⚡ Quick Verdict (TL;DR)
If you don’t have time to read the full 3,000-word guide:
Super Clone Watches are the highest tier of replicas, indistinguishable from genuine luxury watches to the naked eye.
- Top Factories: Clean Factory (Rolex), VS Factory (Omega/Panerai), PPF (Patek), APS (Audemars Piguet).
- Best Movements: Dandong 4130/3235 (72h Reserve) and Integrated Clones found in top super clone watches.
- Key Features: Real 904L steel, ceramic bezels, and sapphire crystals.
Our Advice: Avoid cheap $100 fakes. True Super Clone Watches cost $500+.
“Note: This article is a detailed educational guide. If you are looking for our full catalog of tested models and factory reviews, please visit our main Super Clone Watches hub.
Table of Contents
1. What Exactly is a Super Clone Watch?
If you are new to the world of replicas, the terminology can be confusing. You will see terms like “AAA”, “1:1”, “Swiss Grade”, and “Super Clone” thrown around loosely on the internet. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly, what makes a Super Clone Watch different from a $50 street fake?
The Definition of Super Clone Watches
A Super Clone Watch is a replica that has been strictly reverse-engineered from a genuine prototype.
- The Process (Disassembly): The factory (like Clean or VS) purchases the genuine watch (e.g., a Rolex Submariner worth $15,000) and disassembles it piece by piece. They don’t just look at photos.
- Scanning: Every single part—case, dial, hands, screws, and gears—is 3D scanned and measured to micron-level precision (0.001mm). This ensures that the dimensions of the super clone watch are identical to the genuine.
- The Materials: Unlike cheap fakes made of zinc alloy or plastic, super clone watches use the exact same materials as the Swiss brands:
- 904L Stainless Steel: For Rolex replicas (harder and shinier than standard steel).
- Sapphire Crystal: Scratch-proof glass with correct AR coating.
- Swiss Super-Luminova: The same glow-in-the-dark paint used by luxury brands.
- High-Tech Ceramic: For bezels that never fade or scratch.
The Movement: The Heart of a Super Clone
This is the biggest differentiator for super clone watches.
- Cheap Fakes: Use generic Asian movements (2813) that tick loudly, have the wrong functions, and break easily.
- Super Clones: Use “Clone Movements” (like the Dandong 4130 or VS3235). The internal architecture is cloned to match the Rolex Calibre. This means the winding feel, time setting direction, and power reserve (72 hours) match the genuine watch perfectly. You can even swap genuine Rolex parts into these movements!
The “NWBIG” Concept
In the collector community (like RWI or Reddit), the best super clone watches are labeled NWBIG (Not Worth Buying In Genuine).
This means the super clone watch is so close to the original (95%-99% accurate) that buying the genuine watch is considered a waste of money unless you are buying purely for investment purposes.
- Example: The Clean Factory Rolex Daytona is widely considered NWBIG because the visual difference is invisible to the naked eye, yet it costs 5% of the genuine price.
2. History: From “Canal Street” to Super Clones
To understand why super clone watches are so good today, we must look at the evolution of the industry. It has come a long way from the cheap junk of the early 2000s.
2000-2010: The Canal Street Era
In the early days, replicas were junk. They were sold on street corners or shady websites. They were made of cheap alloy, used plastic crystals, and ticked loudly like quartz clocks. The date magnification was wrong, the gold faded in a week, and they fell apart quickly. These were “toys,” not timepieces.
2010-2018: The Noob Factory Era
The legendary Noob Factory changed everything. They were the pioneers of the modern super clone watch.
- Innovation: Noob was the first to use 904L Steel (the same steel Rolex uses).
- The 4130 Breakthrough: They funded the development of the first Clone 4130 Movement for the Daytona. This movement was the same thickness as the genuine, allowing the replica to finally be thin (12.2mm) instead of thick (15mm).
This era proved that a Chinese factory could make a watch that rivaled Swiss quality.
2020-Present: The Super Clone Era
After Noob closed (raided in 2021), a new generation of factories emerged: Clean Factory, VS Factory, ZF, and PPF. They took the technology to the next level.
