In the domestic replica watch circle, Omega 26240 has always been the most popular. The V2 card-free version recently launched by the APS factory not only impresses old players, but is also called by many watch friends as “the replica flyback chronograph that is currently closest to genuine craftsmanship.” Compared with the early V1 version and other competing products on the market, what is the advantage of this V2? Is it worth spending the extra money? Today we will put aside the marketing rhetoric and explain everything from the movement, details, wearing experience to purchasing suggestions.
1. True card-free degree vs pseudo card-free degree: the “hard core difference” in the balance wheel
Many people get excited when they hear “card-free”, but many so-called “card-free” products on the market are actually reduced versions of “card-free but no weights”. The breakthrough of APS Factory V2 is that it did itComplete structure: Not only has the speed needle (card) been completely removed, but it is also equipped with a yellow balance wheel4 adjustable weights, completely replicating the design logic of genuine high-end movements.
You must know that the genuine Omega flyback watch of the same model (such as the Asset Fund series) starts at 450,000, and only uses this cardless weight balance wheel. APS Factory V2 has realized this process at a replica price, which can be called a “dimensionality reduction strike”.
In contrast, although the V1 version also uses the Shanghai 4401 integrated movement, it uses a “hidden card”, which essentially has card adjustment; while some competing products (such as the DDF Factory Dandong 4401 version) claim to have no card, butNot even weights, which belongs to the category of “similar in appearance but not similar in spirit”, and the long-term accuracy and stability are questionable.
2. Dynamic performance: invisible details are the real skills
What’s interesting is that the weights of the V2 become “invisible” due to centrifugal force when the balance wheel rotates at high speed, making them almost invisible to the naked eye, and there is no sense of discomfort in daily wear. The hidden card of V1 will occasionally show traces at extreme angles – although it does not affect the use, it is always a bit psychologically uncomfortable for players who pursue the ultimate restoration.
More importantly, V2 retainsPull out the needle and pause for secondsFunction (the second hand pauses when adjusting the time), which is rare in replica watches at the same price, makes the time setting more accurate and directly maximizes the experience.
3. Stability: Veterans are reliable, rookies can be expected
Since V1 was launched at the end of 2024, the market feedback has been stable in the past year, and there have been basically no problems such as stolen stops and large errors. The only minor flaw is the occasional “scratch” (the timing hand does not completely return to zero), but it does not affect the function. Although V2 has just been shipped, it has been upgraded based on the same mature movement platform and the core structure has not changed. In addition, the manufacturer has further optimized details such as lettering and assembly. The stability is worth looking forward to.
However, please note: V2 also has the hidden danger of “needle scratching”, which is a common problem in this series. If you mind, you can return it to the factory for fine-tuning later.
4. How to choose the disk surface? Black and white are the most stable, others need to be cautious
APS Factory V2 provides a variety of colors, but from the perspective of restoration and practicality:
- black plate: Zero color difference, clear plaid pattern, small disc CD pattern with natural reflection, almost no flaws in daily wear;
- white plate: Refreshing and durable, the brightness of the plaid pattern is highly consistent with the original product, versatile for commuting;
- Charity blue, purple, green, double gold models: Either due to the lack of genuine reference, or problems with color difference or plating process (such as the risk of rust for double gold models), it is recommended to purchase with caution.
In terms of details, V2 has reached the upstream level of domestic replicas in terms of grid connection, calendar position, etc. Although there are millimeter-level differences with the genuine products, they are not visible at all in daily life and do not affect the “face” at all.
5. V1 vs V2, how to choose?
- Choose V2: If you have sufficient budget, pursue the restoration of movement craftsmanship, and plan to wear or collect it for a long time, V2’s card-free weight balance + integrated movement combination is definitely the “top configuration” of the current 26240 series.
- Choose V1: If you value cost-effectiveness more, it doesn’t matter whether it has card or not. V1’s stability has been verified, its price is lower, and it is completely sufficient for daily use.
As for the DDF factory’s Dandong 4401 version? At present, there is a lack of market verification, and the weightless design has inherent shortcomings. It is recommended to wait and see, and is not recommended as a main watch.
Conclusion: The “new height” of domestic replicas
The emergence of the APS factory 26240 V2 card-free version is not only a version iteration, but also a sign that domestic replicas are moving from “usable” to “refined”. It uses reasonable pricing to achieve an in-depth restoration of the core craftsmanship of the genuine product – both the hard-core movement with “lining” and the exquisite dial with “face”.
If you are looking for a highly restored flyback chronograph that can be worn daily and satisfy your desire for collection, then V2 is probably your best choice at this stage.