Hello everyone, I am the Clean Factory official editor, and today I will revisit the Daytona series’ Gray Rubber Strap version. Currently, the factories working on the Daytona are APS, Clean, BT, and ZF. These are all using the old 4130 movement. However, in the new versions, we have ZF and QF factories, AR+, VS Factory, and of course, C Factory. Previously, I did some reviews on AR+, but in terms of details and movement, they were not very impressive. Now, let’s see how Clean Factory performs.
First of all, let’s measure its new exterior. The diameter is 38.7mm, and the thickness is about 12mm. Simple measurements reveal that both the exterior and thickness are accurate, consistent with what we know from previous versions. The older version was 38.2mm, meaning the difference isn’t substantial. The case is made of 904L stainless steel, and due to production costs, 18K white gold was not used. It also lacks a gold counterweight for balance, but hopefully, we may see this in the future with a platinum version.
Next, let’s take a closer look at the dial’s details. The dial is gray, and the shade is quite bright compared to the old version. The gray has a much better texture in this release. In the older version, the dial could look somewhat purple from certain angles, but this new version has fixed that issue and features a bright gray finish. The bezel employs an embedded design. On the outer edge, there is a steel ring, likely to protect the bezel. When comparing it with the new version, it aligns with the original. The engravings are quite deep, so there is no major concern in that regard. The old version lacked this steel ring, but aside from that, there’s nothing too noteworthy here.
The watch hands are also very well-proportioned, and the central seconds hand is beautifully crafted with no issues whatsoever. The mirror surface is also highly transparent and polished around the edges, making it smooth to the touch. The indices are elongated compared to the old, short and thick indices, which is a noticeable change. Moreover, the indices are polished well, so there is no need for concern here. At the 6 o’clock position, you will notice a crown emblem—a significant difference between the new and old models, as the older versions did not have this crown. Pay attention to this when comparing versions.
Next, let’s look at the crown and pushers. Once tightened, the height of the crown matches perfectly, and the arrangement of the three small circular shapes is accurate. The left and right circular markings are identical, while the center one is slightly larger, just like the original.
Now, moving on to the strap. The case connection has a stepped design, and the rubber strap is made without flaws. Inside the strap, there is a memory steel plate, and the engravings on both sides are crisp, showing no significant issues. Moving on to the clasp, the crown engraving is three-dimensional but not hooked, and a small gap is left at the edge. The corner has been polished. Upon opening the clasp, you will see that the latest Clean Factory code is CCD, the same as in previous versions. The AU750 engraving is present and clear, just like the earlier versions. The micro-adjustment mechanism has also been changed to a push-and-pull design, making it more convenient than the older version that used a pin-based adjustment system. This push-and-pull system makes adjustments more efficient.
Regarding the case back, it features a solid design, and with no display case back, there are no visible flaws in the movement. The 4131 movement has excellent stability in its timekeeping and power reserve. Many people have asked about the reliability of the 4131 movement, and honestly, time will tell. Compared to past movements like the 3135 and 3235, which have had no significant after-sales issues, we can expect similar dependability with the 4131 movement.
Conclusion Overall, Clean Factory’s new Daytona Gray Rubber Strap model is an impressive offering. The overall craftsmanship leaves little to be desired, and the finish on the 4131 movement is satisfying. From the details in polishing to the accuracy in reproducing the design, this model is certainly one worth considering for those who appreciate the Daytona series. If you are looking for a high-quality replica that excels in appearance, precision, and reliability, the new Gray Rubber Strap Daytona is an excellent option.