- Today’s Standard: Modern super clone watches now feature laser-engraved ceramic bezels, platinum plating, and movements with 72-hour power reserves. The gap between genuine and replica has never been smaller. The factories now specialize: Clean does Rolex visuals best, VS does movements best, and PPF dominates Patek Philippe.
3. The “Big 5” Factories: Who Makes the Best Super Clone Watches?
The super clone watch industry is not one giant factory. It is a network of specialized workshops, each famous for different brands. Knowing which factory makes what is the key to getting a good watch. If you buy a Rolex from a factory that specializes in Patek, you might be disappointed.
Here are the undisputed kings of the super clone watches market in 2025.
1. Clean Factory (The King of Rolex)
- Best For: Rolex Daytona, Submariner, GMT-Master II, Yacht-Master.
- The Reputation: Clean Factory started as a bezel maker (“Clean Bezel”), so their ceramic inserts are the best in the world. Their platinum coating technology prevents the numbers from turning grey.
- Why Buy: If you want the most visually accurate Rolex super clone watch, especially for colored models like the “Hulk” (Green) or “Pepsi” (Red/Blue), Clean is the only choice. Their dials are also famous for having the correct “Sunburst” effect.
- Signature Model: Clean Factory Rolex Daytona 116500LN Panda.
(Image Alt: Macro shot of Clean Factory ceramic bezel with platinum PVD numerals on super clone watch)
2. VS Factory / SBF (The Movement Master)
- Best For: Omega Seamaster, Panerai, Rolex Submariner (Black), Rolex Datejust.
- The Reputation: VS Factory (also known as SBF) focuses on Movement Technology. They produce the best “Clone Movements” in the industry (VS3235, VS8500, VS9000). Their movements are smoother, quieter, and more reliable than anyone else.
- Why Buy: If you prioritize reliability and winding feel in your super clone watch. Their Omega Seamaster “Summer Blue” and Panerai Carbotech models are legendary. For Rolex, their crystal clarity is often better than Clean.
- Signature Model: VS Factory Omega Seamaster Diver 300M.
3. ZF Factory (The Veteran)
- Best For: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (15400/15500), IWC Portugieser, Tudor Black Bay, Richard Mille.
- The Reputation: ZF is one of the oldest and most consistent factories. They excel at case finishing and dial texture (“Tapisserie” patterns on AP).
- Why Buy: For dress watches and integrated bracelet sports watches. Their IWC Portugieser 7-Day replicas are famous for being thin (12.3mm).
- Signature Model: ZF IWC Portugieser Chronograph.
4. PPF / 3K Factory (The Patek Specialists)
- Best For: Patek Philippe Nautilus (5711/5712), Aquanaut (5167/5168).
- The Reputation: These two factories (often collaborating) solved the biggest problem with Patek replicas: Thickness. They engineered the Clone 324/240 movements to achieve the genuine 8.3mm-8.5mm case profile.
- Why Buy: If you want a Patek super clone watch that actually slides under a cuff. Older replicas were too thick.
- Signature Model: PPF Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711.
5. APS Factory (The New Challenger)
- Best For: Audemars Piguet (15710 Diver, 26420 Chronograph).
- The Reputation: APS has overtaken ZF in the AP market thanks to their Integrated Clone Movements (3120 and 4401). Unlike older factories that used deco-plates, APS builds the movement from scratch.
- Why Buy: For AP Divers and Chronographs with functional Flyback mechanisms. Their movement finishing looks real through the caseback.
- Signature Model: APS AP Royal Oak Offshore 15710.
Summary Table: Factory Cheat Sheet
| Brand | Best Factory | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex | Clean / VS | Best Bezel (Clean) / Best Movement (VS) |
| Omega | VS Factory | Best Co-Axial Clone Movement |
| Panerai | VS Factory | Best Case & P9000 Clone |
| Audemars Piguet | APS / ZF | Best Movement (APS) / Best Dial (ZF) |
| Patek Philippe | PPF / 3K | Best Thickness (Thin) |
| IWC | ZF / APS | Best Case (ZF) / Best Movement (APS) |
4. Top 5 Super Clone Watches to Buy in 2025
With thousands of replicas on the market, picking the best super clone watches can be overwhelming. Based on sales data, community feedback (RWI/Reddit), and our own hands-on testing, here are the top 5 models that are considered “NWBIG” (Not Worth Buying In Genuine) this year.
