Introduction to High-Quality Replica Watches

1. What Are High-Quality Replica Watches?
As the name suggests, high-quality replica watches are imitations of world-renowned watch brands such as Rolex, Omega, IWC, and Panerai. These watches are modeled based on genuine timepieces using factory-made molds, and their appearance is virtually identical to the originals. The term “high-quality replica watch” first appeared in the late 1980s. During the early development of China’s watchmaking industry, over 100,000 sets of watchmaking equipment were imported from Switzerland to enhance local capabilities. In such an environment, high-quality replicas gradually emerged.

Around 2013, Noob Factory’s release of five flagship replica models sparked widespread attention and marked the start of a new era in replica watches. Since then, merchants from all over the world have gathered in this market, and global trade in high-quality replicas has flourished. Today, many high-quality replicas utilize ETA clone movements with excellent performance and remarkable accuracy.

Before encountering replica manufacturers like Noob, ZF, and KW, many Swiss watch enthusiasts used to look down on replicas, assuming they were poorly made and low quality. However, once they got their hands on these high-end replicas, they realized the craftsmanship, water resistance, and luminous effects could rival — and sometimes exceed — those of genuine Swiss watches worth tens of thousands of RMB. This is why high-quality replica watches have remained popular worldwide.

2. The Advantages of High-Quality Replica Watches

a. Appearance
These replicas are molded based on genuine watches and maintain a 1:1 size ratio. Most use 316L stainless steel, while some high-end versions use 904L stainless steel, providing wearability nearly indistinguishable from the originals. Even subtle polishing details are now very close to genuine quality.

b. Movements
It’s well known that the movement is the heart of any watch. Chinese mechanical movements can typically only support basic timekeeping, and more complex functions like running seconds are still a challenge. Therefore, high-quality replicas often use Swiss-style mechanical movements. Since genuine Swiss brands manufacture in-house calibers exclusively for their own use, these movements aren’t available to replica makers. Thus, most replicas today use domestically-produced ETA clones with solid performance and reliability. Common types include clones of ETA 2824, 2836, and 2892, with 2836 often used in Rolex replicas.

c. Price
Replica prices are generally determined by the movement used. Those priced between 1,000 to 2,500 RMB often use Seagull-made ETA 2892 clones, which look and function very similarly to the real ETA 2892 and are often found in ultra-thin models.
Replicas priced between 1,500 to 3,000 RMB usually use Shanghai or Dandong-made ETA 7750 chronograph clones. Even reputable Chinese brands like Fiyta and Rossini use these movements in their chronograph lines. Hand-wound models often use ETA 6497 clones from Hangzhou or Seagull, which are commonly seen in Panerai-style watches and rival the original ETA versions in precision.

Higher-end models ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 RMB often feature tourbillons. Most replica tourbillons come from Dandong or Beijing, although Seagull makes some of the best tourbillons (though they’re expensive, so rarely used in replicas).

4. Wearing a High-Quality Replica Watch

These watches can now match genuine ones in function, so proper use and maintenance are essential.

  1. A 30M or 50M water resistance rating does not mean you can submerge the watch to that depth. These ratings only cover everyday waterproofing and cannot withstand swimming.
  2. Although waterproof replicas have sealed cases to prevent sweat or splashes, they aren’t suitable for immersion. Water activities increase pressure on the watch case, and due to thermal expansion and contraction, condensation may form inside the movement, eventually causing rust.
  3. Leather straps — whether calfskin or alligator — have a limited lifespan and usually need replacing after 2–3 years. To preserve their appearance, avoid contact with chemicals, acids, alkalis, and salts.
  4. Avoid wearing watches during strenuous outdoor activities. High-speed wrist movements can damage the movement. Mechanical watches have limited anti-magnetic capabilities, and exposure to strong magnetic fields can magnetize components like the hairspring, affecting accuracy.
  5. If you don’t wear the watch for a long time, manually wind it periodically to keep it functioning.
  6. Mechanical watches inherently have more deviation than quartz watches. If you can’t tolerate small timing errors, consider switching to quartz or digital watches.
  7. Avoid using the quick-set date function between 10 PM and 2 AM — this is the “danger zone” when the date wheel is engaged. Adjusting during this period can damage internal components.
  8. For summer wear, if using a leather strap, consider switching to nylon or rubber to avoid sweat damage.

Top 10 High-End Replica Watch Factories

China’s replica watch industry is vast, with numerous well-known factories, each with its own standout models. Examples include N, H, VS, ZF, KW, JF, BP, MK, EW, and V6. The replica market is chaotic and competitive. For instance, Noob and H Factory might share the same case supplier. Therefore, it’s important not to idolize certain factories or underestimate others. Each factory specializes in different watch types — for example, Noob is famous for the Submariner, Fifty Fathoms, and Master Compressor, but it doesn’t make Cartier Ballon Bleu.

