Speaking of Rolex’s “big brother watch”, the dual calendar DD (Day-Date) is absolutely unavoidable. Day of the week + calendar dual windows + precious metal texture, wearing it on your hand is not only about telling time, but also a status symbol.
However, the public price of the original version is hundreds of thousands, so many watch friends who like DD can only look at “double” and sigh. Fortunately, the replica market gives us a “replacement” option. There are many factories on the market that make counterweighted DDs, but the two that can really make them are RC Factory (soon to be renamed RG) and VS Factory.
Today purewatches will compare the weighted versions of these two DDs together. I won’t be too boastful, but let’s talk about which one is more worth buying.
1. Weight comparison: 210 grams vs 182 grams, what is the difference?
Let’s talk about the most intuitive difference first: weight.
| Comparative item | RC factory counterweight version | VS Factory V2 Counterweight Version |
|---|---|---|
| Whole table weight | 209-210 g | About 182 grams |
| original weight | Approx. 210 g | Approx. 210 g |
| Counterweight method | Strap 29 sections + thickened back cover | Strap 27 sections + head weight |
RC factory advantages：
- The weight is almost 1:1 restored to the original version, and the heavy “gold watch feel” is very good when you first use it;
- The strap has a 29-section design, making it more comfortable for those with long wrists to wear, without the embarrassment of “the strap is not long enough”.
VS Factory Advantages：
- The thickness of 12.2mm is closer to the original 12mm, and the RC factory 12.6mm is slightly thicker;
- The 27-section strap is the original standard design, which will not look bloated and the overall proportions will be more coordinated.
purewatchesView: If you pursue the ultimate “pressure feel”, the 210-gram model from the RC factory is more comfortable; if you care more about size proportions and wearing coordination, the 182-gram model from the VS factory is solid enough for daily wear.
2. Movement comparison: Dandong 3255 vs Shanghai 3255, who is more stable?
As for the movement, both companies use the 3255 integrated movement, but the sources are different.
| Comparative item | VS Factory Dandong 3255 | RC Factory Shanghai 3255 |
|---|---|---|
| power reserve | about 70 hours | about 72 hours |
| Reputation of stability | Low repair rate and long-term market verification | Recently upgraded, reputation is accumulating |
| Tuning experience | Smooth when moving forward or backward, no jamming | Function synchronization, operation logic alignment |
| exclusivity | VS exclusive supply, rare on the market | Available in multiple factories, strong versatility |
VS Factory Dandong 3255 Advantages：
- The market verification time is long and the repair rate has a more stable reputation;
- Exclusively adjusted by VS factory, with mature quality control process and 24-hour power test before leaving the factory;
- The time adjustment feels delicate, the calendar jumps crisply, and the function linkage is reliable.
RC Factory Shanghai 3255 Advantages：
- The power reserve is slightly longer than 2 hours, and the difference in daily wear is not strong;
- Recent process upgrades have significantly improved stability;
- It has strong versatility and is easier to find later maintenance parts.
purewatchesView: The difference between the two movements in daily wearing experience is very small, and 70+ hours of power is enough. If you care more about “long-term stability and reputation”, the Dandong movement of the VS factory is more reassuring; if you believe in “new process upgrades”, the Shanghai movement of the RC factory is also completely reliable.
3. Disk workmanship: RC color adjustment is more delicate, VS pointer is slightly inferior
The details of the board are the soul of DD, and each company has its own merits.
RC factory advantages：
- The radial pattern on the disk surface ranks first in fineness, and the gradient effect is natural when the light turns;
- The gold color (rose gold/yellow) is very accurate, and it is difficult to tell with the naked eye when compared with the original version;
- The font printing has a strong three-dimensional effect, the edges are sharp and non-smudged, and the calendar window is centered and full.
VS Factory Advantages：
- The scales have a strong three-dimensional feel, the luminous filling is even, and the reading is clear at night;
- The calendar instant jump function is accurate and the midnight jump is crisp and clear;
- After the V2 version pointer upgrade, the burr feeling is reduced, and the overall quality control is stable.
