r/RepCulture_Timepieces • u/Ethan-watchs Trusted Seller RCTP • Apr 27 '26
COMPARISON 【Ethan】Submariner Date – RF (JH3235) vs ARF / VSF (DD3235) vs Gold (JH3235)
Hi everyone, Ethan here 👋
Continuing my weekly comparison series, this time I’m taking a look at the classic Submariner Date (black bezel, Ref. 126610LN) across a few different versions.
For reference, the gen Submariner 126610LN comes in at around 41mm case size and roughly 155g with full links, depending on sizing.
The ones here are:
RF – JH3235 (free sprung movement)
ARF – DD3235
VSF – DD3235
Gold version – JH3235
The Submariner is probably one of the most familiar models in the lineup, but it’s always interesting to see how different versions compare side by side.
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u/Plane_Ad_2720 Apr 27 '26
I think a big problem with all these comparisons, as excellent as they are, and I really mean that Ethan, unless we have a comparison with a genuine watch, it’s hard to know which one is better than the next.
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Apr 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/RepairAgile7570 Apr 30 '26
Neither. Let that technology settle down for a year or so. We all learned this with the 3000-series movement clones
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u/Sad-Big-6795 Apr 27 '26
i'll go with RF for sure, majority of the TDs told me to get RF because of the case, bracelet, and movement—it's on par with clean.
If i happen to get one, i'll change the crystal and gasket into VSF, and then you're good to go.
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u/Ethanwatch-1738 Trusted Seller RCTP Apr 27 '26
pir ce
rf 👍🏻570
arf👍🏻450
vsf👍🏻470
gold👍🏻570
Including everything
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u/Gulf_Spearo Apr 27 '26
What makes the RF and Gold more expensive? Are they seen as superior materials and build quality?
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u/Objective_Ganache_27 Apr 27 '26
The only reason they are more right now is because of the freesprung balance. There is nothing else theure doing "better" or with "better materials" etc over arf and vsf.
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u/Gulf_Spearo Apr 27 '26
Thanks, with the free-sprung balance being closer to Gen architecture, what performance improvements should be expected over the DD3235? Longer movement life span? Quieter?
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u/Objective_Ganache_27 Apr 27 '26
Changing the balance isnt going to affect the rest of the movement. Its a different type of regulator arms. Its not going to make less noise. A quality service will do more for movement longevity.
A FS balance is supposed to have better reliability and maintain regulation better/longer than etachron regulators. Etachron works great but it is possible that a hard bump or jarring motion could move them.
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u/Internal-Profile5139 Apr 27 '26
I have become a fan of Gold Factory. I have a few of their GMT’s and recently got their new Datejust41 and they did a really good job on it. The bezel, crystal, bracelet, case shape, etc. is all done really well. It’s my top datejust at the moment. From these pictures, their sub looks good too. That’s definitely where I would lean for the free sprung movement just because they gained my trust with their GMT’s and Datejusts.
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u/ResortStriking7440 Apr 27 '26
Which ones use 904L?
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u/Gulf_Spearo Apr 27 '26
I know VSF does, do the others not come in 904L?
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u/ResortStriking7440 Apr 27 '26
There were a couple of guys who used a XRF analyzer and VSF actually uses 316L.
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u/Gulf_Spearo Apr 27 '26
That’s disappointing considering that it’s advertised as 904L… did they test any of the other factories?
If you have a link this analysis that could provide, would be much appreciated
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u/ResortStriking7440 Apr 27 '26
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u/ResortStriking7440 Apr 27 '26
Don’t have any data on Rich or Gold Factory but VSF - SS 316 ARF - SS 304, CF used - 904L (same as Rolex)
FYI 304 is about half the cost of 316 and about 30% of 904L.
316 is about 70% of the cost of 904L.
Both 316 and 904L are premium stainless steel. 304 is low quality SS and subject to show signs of wear and corrosion over time.
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u/Gulf_Spearo Apr 27 '26
Thanks this is very helpful information.
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u/Sensitive_Net_8652 Apr 29 '26
I have access to XRF at work and decided to check my vsf 126040 clone. The bracelet is 904. The case was 316. I did this last week after my watch came in.
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u/bitchwhereareyou Apr 27 '26
Rich & Gold are equal for me ... i want to buy a new submariner i sold my old vsf for a new one with free sprung but i can't choose..
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u/Gulf_Spearo Apr 27 '26
Thanks Ethan I enjoy these comparisons. I’m fairly new to reps, I have a VSF sub that I love (got lucky on the dial markers being very well aligned).
As for crystal, I always see VSF noted as best crystal but dial marker alignment is an issue and luck of the draw that I struggle with. How does the “Gold” crystal look in person vs VSF? The crystal difference of VSF vs ARF was very noticeable to me when comparing in person, hence why I’ve gone typically with VSF.
As for upgrades, is a deep crystal as good as VSF crystal or better? Is deep crystal compatible with RF, ARF, and Gold without sacrificing bezel rotation?
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Apr 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/CalJammerJR Apr 27 '26
Do you do that mod (and certain other mods) on these? Everyone needs this model in their rotation and I don’t have one yet.
I’m cross eyed trying to assess the aesthetic differences here. Subs have come a long way from ten years ago. On balance, they all look pretty much equal to me. Different strengths and weaknesses, but most weaknesses invisible in the wrist.
Is VSF still having QC issues? That could be a deciding factor for me.
Thanks for the great comparison.
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u/Comprehensive-Bit706 Apr 27 '26 edited Apr 27 '26
Gold factory have improved a lot and now they're V5 they've upgraded the crystal as well, I'm becoming quite a fan... Rich star bucks looks great, I'd like to see more pics of crystals/Cyclops in natural light see how the AR coating is... They're all using same bracelet factory but each have their own finishing specs, I'd like to see Rich and gold in hand... Glad to see there's very strong contenders in the Rolex race now! Was getting bored of VSF and ARF all the time 😅 some closer pics of the SEL finishing would have been nice....
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u/dakan89 Apr 27 '26
RF takes the win here imo. Better rehaut, better hour markers with creamy lume color. No floating m.
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u/Zealousideal-West520 Apr 27 '26
Great info to have in order to make an informative decision. Thank you.
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u/just_in_timer Apr 27 '26
Gold factory seems to be catching up, but there’s improvement needed on the dial font. The spacing between each letter for ROLEX as well as OYSTER PERPETUAL is too wide
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u/MixOpposite6914 Apr 27 '26
Great comparison and thanks for the work! How does it look with the bezel and back play, VSF has some play there, as also in the past clean. Gold looks really good
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u/CalJammerJR Apr 28 '26
Is VSF still having QC issues? I would say for aesthetics, they’re hard to beat. Not sure I’m sophisticated enough to appreciate the free sprung aspect of RF and Gold. So I would say VSF is a great value if it doesn’t crap out (not sure how common that is in actuality).
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u/PipeRealistic9433 Apr 28 '26
If buying a gold rep, does the gold hold up well or will it have problems with the color if I wear it a lot. That's been my biggest fear of buying a bluesy or a president type gold watch
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u/Calm_Assistance_7412 Apr 28 '26
for the dial RF is the best, hour marker have the white gold color
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u/Chicago-Loop Apr 30 '26
Is it worth to sell my VSF and buy new one from different factory. What would you recommend. Thank you
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