Clean Factory Rolex Daytona 126500LN vs. Genuine – Detailed Comparison

Clean Factory has released its latest Daytona 126500LN with the Shanghai 4131 movement, aiming to replicate Rolex’s newest generation of the iconic chronograph. In this review, we’ll compare Clean’s version with the genuine Rolex 126500LN, focusing on key details like the dial, hands, bezel, case, bracelet, and movement.

1. Dial & Subdials: Precision in Printing & Layout
Genuine 126500LN:

• Thinner subdials with metallic rings for a more refined look.
• Matte black base with a subtle sunburst effect under certain lighting.
• Crisp printing for "DAYTONA" and "ROLEX," with perfectly aligned text.

Clean Factory 126500LN:

• Subdials are nearly identical in thickness and metallic ring finish.
• Black dial color is spot-on, though the sunburst effect is slightly less pronounced.
• Text printing is excellent, with no noticeable flaws in font weight or spacing.

Verdict: 9.5/10 – Only minor differences in sunburst effect under extreme lighting.

2. Hands & Indices: Lume & Shape Accuracy
Genuine 126500LN:

• Chrono seconds hand has a tapered design with sharp lume fill.
• Hour/minute hands are highly polished with perfect proportions.
• Markers are facetted and filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova.

Clean Factory 126500LN:

• Hands are identical in shape and finish, with correct lume color.
• Indices are perfectly cut, with no misalignment.
• Minor flaw: The center pinion (tube) is conical (like the older 116500), while the gen 126500 has a cylindrical pinion.

Verdict: 9/10 – Only the pinion shape is a slight giveaway under scrutiny.

3. Ceramic Bezel & Case: Almost Indistinguishable
Genuine 126500LN:

• Black ceramic bezel with platinum-filled engravings.
• Stainless steel rim around the bezel for added durability.
• Case thickness: 12.2mm, with perfectly polished lugs.

Clean Factory 126500LN:

• Bezel engravings are flawless, matching the gen’s depth and finish.
• Steel rim is accurately replicated, with no gaps or misalignment.
• Case dimensions are identical (40mm x 12.2mm).

Verdict: 10/10 – No visible differences in bezel or case construction.

4. Bracelet & Clasp: Solid End Links & Perfect Finish
Genuine 126500LN:

• 904L steel bracelet with tight SEL (Solid End Link) fit.
• Brushed and polished links alternate correctly.
• Clasp engraving is deep and precise.

Clean Factory 126500LN:

• Bracelet uses 904L steel, matching the gen’s weight and feel.
• SEL fitment is perfect, with no gaps.
• Clasp engravings are nearly identical, though slightly shallower than gen.

Verdict: 9.5/10 – Only clasp engravings are marginally less deep.

5. Movement: Shanghai 4131 vs. Genuine Rolex 4131
Genuine Rolex 4131:

• 72-hour power reserve.
• Chronograph works flawlessly with smooth operation.
• Rotor is nearly silent.

Clean Factory Shanghai 4131:

• 75-hour power reserve (slightly better than gen).
• Chrono functions work perfectly, but rotor is slightly louder.
• Decoration is close but not identical (bridges and engravings differ).

Verdict: 8.5/10 – Visually similar but not a true clone; rotor noise is noticeable.

Final Verdict: How Close is Clean’s 126500LN to Gen?
Pros:

• Dial, bezel, and case are nearly perfect.
• Bracelet quality is top-tier, matching gen feel.
• 4131 movement is reliable with a long power reserve.

Cons:

• Pinion shape is incorrect (conical vs. cylindrical).
• Movement decoration isn’t 100% gen-like.
• Rotor is slightly noisier.

Overall Rating: 9.3/10
Clean’s 126500LN is the best replica available for this model. Unless inspected under a loupe, it’s almost indistinguishable from the genuine watch.
Would you buy it? Let’s discuss in the commen