CLEAN Factory Rolex 116610 "Blue Gold" Submariner V5 (3135 Movement) vs. Genuine: Ultimate In-Depth Comparison & Review

Introduction:
The CLEAN Factory 40mm "Blue Gold" Submariner (Ref. 116610) has been a hot topic in the replica watch community, especially with its V5 upgrade featuring the DanDong 3135 movement. But how close does it really get to the genuine Rolex? In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down every aspect—case, dial, bezel, bracelet, and movement—to see if this rep can truly stand up to the real deal.

1. Case & Finish​

Material & Dimensions

• Genuine: Uses 904L stainless steel, polished and brushed to perfection. The lugs are sharp yet refined.
• CLEAN V5: Also uses 904L steel, matching the gen in weight and feel. The case shape is nearly identical, with correct lug curvature and crown guards.
• Flaws? Some users report slightly less refined polishing on the edges compared to gen, but only noticeable under a loupe.

Caseback & Engravings

• Genuine: Features deep, crisp engravings (e.g., "ROLEX," "750," and hallmarks).
• CLEAN V5: Engravings are very close, though the depth and sharpness might be slightly softer.
  

2. Bezel & Ceramic Insert​

Ceramic Color & Platinum Coating

• Genuine: The blue ceramic bezel has a rich, deep hue, and the numerals are filled with platinum (Pt), giving a slightly shiny look.
• CLEAN V5: The blue color is extremely close, but some batches may appear a shade lighter under certain lighting. The platinum fill is well-executed, though the gen has a slightly more "metallic" sheen.

Bezel Action & Click Sound

• Genuine: Smooth, 120-click unidirectional rotation with a solid, muted click sound.
• CLEAN V5: The action is close, but some reps have a slightly louder click and less refined tension.
  

3. Dial & Hands​

Dial Print & Lume

• Genuine: The "Swiss Made" text is crisp, and the lume (Chromalight) glows bright blue.
• CLEAN V5: The printing is sharp, but the lume is slightly weaker (more greenish-blue) and fades faster than gen.

Date Wheel & Cyclops

• Genuine: The date font is bold, and the cyclops has AR coating (anti-reflective).
• CLEAN V5: The date wheel is improved in V5, but the font can still be a hair thinner than gen. The cyclops AR is weaker, leading to more reflection.

4. Bracelet & Clasp​

Bracelet Quality

• Genuine: The Oyster bracelet is solid, with tight tolerances and smooth articulation.
• CLEAN V5: Uses AR factory’s bracelet, which is very close but may have slightly sharper edges on the links.

Clasp & Engravings

• Genuine: The clasp snaps shut firmly, and the engravings are deep and precise.
• CLEAN V5: The clasp is improved, but the "ROLEX" engraving can be less crisp than gen. The glidelock extension works well, though.

5. Movement: DanDong 3135 vs. Genuine 3135​

Performance & Reliability

• Genuine: The Rolex 3135 is a workhorse, known for accuracy (+/- 2s/day) and longevity (50+ years with service).
• CLEAN V5 (DanDong 3135): Surprisingly stable, with good power reserve (~40h) and low failure rates. However, long-term durability depends on maintenance (oil changes every 2-3 years).

Key Differences

• Rotor Noise: The DanDong 3135 is slightly louder than gen.
• Serviceability: Genuine parts won’t fit, so repairs require rep-friendly watchmakers.

Final Verdict: Is the CLEAN V5 "Blue Gold" Submariner a Super Rep?​

Pros:

• Case & bracelet are 95% close to gen
• Bezel color & engraving are excellent
• DanDong 3135 is reliable for a rep

Cons:

• Lume is not as strong as gen
• Cyclops AR could be better
• Rotor is noisier than gen

Rating: 9/10 (NWBIG - Not Worth Buying Gen for most people)

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think the CLEAN V5 is the best blue Submariner rep right now, or does another factory (VSF, ARF) do it better?
2. How important is the movement noise to you? Would you prefer a silent but less reliable movement?
3. Has anyone modded their CLEAN V5 (e.g., gen crystal, better lume)? Was it worth it?
4. Would you pay extra for a "Franken" rep with gen parts, or is the CLEAN V5 good enough as-is?

Let’s hear your thoughts!