Two questions frequently asked by buyers: “Who makes all the replica watches?” and “Who is the best?” Below are the 10 top-tier factories.

1. Noob Factory

History and Rise
Noob Factory was founded in 2003 by a group of passionate watchmakers. Initially producing a small number of high-quality replicas, the factory quickly built a strong reputation. In 2009, they launched a Rolex Submariner replica, which became a massive success on major watch forums like RWI and RWG. Around 2013, Noob hit its peak, offering the most models and molds in the industry. With advanced manufacturing techniques — including CNC milling and laser welding — Noob faithfully reproduced even the smallest details. It also used authentic materials like 316L steel, sapphire crystal, and Super-LumiNova lume.

Notably, Noob invested heavily in developing a replica Rolex Daytona 4130 movement. This movement is considered one of the best in the replica world, mirroring the original’s functionality, structure, and thickness, with top-tier stability and accuracy.

Collapse and Crisis
Despite its success, Noob faced serious challenges. In 2021, some sellers passed off Noob replicas as genuine watches, which triggered legal crackdowns. On September 20, 2021, Noob Factory was shut down, and a huge number of watches were destroyed. The market spiraled into chaos, with many poor-quality imitations falsely labeled as Noob products. Daytona clones in particular suffered, with fake 4130 movements being passed off as genuine.

Revival and Future
After lengthy negotiations and restructuring, Noob announced its return in December 2023. Backed by new funding and management, the factory resumed production with strict quality controls and a smaller but more focused lineup. Noob’s revival restored faith in the replica industry and breathed new life into the market.

How to Tell Real Noob From Fakes
Authentic Noob watches boast highly refined dials, case finishes, and solid movements. Their build quality, feel, and precision surpass most fakes that use lower-grade movements and parts.

2. Clean Factory

Established in 2014, Clean Factory has emerged as one of the most reputable names in the replica watch industry. Since 2021, while several well-known manufacturers such as NOOB, VS, MKS, XF, V6, and AR have faced various production slowdowns or closures, Clean Factory has steadily grown by integrating and building upon the technologies originally developed by these predecessors.

By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques and maintaining strict quality control, Clean Factory has been able to produce high-end replica watches that are widely praised for their precision and craftsmanship. Their “Super Clone” Rolex models, in particular, stand out for their accuracy, finish, and use of high-grade materials.

With a focus on both quality and consistency, Clean Factory continues to set a high standard within the replica market, offering timepieces that combine the luxurious appeal of Rolex with far more accessible pricing.

3. JF Factory

JF comes from “J12 Factory,” originally focused on Chanel J12 watches. Its rise began with success in that niche, allowing the factory to grow and invest in other brands. In 2012, Noob released its legendary AP15703 replica, but JF improved upon it and released its own upgraded version. Over time, JF built its reputation with complicated materials like carbon fiber, titanium, and ceramic.

JF’s strength lies in Audemars Piguet chronographs — they dominate this category. After Noob stopped including the anti-magnetic shield in their AP models, JF took the lead. JF’s AP lineup never needed price cuts — demand stayed high.

In recent years, JF also made serious moves into the Rolex space. Its V10 Submariner and Daytona quickly challenged Noob and BP, gaining significant market share.

JF also produces an excellent Cartier Ballon Bleu, competing head-to-head with V6.

Main Products:

  • AP Royal Oak Offshore chronographs
  • Rolex Daytona and Yacht-Master
  • Longines 7750 chronographs
  • Cartier Ballon Bleu
  • Breitling, TAG Heuer, and more

4. ZF Factory

ZF is often called “the most promising factory.” It rose to fame with its IWC Portugieser 7-day model. Initially, ZF collaborated with KW, but they eventually split due to internal conflicts.

ZF’s breakout success came with the Tudor Black Bay and full-range Panerai P9000 models. They’re known for incredible attention to detail — even their clasps are top-tier. This level of detail sets ZF apart from many other factories.

While ZF doesn’t produce a huge variety of watches, each model is carefully crafted. Notable examples include:

  • IWC Portugieser and Pilot watches
  • Tudor Black Bay “Snowflake”
  • Panerai PAM00604 engravings
  • PAM00127 and PAM00217 updated editions

Main Products:

  • IWC (Portugieser, Big Pilot)
  • Panerai full lineup
  • Tudor Black Bay series
  • Bell & Ross (BR), Linde Werdelin

5. HBB V6 Factory

Also known as HBB or V6, the factory gained fame from Hublot Big Bang replicas. At one time, Hublot was extremely hot, much like Panerai today. V6 quickly capitalized and still dominates Hublot replicas.