#1. Clean Factory Rolex Daytona 116500LN (The Holy Grail)
- Why it’s #1: The Daytona is the holy grail of super clone watches. Clean Factory’s version features the Dandong 4130 movement, which is widely regarded as the best replica movement ever made. It has a fully functional chronograph, 72-hour power reserve, and is only 12.2mm thick (same as genuine).
- Best Feature: The “Clean V3” ceramic bezel is virtually indistinguishable from the real Cerachrom bezel. The platinum numbers shine brightly.
- Link: Read our full review of the Clean Factory Daytona Panda.
#2. VS Factory Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
- Why it’s #2: This is the best “daily beater” among super clone watches. VS Factory uses a custom 8800 co-axial clone movement with a black balance wheel. The ceramic wave dial is laser-engraved with incredible depth.
- Best Feature: The ceramic bezel with white enamel scales will never fade or turn yellow, solving a major issue of older replicas.
- Link: Read our full review of the VS Factory Seamaster 300.
(Image Alt: Blue Chromalight lume test on Omega Seamaster super clone watch)
#3. Clean Factory Rolex Submariner 126610LN
- Why it’s #3: The Submariner is the most recognizable watch in the world. The Clean Factory V5 version perfects the “Ink Black” dial and the platinum-coated bezel numbers. It now ships with the Dandong 3235 movement (72h reserve), making it a powerhouse super clone watch.
- Best Feature: The “Solid” feel of the bracelet and the smoothness of the Glidelock clasp.
- Link: Read our full review of the Clean Factory Submariner.
#4. 3K Factory Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G
- Why it’s #4: Patek replicas used to be too thick. 3K Factory solved this by cloning the Calibre 324. The result is a watch that is 8.1mm thin, just like the genuine “Jumbo” Aquanaut. This thinness is rare in the super clone watch world.
- Best Feature: The gradient blue dial and the ultra-comfortable tropical rubber strap.
- Link: Read our full review of the 3K Factory Aquanaut.
#5. APS Factory Audemars Piguet 15710 Diver
- Why it’s #5: The AP Diver is the ultimate sports watch. APS Factory revolutionized this model with their Integrated 3120 Movement. It’s robust, reliable, and features a functional inner rotating bezel.
- Best Feature: The 3120 clone movement is visible through the caseback and looks 95% like genuine.
- Link: Read our full review of the APS Factory AP Diver 15710.
5. Movement Guide: The Heart of a Super Clone Watch
The most important part of a super clone watch is not the case; it is the movement. If the movement dies, the watch is worthless.
In 2025, two major movement manufacturers dominate the high-end market: Dandong (DD) and Shanghai (SH). Knowing the difference can save you hundreds of dollars.
(Image Alt: Dandong 4130 automatic chronograph movement with 72-hour power reserve)
1. Dandong Movement (The Gold Standard)
Dandong (often called VS or N factory movement) creates the best clone movements in the world.
- Famous Calibers: DD4130 (Daytona), DD3235/3135 (Submariner/Datejust).
- Pros:
- Power Reserve: Massive 70-72 hours. You can leave it for the weekend, and it will still be running on Monday. This is the hallmark of a top-tier super clone watch.
- Stability: Extremely low failure rate. The winding feels “buttery smooth.”
- Accuracy: Often runs within COSC specs (+/- 5 seconds per day) out of the box.
- Cons: Expensive. Supplies are sometimes limited (Clean Factory often runs out of stock).
2. Shanghai Movement (The Runner-Up)
Shanghai (often called VR or SH) is the main competitor.
- Famous Calibers: SH3235, SH4131.
- Pros:
- Reliability: Very solid. It is a workhorse movement found in mid-tier super clone watches.
- Decoration: Visually, they look great through a caseback (Geneva waves, engravings).
- Price: Usually cheaper than Dandong.
- Cons:
- Power Reserve: Typically around 40-48 hours. It won’t last the whole weekend.
- Feel: Winding can feel a bit “gritty” or stiff compared to the silky Dandong.
How to Tell the Difference?
- The Crown Test: When you wind a Dandong movement, it feels almost frictionless. A Shanghai movement has a distinct “clicking” resistance.
