⚡ Quick Verdict (TL;DR)
If you don’t have time to read the full 2,000-word review:
The Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN (V5 Edition) is the undisputed king of 41mm Submariners. It beats VS Factory in dial accuracy and case shape.
- The Dial: Incredible “Ink Black” lacquer finish on this Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN.
- The Movement: Now shipping with Dandong 3235 (72h Reserve) in latest batches.
- The Case: Correct slim lugs and 21mm bracelet width.
Score: 9.8/10. The King of Steel.
Watch Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Reference | Rolex Submariner Date 126610LN (Black Dial) |
| Factory | Clean Factory (CF) – V5 Edition |
| Case Size | 41mm Diameter x 12.5mm Thickness |
| Case Material | 904L Stainless Steel (ARF Source) |
| Dial | Glossy “Ink Black” with Chromalight |
| Bezel | Black Ceramic with Platinum PVD Numerals |
| Movement | Dandong 3235 Automatic (72h Reserve) |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Instant Date |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Black Hole Cyclops |
1. Introduction: The New Era of the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN
In 2020, Rolex updated the Submariner line from the 40mm (116610) to the 41mm (126610). This wasn’t just a size increase; it was a complete redesign of the case geometry. The lugs got slimmer, the bracelet got wider (21mm), and the movement was upgraded to the 3235.
For replica factories, this meant starting from scratch. Clean Factory was one of the first to get the case shape right. While VS Factory is famous for its movement, the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN is famous for its visual accuracy (Dial, Bezel, Rehaut).
In this review, we dissect the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN to see if it is the best black Submariner on the market.
Table of Contents
2. The Case: 40mm vs 41mm (The Slim Lugs)
The biggest change in the 126610 series is the lugs. Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN captures this perfectly.
(Image Alt: Slim lug profile of Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN)
The Lug Profile Evolution
- Old 116610 (Maxi Case): Had very wide, square lugs. It looked bulky on the wrist.
- New 126610 (41mm): Has slimmer, tapered lugs. It looks more elegant, reminiscent of the vintage 5-digit Submariners.
- Clean’s Execution: Clean Factory captured this taper perfectly. The transition from the case to the 21mm bracelet is seamless. The polishing on the sides is mirror-like, with zero distortion.
Measurements
- Diameter: Real measurement is closer to 40.5mm (Rolex calls it 41mm, but it’s not actually that big). The Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN measures exactly the same.
- Thickness: 12.5mm. Identical to genuine.
3. The Bezel: Clean’s V4 Ceramic Dominance
Clean Factory built its reputation on bezels. The Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN uses the latest V4 insert.
(Image Alt: Platinum coated ceramic bezel on Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN)
Platinum PVD Coating
The numbers on the bezel are coated with real Platinum.
- Color: It is a dusty, silvery grey. It is not stark white (which looks fake on cheap replicas).
- Depth: The engraving is deep and sharp.
- Sound: The bezel rotation has 120 clicks. The sound is crisp, but slightly tighter/stiffer than VS (which is buttery smooth).
Durability
Unlike cheap paint which fades to yellow or grey, the platinum coating on the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN stays bright for years. It is resistant to water, soap, and UV light.
4. The Dial: “Ink Black” Perfection
For a black watch, the blackness of the dial is everything.
(Image Alt: Ink black dial detail on Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN)
The “Ink Black” Lacquer Finish
Unlike the “Panda” (White) which is matte, the Black dial 126610LN is High Gloss.
- Clean’s Execution: The dial looks like wet ink. It is deep, dark, and highly reflective. Under direct light, the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN matches the “piano black” finish of the genuine Rolex perfectly.
- VS Factory Comparison: The VS dial is good, but under very bright light, it can have a slight “greyish” tint. Clean avoids this completely.
V5 Date Font Update
- The Change: Clean updated the date wheel font to match the 2024 genuine spec. It now uses a refined Serif Font (small feet on the numbers).
- Magnification: The cyclops provides a perfect 2.5x magnification with a “Black Hole” effect (blue AR coating) on this Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN.
5. Macro Photography Analysis: Hands & Rehaut
Let’s zoom in 20x.
Hands Finishing
- Clean: The hands are “3D Rounded.” The edges are polished and curved. The center pinion is capped (solid), which is a huge tell for experts.
- Quality: There are no rough burrs or machining marks visible, even under a loupe.
Rehaut Alignment
- Precision: The “ROLEXROLEX” laser engraving on the rehaut is perfectly aligned with the minute markers. The crown at 12 o’clock is centered. This level of QC is what you pay for with the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN.
6. The Movement: Dandong 3235 Revolution
This is where the confusion lies. Does Clean use Shanghai or Dandong?
(Image Alt: Dandong 3235 movement inside Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN)
The Latest Batch (Dandong 3235)
Early Clean 126610s used the Shanghai 3235 (less power reserve).
The latest batches (Late 2024/2025) of the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN have been spotted with the Dandong 3235 (also known as VS3235).
- Power Reserve: 72 Hours. This matches the genuine Rolex 3235 perfectly. You can take it off on Friday and wear it on Monday without resetting.
- Reliability: It is the best clone movement in the world.
- Tip: Ask your dealer to confirm if it is the Dandong version before buying. If it is, the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN is unbeatable.
7. Technical Test: Weight & Waterproofing
We put the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN to the test.
Weight Test
- Genuine: ~158 grams.
- Clean V5: ~156 grams.
- Result: The 2-gram difference is imperceptible on the wrist. The density of the steel feels identical to the genuine article.
Waterproof Test
We pressure tested the watch to 5ATM (50 meters).
