Speaking of Rolex’s “entry model”, the Explorer series is absolutely inescapable. Especially the 36mm Tanyi, which is simple, attractive and has a friendly size. It is particularly suitable for both boys and girls with small wrists. However, the public price is 50,000 to 60,000 yuan, which is indeed a bit stressful for cousins with a limited budget.
Fortunately, the replica market gives us a “replacement” option. VS Factory has previously produced Explorers in two sizes, 36mm and 40mm, both equipped with Dandong 3230 movements. The strap of the early version was a little wider, which was complained by many watch friends, but now it has been updated and the overall completion is quite high. Today purewatches will talk about the real performance of this watch.
1. Details of the disk: clean and tidy, no details are obscured
Tanyi’s disk design focuses on “minimalism”. There are no fancy functions, just three seconds + calendar, clean and neat.
Take a look at this 36mm piece from VS Factory, and the front is very clean. The central axis of the pointer is solid, not a hollow tube, and rotates smoothly without lag. The hour markers, 3, 6, 9 numbers and the inverted triangle at 12 o’clock have all been rounded and polished. The edges are rounded and will not cut your hands, and the texture is delicate to the touch. In this regard, many small factories will cut corners and directly make right angles. Once the details are compared, the secret will be revealed.
The mirror transparency is also very good, with high sapphire crystal glass + anti-reflective coating, it is not dazzling to read the time under strong light. There is a hidden small crown anti-counterfeiting mark on the inside of the 6 o’clock position, and the inner shadow is neat and clear. These small details are often the places that best reflect the quality of workmanship.
2. Case and strap: Brushed + chamfered, full texture
The overall outline of the watch case is highly consistent with the original version. The case shape has smooth lines and the curves of the lugs are polished and comfortable. It fits the wrist when worn without feeling cut.
The brushed texture of the strap is very delicate, and the texture is even and regular, not the rough “sandpaper feel”. The chamfering process on the sides is also in place, the edges are polished smoothly, and the transition between the two processes is natural, with no obvious faults or overflows.
The issue with the wider strap that was complained about in the earlier version has now been updated. The width and link ratio of the new watch strap are consistent with the original version. It will not look awkward when worn, and the overall coordination has been greatly improved.
3. Buckle details: updated coding, solid feel
VS Factory has also worked hard on the buckle part. The overall workmanship is solid, opening and closing is smooth, and there is no feeling of lag or looseness.
The internal engraving is complete, the latest code is TL1, and all the small anti-counterfeiting points can be clearly seen. The logo and model mark are neat and consistent with the original craftsmanship. The pressing feeling is crisp and powerful, the buckle is tight, and it is not easy to loosen when wearing.
A little reminder: the buckle codes of replica watches often change now, and it is no longer realistic to rely on the codes to determine which factory it is. But the details of the buckle’s feel, workmanship, and opening and closing experience cannot fool people.
4. Movement: Dandong 3230, stability and durability are king.
The movement is the core advantage of the VS Factory Explorer. The equipped Dandong 3230 integrated movement completely replicates the original 3235 structure (no calendar version), with high automatic winding efficiency and strong shock resistance.
There are three core advantages:
- power reserve: 60-70 hours, you don’t have to worry about stopping the watch even if you don’t wear it for two days;
- Stability: The repair rate is low, and the travel time error is controlled at the excellent level of replica watches;
- Easy to operate: A true first-speed movement with no gaps in time adjustment and reliable function linkage.
The operation is very simple: turn the head upward to wind the clock, and directly pull out one gear to adjust the time. If you adjust it forward, it will run forward, and if you adjust it reversely, it will run backward. After adjusting the time, just push it in and lock it. The waterproof effect is very good, so it is no problem for daily commuting, hand washing, or being exposed to rain.
Compared with ordinary movements used in other versions on the market, Dandong 3230 is superior in power, accuracy, and stability, and is also the core competitiveness of VS Factory Explorer.
5. Wearing experience: The small diameter of the watch is too friendly
The 36mm watch diameter is really good news for small wrists. According to purewatches’ actual measurement, it is very harmonious to wear on wrists under 16cm, and does not appear bulky or awkward.
The weight of the entire watch is well controlled. It does not feel light and cheap when worn on the hand, nor does it feel burdensome like the original version. It can be held in daily commuting, office, and leisure situations.
The strap links are polished and rounded, with no burrs on the edges, even splicing gaps, and a smooth feel without rubbing on the wrist. It won’t make you feel uncomfortable even if you wear it for a long time, and the comfort level is very good.
6. Real advantages and disadvantages, don’t brag or discredit them
Advantages:
- 36mm small watch diameter, suitable for small wrists or girls
- Dandong 3230 movement, 60-70 hours of power, stable and durable
- The details on the disc surface are solid, the corners are polished, and the solid center axis has no flaws.
- The strap has been updated to the correct version, with brushed texture and chamfering technology in place.
- The buckle is exquisitely made, the coding is updated, and it feels good to open and close.
- VS factory has stable quality control and high degree of detail restoration.
Disadvantages:
- The price may be slightly higher than other factories
- The waterproof performance is limited, so it is not recommended to wear it while swimming or taking a hot bath.
- Replica watches are replicas after all, and you need to accept them psychologically
- The 36mm size is too small. Those who like larger watch diameters may find it not domineering enough.
7. Buying Suggestions: Who is suitable to buy?
If your wrist is thin, or you like a simple and low-key style, then this 36mm Explorer from VS Factory is indeed worth considering. It is not the kind of low-end product that is fake at first glance. It will not look shy for daily wear or gatherings with friends.
Especially the combination of Dandong 3230 movement + matching strap is currently considered a high-quality choice among replica explorers. Although there is still a slight difference from the original version, considering the appearance, movement, and wearing experience, it does deserve the title of “entry replacement”.
Purewatches’ suggestion is: If you pursue high reproduction and stability, but don’t want to spend a lot of money to buy the original version, the VS Factory 36mm Explorer is a reliable choice on the market. Before buying, it is recommended to find reliable channels and confirm the quality inspection details to avoid pitfalls.
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.