Hello everyone, Clean Factory, also known as C Factory, has been incredibly popular over the past few years, largely thanks to the replication of the 4130 movement mold. This year, Clean Factory has followed up by launching the new 4131 movement version. The 4131 movement is visibly enhanced, replacing the automatic rotor with a more aesthetically pleasing skeletonized rotor. Although there aren’t many visual differences between the two Daytona versions, there are slight differences in finer details, with the movement being the focal point for many watch enthusiasts. Previously, Clean Factory and APS Factory used the same manufacturer for the 4130 movement, and these two factories are among the leaders in the high-end replica watch industry. So, what’s the difference between the Clean Factory Rolex Daytona Dandong 4130 and the 4131 movements, and which one is better?
Does Clean Factory Rolex Daytona Have a Swiss Movement?
First and foremost, the movement is the “heart” of a watch, playing a crucial role in its function and performance. Many watch enthusiasts ask if there is a Swiss movement available or, due to misinformation from dishonest dealers, believe that replica watches use genuine movements. In reality, except for a few lower-end brands with similar original Swiss movements, high-end replica watches generally do not feature original movements. Typically, when we talk about Swiss movements in replicas, we’re referring to Swiss ETA or SW movements, like the common Swiss ETA2824, ETA2836, SW200, or SW300 movements. These movements are commercially available and referred to as “standardized movements.” In contrast, brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet make their own proprietary movements, which are not available for the general market. Genuine Swiss-made movements are extremely scarce and usually only found in the second-hand market, with a high price tag—often costing tens of thousands of dollars per movement. Naturally, this cost is beyond what a replica watch can afford. For instance, the Rolex Daytona 4130 and 4131 movements are both proprietary to Rolex, making Clean Factory Daytonas without Swiss movements. Instead, Clean Factory uses replica movements made from one-to-one molds based on the originals—specifically, the Dandong 4130 and 4131 movement molds.
Dandong 4130 by Clean Factory: A Pioneer in Chronograph Movements
The Dandong 4130 movement from Clean Factory is the first molded chronograph movement in the high-end replica watch market. It was authentically replicated in a one-to-one manner, perfectly mirroring the original in terms of structure, function, and appearance—making it one of the most successful chronograph movements in the industry. Featuring a similar three-layered baseplate structure as the original, this movement closely replicates the thickness and configuration of the genuine movement. Additionally, the Dandong 4130 movement excels in detailed finishing, from the polishing of screws and engagement of gears to the regulation of the balance wheel—all demonstrating an extremely high level of craftsmanship. Function-wise, this movement features precise timing functionality similar to the original, including second-hand, minute-hand, and chronograph operation. Chronograph movements are known to be more intricate than typical three-hand structures due to having more parts and complex functions, which also results in a higher repair rate. Clean Factory’s 4130, developed in collaboration with Dandong Factory in 2019, has a history of over six years and boasts a very low repair rate—surpassing even the highly stable Seagull 2824. It has garnered extensive recognition in the market.
4131 by Clean Factory: The New Generation Chronograph Movement
Previously, Clean Factory’s Daytona models exclusively used the Dandong 4130 movement, a movement that gained significant popularity and was often sought after at high prices. For the new 4131 movement, Clean Factory partnered with Shanghai Factory. The movement was manufactured by Shanghai 4130, with its power reserve of 75 hours, while the polishing, electroplating, engraving, and assembly were independently handled by Clean Factory. Technically speaking, the 4131 movement was co-developed by Clean and Shanghai. The previous Shanghai 4130 had many issues, including stability problems, chronograph reset failures, poor finishing, incorrect movement dimensions, winding difficulties, and rotor noise—all of which have been resolved with the new 4131. Moreover, Clean Factory exclusively handles the Shanghai 4131 movement. It was created by disassembling the genuine 4131 and matching its appearance and dimensions. However, there are slight differences in some shock absorbers. To emphasize, the previous Shanghai 4130 and the new 4131 differ significantly in quality. We previously shared a teardown comparison between the Clean Factory 4131 and the genuine 4131. As the movement has just hit the market, more practical experience is required to verify its reliability. However, given the typical quality of Clean and Shanghai, its stability is undoubtedly trustworthy, making it a worthy choice for those interested in a new model.
Summary: Whether it’s Clean Factory‘s Dandong 4130 movement or the 4131, both represent the highest level of molded movements in the industry. If you appreciate the classic elegance of the Daytona and prioritize the movement’s stability and durability, the 4130 movement is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer the modern elegance of the new Daytona, have a high aesthetic requirement for the movement, and are open to new experiences, then the 4131 is also a good option. In terms of pricing, the new version costs approximately $300–400 more than the classic version. Enthusiasts can make a decision based on their preferences and budget. If you like it, why not give it a try?
