Hello everyone, I am purewatches. In the watch circle, there has always been a saying: “The smaller the diameter of the watch, the more authentic the taste.” Especially for those who like retro style or have a wrist circumference of about 16cm, the 36mm watch diameter is simply the golden size. What we are going to talk about today is an “old internet celebrity” that the KRF factory has recently resumed production – Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000, retro version 36 mm.
Many newcomers may be unfamiliar with the KRF brand, but in the eyes of experienced players, it is a solid old brand. This 116000 was produced in batches as early as 2016, and was discontinued for a period of time. Recently, the factory decided to reopen the mold for shipment, which suddenly attracted a lot of attention. The two main colors I got this time are the classic deep blue and the calm black, both of which are very contemporary.
Disk and mirror: the soul of retro flavor
When I get the actual product, the first feeling is “moist”. Let’s look at the mirror first. KRF used sapphire glass this time and deliberately controlled the height to be consistent with the original version. Turning the watch under the light, the radial pattern effect on the disk is very delicate, not the cheap thick brushing, but a layered gradient. Especially the blue model, the color is very correct and there is no color cast. This retro blue has completely different expressions indoors and in the sun, and it is very textured.
Look closely at the scale. This is the key point to check the workmanship. Each nail scale has been chamfered, making it round to the touch without cutting your hands, and there are no burrs on the edges. The central axis of the pointer is also worthy of praise. It is made of a solid central axis, which is the “hat axis” in the jargon. This is easily overlooked by many low-end products, but KRF has restored it well. The printed fonts on the disk have a slight sense of pressure and a strong three-dimensional effect, including the crown logo at 12 o’clock, which is not flat printing, and the details can withstand magnification.
Case and strap: Guarantee of wearing comfort
The advantage of the 36mm case lies in its fit. The case is made of fine steel, and the four sides are polished very smoothly without the sharp edges, which is very important for the daily wearing experience. The strap is a classic beaded strap. The engraving on the buckle is moderately deep and clear, and the crown logo is also very three-dimensional. Overall, when held in the hand, the weight feels moderate, and it does not feel light or too heavy.
Movement Analysis: Stability is the last word
Many watch friends are concerned about movement issues. This 116000 is equipped with Shanghai 3130 movement. A special note here is that when you get it, you may find that the movement is “white machine”, that is, there is not much engraving decoration. This is actually a trade-off made by the factory for stability. It omits part of the polishing and engraving process and directly installs the movement.
Don’t worry, Shanghai 3130 has a solid reputation in the imitation watch world. As a simple three-hand movement, it has an extremely low failure rate, stable running time, and durability that can fully meet daily needs. For this retro style, the stability of the movement is far more important than fancy polishing. After all, what we buy is jewelry for daily wear, not for display in the cabinet.
Summary suggestions
In general, KRF’s Oyster Perpetual 116000 is very competitive in the 36mm segment. It does not blindly pursue large watch diameters, but captures the needs of retro and small-wrist people. The color matching of the dial, the polishing of the scales and the stability of the movement all show the level of the old factory.
If you’ve been looking for an unobtrusive yet tasteful retro watch for your daily commute, or if your wrist is too small to fit a 41mm watch, then the 116000 from KRF is definitely worth considering. After all, a classic is a classic because it stands the test of time.