Objectively insufficient：
- There are still slight burrs on the edge of the hands of the VS factory when enlarged, which is slightly different from the delicate polishing of the RC factory;
- The thickness of the RC factory shell is 12.6mm, which is slightly thicker than the original version, so you should lower your expectations.
purewatchesView: Both companies are in the first echelon in terms of panel workmanship. The RC factory is slightly better in color matching and radial patterns, while the VS factory is more stable in functional details. In terms of daily social distance, there is basically no obvious difference between the two families.
4. Watch straps and buckles: details determine the upper limit of wearing
RC factory strap：
- 29-section design makes the watch more comfortable for those with long wrists;
- The chain links are finely polished and the brushed texture is even, making it fit snugly on the wrist;
- The internal engraving of the buckle is clear, the opening and closing damping is moderate, and the details are well controlled.
VS factory strap：
- 27 sections of the original standard design, with coordinated proportions and not bloated;
- The chain links have rounded chamfers and no burrs on the edges, making them highly comfortable to wear;
- The buckle adopts “Flat A” font + anti-counterfeiting five-point code, and the quality control details are rigorous.
purewatchesView: For wrists above 18cm, choose the RC factory 29-section for more comfort; for wrists between 16-18cm, choose the VS factory 27-section for more coordinated proportions. The details of the buckle are both in place, just choose according to personal preference.
5. Real comparison and summary, no exaggeration or disgrace
| Contrast Dimensions | RC factory counterweight version | VS Factory V2 Counterweight Version | Recommended group |
|---|---|---|---|
| weight reduction | ✅ 210g ultimate weight | ⭕ 182g balanced weight | If you’re looking for a tight feel, choose RC; if you’re looking for proportion, choose VS. |
| thickness control | ⭕ 12.6mm slightly thicker | ✅ 12.2mm closer to the original version | If you care about thickness, choose VS |
| Movement stability | ⭕ Shanghai 3255 is being upgraded | ✅ Dandong 3255 has a stable reputation | If you want stability, choose VS; if you believe in new technology, choose RC. |
| Disk color matching | ✅ Radial lines + golden coloring is more delicate | ⭕ The three-dimensional effect is sufficient, but the pointer is slightly inferior. | Appearance party election RC, functional party election VS |
| Strap design | ✅ 29 sections suitable for long wrists | ✅ 27 sections original proportions | Choose according to wrist size |
| Quality control details | ✅ Solid workmanship and in place details | ✅ Flat head A+ strict anti-counterfeiting code | Both are reliable |
6. Buying advice: Which one to choose?
Situation when choosing RC factory：
- Pursuing the ultimate weight of 210 grams, it gives you a “gold watch feel”;
- For wrists above 18cm, the 29-section strap is more comfortable to wear;
- Prefer rose gold/gold color tones, and have high requirements for the fineness of the radial pattern on the disk surface;
- I believe in new technology upgrades and am willing to try the Shanghai 3255 movement.
Situation when choosing VS factory：
- Pursuing the ultra-thin ratio of 12.2mm, priority is given to wearing coordination;
- Wrist 16-18cm, 27-section strap has more classic proportions;
- If you are more concerned about the long-term stability of the movement, Dandong 3255 is more reassuring;
- I like the quality control of details such as “Flat A” and have high requirements for functional linkage.
personal advice from purewatches: Both companies are currently in the first echelon of DD replicas. There is no absolute “who is better”, only “who is more suitable for you”. If you are really confused, go to the counter and try on the original version, feel the difference between the 27-section strap and the 29-section strap, and it’s not too late to decide.
Warm reminder: This article is only for communication and reference for watch enthusiasts, and supports genuine products and rational consumption. Buy a watch because you like it, don’t let “face” kidnap your wallet. Having fun wearing a watch is the most important thing.