panda with the 4130 movement compare to the original? Honestly, it’s impressive. The level of detail that’s gone into this replica is remarkable—from the finishing of the case and bracelet to the movement inside. Clean Factory clearly put their heart into making this as close as possible to the genuine Daytona. Of course, it’s not perfect; there are minor differences like the extra regulating screw in the movement and some tiny engraving nuances. But for anyone looking to get as close as possible to the original experience without the hefty price tag, this Clean Factory Daytona is a fantastic option. Thanks for sticking with me through this breakdown!