Some believe V6 is a sub-factory of Noob due to their synchronized production strategies. For example, Noob avoids making models that V6 already covers, suggesting coordination between the two.

V6’s biggest achievements include:

  • Hublot
  • Cartier Ballon Bleu
  • IWC Mark 16
  • TAG Heuer

Main Products:

  • Baume & Mercier
  • Cartier
  • Chaumet
  • Chopard
  • Corum
  • Franck Muller
  • Hublot
  • IWC
  • LV
  • Omega
  • Patek Philippe
  • Paul Picot
  • Roger Dubuis
  • TAG Heuer
  • U-Boat

V6 still dominates in:

  • Hublot
  • Cartier Ballon Bleu
  • TAG Heuer
  • IWC

Other brands (e.g., Franck Muller, Roger Dubuis) are being phased out.

6. XF Factory (Formerly Known as KW Factory)

XF, previously called KW (Kuvarsit Watch), is known in the industry as the “foreign factory” because its founder is a Turkish replica dealer. XF is considered a sibling to V6 factory, possibly sharing the same ownership but with clearly separated product lines. The founder had a deep interest in Panerai watches, which led to the development of PAM359, PAM386, PAM441, and PAM375.

KW’s Panerai models gained popularity for their exceptional quality and attention to detail. Even though some minor flaws remained — such as movement engravings — the overall aesthetic and case modeling closely resembled the original. Today, KW has successfully replicated around 200 out of 300 official Panerai models.

Most of KW’s products are exported overseas, and their product line is extensive. They maintain high standards in both craftsmanship and quality control. KW’s most iconic watches include Panerai models such as PAM441, PAM127, PAM382, PAM508, and PAM438. Their production pace keeps up with genuine models, ensuring freshness and relevance.

Top Products:

  • Panerai
  • Omega
  • SevenFriday
  • Recently released Cartier Cle de Cartier, IWC Mark XVII Le Petit Prince

7. V9 Factory

V9 began as a secondary developer working on Ballon Bleu for Noob Factory. After getting full rights to produce Ballon Bleu, V9 sourced parts directly from Noob’s suppliers. Their top-tier version uses genuine gold-plating methods to replicate the appearance of authentic gold-and-diamond models. V9 also uses genuine alligator leather and Czech crystals for diamond substitutes.

In 2018, V9 launched an upgraded Ballon Bleu that even used genuine Swiss movements and eliminated the calendar gap seen in earlier no-date versions. Later, V9 also developed a Rolex Submariner using a blue Parachrom hairspring-equipped 3135 clone movement and fully CNC-machined case parts.

V9’s philosophy: “Use genuine watches for mold design, and always compare against the original.” It’s considered a “Buddhist-style” factory — quietly dedicated to perfection.

8. VS Factory

VS is a relatively new player in the replica watch scene. In late 2016, the factory released its first high-quality Panerai — the PAM441 — using a randomly serialized clone movement. Its success earned VS the reputation of a quality-first manufacturer.

After the success of PAM441, VS followed with PAM320 and PAM312, both of which were well received. One of VS’s most impressive achievements was recreating the split-second chronograph function on the PAM213 — something no other factory had done before.

If you’re buying Panerai replicas, buy from VS. They are the current standard-setter in that niche.

Top Products:

  • Panerai entire lineup

9. YL Factory

YL is often jokingly referred to as “ZF’s eternal follower.” It rose to fame with a competitive version of the IWC Portugieser 7-Day (Portuguese 7). YL carved out market space by offering competitive pricing. Though its attention to detail may not match ZF, its sales have often surpassed it, especially since many sellers push YL due to better profit margins.

YL’s Portugieser 7 and ZF’s version each have their pros and cons, but the price gap is significant. YL also expanded to include Longines full collections and recently launched dual-calendar models competitive with JF.

YL has now earned its place among the top factories in the replica watch scene.

10. GF Factory

GF specializes in Glashütte Original and Breitling replicas — especially Breitling. If you’re looking for a Breitling replica, GF is the factory to go to.

Their Glashütte Senator line was a huge success in 2016 and firmly established their reputation. They also offer vintage and modern Avenger models.

Top Products:

  • Glashütte Senator Moonphase Big Date
  • Avenger II GMT

Closing Note:

Thank you for reading. I am someone passionate about high-end watches — helping you enjoy luxury craftsmanship at a fraction of the cost. From selecting the finest cases to tuning the most stable movements, everything is done professionally, with honesty at its core.

Trust in craftsmanship. Speak the truth. Listen to the truth.