Which Factory Should I Choose For The Rolex Daytona Panda Dial? Factory C, BT, N, APS, Or ZF?

Hello everyone, I’m CH Watch. I’m passionate about sharing watch knowledge, comparing genuine and replica models, disassembling, reviewing, and guiding you on your watch-collecting journey to help you avoid getting lost along the way. Today, Brother Tao is diving into a fascinating topic: Why are most manufacturers in the market replicating the Panda Di/Panda Daytona version of the Rolex Daytona, specifically the m116500In-0001 model? This watch is affectionately called “Panda Di” because of its black and white design and the three small chronograph subdials that resemble a panda’s eyes. In fact, in the current replica market, this Daytona is one of the most popular models and has even started to surpass the sales of Rolex’s Green Submariner. Let’s explore how many manufacturers are replicating this popular Daytona model today.

In the CH watch market, we can observe that there are at least ten versions of the Panda Daytona. The primary distinction lies in the movement type. Typically, versions equipped with the 7750 movement are considered entry-level, as most CH watchmakers opt for the 4130 movement. In addition to the 7750, there are also 7750 movements modified to resemble the 4130, but this is often a tactic used by unscrupulous sellers. The top tier features the genuine 4130 movement, which can be either the Dandong 4130 or Shanghai 4130. Both claim a 72-hour power reserve with fully functional chronographs. However, only the Dandong 4130 actually delivers over 70 hours, whereas the Shanghai 4130 offers just over 50 hours. It’s uncertain if there are inconsistencies in CH watch market testing methods, so any insights or corrections are welcome.

As for the manufacturers, Factory N initially produced the Panda Daytona, but after facing bankruptcy, it transferred the Dandong 4130 movement to Clean Factory, BT Factory, and a newly established Factory N. However, the quality of the new Factory N’s products has been subpar, so it’s not a focus here. Currently, the Daytona V3 from Clean Factory and the version from BT Factory stand out as the market leaders. Over time, these two factories have nearly dominated the replica market, primarily because both utilize the Dandong 4130 movement and consistently refine and enhance their attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Now, let’s consider the EW Factory. Their Panda Daytona model features the 7750 modified to resemble the 4130 movement, which dates back to their 2021 offerings and falls into the lower-end category, so we won’t delve into those here. Following Clean Factory, APS Factory also entered the Panda Daytona replica market, but their sales haven’t been significant. This is mainly because APS Factory diversified its focus across multiple models—such as AP, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Rolex—without concentrating on the Panda Daytona. Their strength, however, lies in their use of the Shanghai 4130 movement.

While APS uses the Shanghai 4130 movement, which achieves around 97% structural accuracy compared to the original, with a 72-hour power reserve and fully restored timing function, the exterior details aren’t executed at the highest level. As a result, the movement doesn’t truly stand out. In terms of pricing, APS is comparable to other brands, making it less attractive. You could get a better option at the same price, so APS finds itself in a somewhat awkward position with the release of the Panda Daytona.

Recently, we also reviewed ZF Factory’s version of the Panda Daytona. Although ZF has made notable strides with their Submariners, they still fall short on finer detail work. Their Panda Daytona looks good overall, but it’s powered by the Ca1.4130 movement—a self-developed option rather than the Shanghai or Dandong movements. Currently, there are around 4 to 5 versions of the Panda Daytona available, and including the 7750 movement versions, there are at least 10. The number of manufacturers reproducing this model reflects its popularity with consumers. My personal ranking places Clean Factory first, followed by BT Factory and then ZF Factory.

In conclusion, for those looking to purchase a CH Rolex Panda Daytona, the Clean Factory Daytona V3 version is the standout option among various manufacturers. It boasts exceptional attention to detail and top-notch craftsmanship, particularly regarding its movement, which meets the exacting standards of watch enthusiasts. While other manufacturers have their merits, the Clean Factory Panda Daytona is undoubtedly the best choice at this time.

I hope that CH Watches’ article can help you. If you are interested, you may wish to pay more attention to this site. We will update more detailed disassembly, real shot evaluation, and true and false comparison in the future. If you are rational enough and do not like to listen to sweet talk, please contact us on WhatsApp. We welcome further consultation.