- The Power Reserve Test: Fully wind the watch and leave it. If it stops after 2 days (48h), it’s likely Shanghai. If it lasts 3 days (72h), it’s Dandong.
Our Advice:
Always ask for the Dandong version if available (e.g., Clean Factory recently upgraded their Submariners to Dandong 3235). It is worth the extra money for the 72-hour reserve.
6. Materials: Why Super Clone Watches Are Different
Why do super clone watches cost $500+ while DHgate watches cost $50? The answer is in the raw materials. Using the correct steel and ceramic is the only way to achieve the correct weight and shine.
(Image Alt: Comparison of 904L stainless steel used in super clones versus standard 316L steel)
1. 904L Stainless Steel (The “Rolex Steel”)
Standard watches (and cheap replicas) use 316L steel. It is good, but it has a slightly darker, greyish tone.
Top-tier factories (Clean, VS, ARF) use 904L steel.
- The Look: 904L has a higher nickel and chromium content. When polished, it shines with a distinct “White Gold” luster. It is brighter and whiter than the standard 316L used in cheap fakes.
- Corrosion Resistance: It is highly resistant to acid and salt water (sweat), meaning your super clone watch won’t rust after years of wear.
- The Feel: It is harder to machine, meaning the case edges on a 904L replica are usually sharper and more defined.
2. High-Tech Ceramic (Cerachrom)
The bezel on a Submariner or Daytona is made of ceramic.
- Cheap Fakes: Use painted aluminum or low-quality plastic that scratches and fades.
- Super Clones: Use Zirconium Oxide Ceramic. It is sintered at 1500°C. It is virtually scratch-proof.
- Clean Factory Special: They coat the numbers on the bezel with Platinum PVD. This ensures the numbers stay bright silver and don’t turn grey/black over time, a common issue with older super clone watches.
3. Sapphire Crystal
All super clone watches use Synthetic Sapphire.
- Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale (only diamond can scratch it).
- Clarity: Factories like VS use “Deep Crystal” technology with colorless AR coating, making the glass disappear.
4. Forged Carbon & Bronze
For brands like Richard Mille or Panerai:
- NTPT Carbon: Factories layer hundreds of sheets of carbon fiber to create a random wood-grain pattern. It is ultra-light.
- Bronze: Real marine-grade bronze (CuSn8) is used, which develops a unique patina (oxidation) over time, just like the genuine watch.
7. How to Spot a Scammer & Buy Safely
The super clone watch market is the Wild West. For every honest dealer, there are ten scammers. Here is how to protect yourself when shopping for a high-end replica.
1. The “Swiss Made” Scam
We said it before, but we will say it again: There are NO replicas made in Switzerland.
- Red Flag: If a website claims their watches are “Swiss Made” or “Grade 1 Swiss” and charges $1,000+, run away. They are selling you a $300 Chinese replica at a 300% markup. All true super clone watches are made in China by specific factories.
2. The “Box & Papers” Trap
- The Trap: Scammers often show photos of the watch with a full Rolex green box and papers to make it look “official.”
- The Truth: Factories (Clean/VS) do NOT ship watches with boxes. Boxes are sold separately as accessories. If a site includes a box for free, the watch quality is usually low (AAA grade).
3. QC (Quality Control) Photos
A legit dealer will always send you QC Photos before shipping.
- What to look for:
- Timegrapher Numbers: Check the daily rate (should be +/- 10s/day) and amplitude (250-300 degrees).
- Alignment: Check if the bezel aligns with the 12 o’clock marker.
- Date Wheel: Ask them to cycle through the dates to ensure they are centered.
- Warning: If a dealer refuses to send QC pics, do not buy.
4. Payment Methods
- Preferred: Credit Card, PayPal (if available), or Crypto (USDT).
- Avoid: Western Union or Wire Transfer to unknown personal accounts unless the dealer has a rock-solid reputation on forums like RWI.
Final Verdict: Are Super Clones Worth It?
Yes. In 2025, the gap between a $15,000 genuine watch and a $600 super clone watch has never been smaller.
With factories like Clean, VS, and APS perfecting the art of 904L steel and clone movements, you can enjoy the luxury experience without the financial stress.
Ready to start your collection?
- 👉 Shop Rolex Super Clone Watches
- 👉 Shop Omega Super Clone Watches
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Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only.