- Result: Passed. It is safe for swimming, showering, and snorkeling.
- Warning: Always ensure the Triplock Crown is screwed down tightly before entering water.
8. The Bracelet: ARF Heritage
Clean uses bracelets from AR Factory (ARF) for the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN. ARF is known for the best finishing in the industry.
(Image Alt: AR Factory 904L stainless steel bracelet on Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN)
21mm Oyster Bracelet
The new 126610 has a wider 21mm lug width (old was 20mm).
- Finish: ARF steel finishing is the best in the industry. Smooth edges, perfect brushing. The Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN feels like a $10,000 watch on the wrist.
- Glidelock: The clasp slides smoothly in 2mm increments. No sticking.
- Gap: The “Zero Gap” fitment between the lugs and the bracelet is perfect.
9. Night Vision: Chromalight Lume Test
A diving watch must be legible in the dark.
- Color: Clean uses the correct Blue Chromalight. Cheap replicas often use Green SuperLuminova (wrong for modern Rolex).
- Application: The lume plot is thick and puffy (“3D effect”).
- Duration: After a 10-second charge with UV light, it glows intensely for about 20 minutes and remains legible for 6-8 hours.
10. The Color Wars: Black vs. Hulk vs. Starbucks
Many buyers are torn between the classic Black Submariner and the green models. Here is how the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN stacks up.
- The Black Dial (126610LN): The classic. It is the most versatile. It matches a tuxedo, a wetsuit, or jeans. It is also the hardest to “call out” because black is a standard color. This is the safest choice for a daily driver.
- The Hulk (116610LV): The old 40mm model with a green dial. It is flashy and aggressive.
- The Starbucks (126610LV): The new 41mm with a black dial and green bezel. It offers a pop of color without being overwhelming.
Our Advice: If you want the closest-to-genuine experience, stick with the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN (Black). It has the fewest variables to get wrong.
11. Clean Factory vs. VS Factory: The Showdown
The ultimate question: Which 126610LN is better?
| Feature | Clean Factory | VS Factory | Winner? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dial Blackness | Ink Black (Deepest) | Very Good | Clean |
| Case Shape | Sharp & Accurate | Slightly Rounder | Clean |
| Crystal | Good | Deep Crystal (Best) | VS |
| Winding Feel | Good | Buttery Smooth | VS |
| Movement | Dandong 3235 | Dandong 3235 | Tie |
Verdict:
- Buy Clean if you care about Visuals (Dial Color, Case Shape). The Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN looks closer to genuine.
- Buy VS if you care about Tactile Feel (Winding smoothness, Crystal clarity).
12. Detailed Maintenance Guide: Caring for Your 3235
Owning a high-end replica like the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN requires some care to keep it running for years.
- The Date Zone: Do not change the date manually between 9 PM and 3 AM. This is when the gears are engaging to change the date automatically. Forcing it can break the calendar wheel teeth.
- Winding: The Dandong 3235 is automatic, but if you haven’t worn it for a few days, give it 30-40 manual winds to get it started. Do not over-wind; once you feel resistance, stop.
- Cleaning: Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to clean the bracelet links. Dirt and oil build up between the links and can cause “stretch” over time.
- Service Interval: We recommend a basic service (cleaning and oiling) every 3-5 years. This will keep the movement running within COSC specs (+/- 2 seconds/day).
13. Buying Guide: Real Clean vs Fake Clean
Since Clean is popular, there are fakes.
- Sticker: Look for the Clean Factory cartoon stickers (e.g., Goku, SpongeBob) on your Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN.
- Code: Check the clasp code. Clean/ARF usually uses specific codes like
7CDorF6U. - Lume: Shine a UV light. The bezel pearl should glow blue, not green.
14. Real World Scenarios: Where to Wear It?
The Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN is the ultimate “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” (GADA) watch.
- The Office: It slides under a cuff thanks to the 12.5mm profile. It commands respect in meetings without being as flashy as a gold Day-Date.
- The Weekend: On a t-shirt and jeans, it looks rugged and masculine. The Glidelock clasp allows you to loosen it instantly if your wrist swells in the heat.
- The Beach: With its 5ATM waterproofing, you can swim, snorkel, and jet ski without worry. The ceramic bezel is scratch-proof against sand.
15. Pros & Cons
✅ The Pros
- Best Dial: The deep black gloss is stunning on the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN.
- Best Case: Accurate slim lugs.
- 72h Reserve: With the new Dandong movement.
- Bezel: Platinum coating won’t fade.
❌ The Cons
- Crystal: Slightly less clear than VS (can be modded).
- Winding: A bit stiffer than VS.
16. Final Verdict – Is the Clean 126610LN Worth It?
Yes. It is the visual king.
If you want a Rolex Submariner replica that looks 99% identical to the genuine on the wrist, Clean Factory is the choice. The dial depth and case shape of the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN are unmatched.
While VS Factory feels slightly better to wind, Clean Factory looks more like the real thing.
Check the latest price and stock here.
FAQ: Common Buyer Questions
Q1: Is it waterproof?
A: Yes, rated for 5ATM. Safe for swimming.
Q2: Can I swap parts with genuine?
A: Yes. The case architecture of the Clean Factory Submariner 126610LN is 1:1. You can install a genuine dial, hands, or crystal.
Q3: How long does the power reserve last?
A: If it’s the Dandong 3235, it lasts 70-72 hours. If it’s the Shanghai, it lasts ~40 hours.
“While Clean Factory is the king of the Black Submariner, if you are looking for the Green version, check out our Clean Factory Hulk 116610LV Review to see how the green dial compares.”