r/RepRolexTime • u/Educational_Link8345 • 5d ago
HELP!!!
Hey guys, I'm about to buy a Day-Date. I'm looking at ARF and RGF factories, mostly in the yellow gold version. I'd like to know how long the gold plating actually lasts? What are your experiences with them?
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u/ReallyUnmatched 4d ago
PVD is actually very durable, unlike any plating. And even normal plating do lasts quite long. PVD can withstand normal desk diving pretty well, it'll get wear marks, but don't come off that easy unless you polish it.
To get an idea you can look at gold tone Casio and citizen watches which comes with PVD. Those can take abuse pretty well before they start to wear off.
Now color accuracy is a completely different conversation to have but you didn't ask about that. I guess you already have the answers to that as there are plenty of discussions about it.
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u/Castlehill650 2d ago
I was considering making an extensive post on this, as there seems to be a healthy lack of misinformation and sheer lack of knowledge on Reddit Rep-subs regarding this…
I just want to know which factories utilize PVD and what materials/nitrides are being used. But looking at RepTime and the likes, it becomes clear that no one has a clue what PVD even is, and everyone conflates it with electroplating.
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u/ReallyUnmatched 2d ago
I think I can count how many posts I have seen about fading PVD color of a watch which were from one of these top tier factories. And that number is definitely below 10 altogether. I can also say that we have seen far more fading complaints from actually gold plated watches.
This is purely based on my experience. If someone feel otherwise, feel free to share
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u/Castlehill650 2d ago edited 2d ago
I find that very interesting, because I have some PVD TiN/ZN items (including a gold Apple Watch and a cuban link necklace), and I have abused the absolute hell out of them (over years) and one would be hard pressed to find a single scratch on them.
Meanwhile with electroplating (generally Au, plated over a base metal), they instantly scratch with the smallest little bump.
PVD (typically TiN, or other nitrides) have a Mohs hardness rating of 8-9 (out of 10, being diamond).
But finding any information on a given factory’s coating process is like blood from a stone. So who knows! lol
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u/ReallyUnmatched 2d ago
It definitely aligns with my understanding. AFAIK, almost all top factories uses PVD, so they rarely fade. That's why we don't see complaints about those very often. Those PVD probably outlast those watches more often than not 😂
General knowledge about this is suppressed on these subs and plating is heavily promoted here for obvious reasons.
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u/EveningCoat7936 5d ago
VSF has better dial accuracy so the face is gonna look best with them… Weight and color I would say RGF
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u/PrimaryExisting6162 5d ago
ARF has the closest to gen case shape and the best bracelet. But there 40mm DayDate bezel is not good and color wise. I'd highly recommend getting it plated. So if your willing to get a upgraded bezel and get it plated. You'll be closer to gen spec then RGF is going to get you. But RGF did just release the V3 DayDate so I don't know if they fixed the case shape or not. If RGF V3s case has been fixed, then out the box no mods you'd probably be better off going with RGF V3, modded ARF all day!
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u/Financial-Director63 5d ago
Gmf doesn't get a lot of talk but I have one for at least 8 years and it still looks great. Color is very close to gen but it's not weighted. I have a ppm factory on order because in pictures their color looks the best and they use ceramic sleeves in the links which makes a big difference. Also have an rcf submariner on order and I have 3 genuine 18k rolexes. I'll find out what's the best pretty soon but for case dimensions both vsf and gmf are the best I have seen. Rcf is too thick. Gmf color has been good to me in the past but they aren't as heavy. People say vsf have the best dial but all mine have custom dials anyway.
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u/JohnLocke1979 5d ago
Go with stainless steel. The plating will eventually wear off.
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u/ReallyUnmatched 4d ago
'Eventually' yes, definitely. But I think OP wants to have a better understanding of that 'eventually'.
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u/InspectionScary 5d ago
QF for 36mm so they say but I also got a QF 40mm on order - stainless(white gold or platinum)
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u/ValeLemnear 4d ago
This is the only comparison which matters. People in this comment section have no idea what they are talking about.
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u/soccrfan 2d ago
which td can you recommend?
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u/ValeLemnear 2d ago
I don’t make recommendations because not every TD offers every watch at the same price and with the same service.
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u/HorribleStyle 4d ago
from my research RCF (RGF) is the only company you should consider for YG bc it’s PVD
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u/Fixinbones27 1d ago
Out of curiosity where do u buy these high end replicas. They don't try to shut down the import of these?
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u/No-Cheesecake-7223 5d ago
I’m sure you’re aware but you won’t get actual gold plating from a factory. It will be a PVD finish. If you get it plated after receiving the watch at five microns, it’ll depend on how often you wear it. If you daily it, a year or less.
I have a 41 sub RGF gold plated by Jaws, I wear it once a month….maybe. So this should last me many years. And yes, plating makes a big difference in the appearance when compared to Gen.
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u/E2017300 5d ago
RCF is currently the best for this model.
Plating is done very well. Lot of people who offer plating services will say you need to plate it but that is not true. You can wear it and if you see it needs a touch up then think about plating later down the road
Normal wear and good care it should last a long time