Hello everyone, I’m CH Watch. I’m passionate about sharing watch knowledge, comparing authentic and replica pieces, and offering disassembly reviews to guide you on your watch journey, helping you navigate without getting lost. Rolex, as we know, is highly sought after by watch enthusiasts across all fields and is a brand often in short supply. Each series under Rolex is frequently out of stock. Today, let’s focus on the Daytona model, specifically the one famously worn by Shawn Yue. While this Rolex is popularly referred to as the “Shawn Yue,” it isn’t because he endorsed it, but because he wore it at his wedding. The model, 116518LN, features an 18K gold case, rubber strap, and small black dial, making it one of the most coveted pieces around. After Shawn Yue wore it, fans went wild for this watch. In the replica market, the CLEAN factory version stands out as the best for its craftsmanship, particularly with the 4130 movement, which brings the watch’s thickness in line with the original. In terms of functionality, CLEAN factory has also achieved excellent synchronization. Here, we’re referring specifically to the authentic CLEAN factory version. In the following, I’ll analyze this watch in more detail and share high-definition images of its details.
Review of the CLEAN Factory Rolex Daytona 116518, Shawn Yue Edition
This gold rubber-strap Daytona watch features a 40mm diameter and a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Not only is it resistant to corrosion and scratches, but it also employs PVD technology to plate platinum or gold, enhancing the clarity of the scale. The one-piece Cerachrom ceramic bezel secures the crystal to the case, ensuring waterproof performance. The dial includes a tachymeter scale, three chronograph sub-dials, and chronograph pushers, making it an ideal timepiece for endurance racing while also embodying a symmetrical and balanced design aesthetic.
When it comes to gold-tone strap watches, three highly popular models stand out, each with unique features. Due to the high cost of the originals, many watch enthusiasts have started considering replicas. Previously, no factory had perfected the replicas of these three models. Now, however, the CLEAN factory, which has garnered significant anticipation, has finally launched this new collection.
The Rolex Daytona 116518, identical to the one worn by Shawn Yue and produced by CLEAN Factory, features a 40mm diameter and a 12.3mm thickness. Its highly transparent sapphire crystal mirror enhances visibility. The case is crafted from 904L stainless steel and plated with 2N18K gold, giving it a more vibrant, radiant, and luxurious appearance. The polished gold material exudes a rich allure, creating a striking first impression. The watch also boasts a high-tech, integrated Cerachrom ceramic bezel, which offers a superb texture along with excellent qualities such as corrosion resistance, scratch resistance, and UV stability, ensuring it won’t fade over time.
The case of the Rolex Daytona 116518, similar to the one worn by Shawn Yue from CLEAN Factory, has a refined and intricate appearance. The primary distinction from the original is that this version is gold-plated. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, it then undergoes an 18K gold electroplating process.
The question is, will the gold on the Daytona wear off if it is removed?
Since it is gold-plated, it will eventually undergo oxidation over time. The rate of oxidation depends on factors like craftsmanship, time, and maintenance. However, with advancements in gold-plating technology and proper care—avoiding contact with chemicals—it typically holds up well. The side profile is elevated, with a polished case that creates a mirror-like appearance, while the curved design of the lugs fits the wrist comfortably, showcasing sharp, well-defined edges.
The gold dial features three-dimensional hour markers along with central hour and minute hands, all enhanced with Rolex’s patented luminescent materials. In low-light conditions, these elements emit a bright glow, ensuring easy readability while adding a stunning aesthetic appeal.
The crown is equipped with a triple-lock screw-in waterproof system, providing enhanced water resistance. The upper and lower pushers serve to start and stop the timing function, respectively. Although the knob features a serrated design, it feels smooth to the touch. Similarly, the time adjustment knob has rounded edges, ensuring a comfortable handling experience.
The three crowns are screw-down, mirroring the original design. The chronograph start and stop button is located at the 2 o’clock position, the time adjustment crown is at 3 o’clock, and the reset button for the chronograph hand is at 4 o’clock, all contributing to a symmetrical and balanced aesthetic. Despite the complex functionalities, the crown design remains sleek, with a delicately carved, lifelike crown logo. The watch features high-brightness sapphire crystal glass that has undergone anti-reflective treatment, offering excellent clarity. The mirror and outer bezel are securely fitted together, ensuring waterproof performance during everyday use. A close-up at the 6 o’clock position reveals the Rolex logo, which stands out with a strong three-dimensional effect.
The watch strap is a newly upgraded version from the Clean factory, featuring memory steel and Daytona tape. Its size, hardness, material, and craftsmanship have all been enhanced to match the original, ensuring a comfortable fit that won’t irritate the wrist. The strap is available in various sizes to prevent it from being too loose or too tight. Additionally, the gold clasp is designed with an Oyster insurance discount and includes a 5mm easy-adjust link extension system, allowing for quick and convenient adjustments to the strap’s fit.
The back of the Rolex Daytona 116518 worn by Shawn Yue at the Clean factory features a solid case design identical to the original. It is equipped with the Dandong 4130 automatic winding movement, the same as that used by the N factory. The thickness matches the original, and all functions are fully realized at 100%. This customized 4130 movement utilizes a specialized KIF shock absorber, which is considered a premium option. The three-layer base plate is meticulously crafted to mirror the original, from the chamfering to the sunburst pattern, resulting in an appearance that closely resembles the authentic watch.
The Dandong 4130 movement featured in the Clean factory Daytona speaks for itself. Considerable investment went into acquiring CNC machinery to replicate the original movement mold, ensuring minimal damping for each bearing and gear. This movement is a genuine one-piece design, free from additional molds, decks, or imitation gears, allowing for a slimmer case profile. The intricate detailing and wash patterns on the movement’s surface are refined and exquisite, with clear, deep lettering that stands in stark contrast to the rough textures found in ordinary versions. This Ca1.4130 one-piece movement is synchronized perfectly with the original model. The timing reset is precise and robust, and all functions align seamlessly with the version. Additionally, it features the original KIF shock absorber and a blue hairspring. Each movement undergoes a thorough quality control simulation test before being assembled into a watch, maintaining a reasonable error margin. With nearly three years of testing, there’s no need to be concerned about its quality.
**Summary:** Today, I provided an overview of the CLEAN factory’s Rolex Daytona 116518, which Shawn Yue wears. This replica has closely replicated the original’s beauty, making it a great option for watch enthusiasts. I hope Tao’s insights have been helpful. If you’re interested, please stay tuned to this site for more detailed disassembly analyses, real-life evaluations, and comparisons between genuine and replica models. If you prefer a straightforward conversation and don’t appreciate fluff, feel free to reach out to us on WhatsApp for more information.
