The white dial, blue hands and classic twin-register layout make this ZF Portugieser really stand out. Powered by a 7750 movement, it’s a refreshing change from the usual sports watches.
I’ve been looking into the latest GF V3, and the upgraded ceramic bezel and case set seem to make a noticeable difference. The black-and-rose-gold combination looks especially sharp on the rubber strap, while the Sea-Gull 2824 keeps the movement simple and proven.
For anyone familiar with the earlier version, how significant do you think the V3 upgrades are?
This ZF version comes with a Sea-Gull 2824 and can also be upgraded to a Swiss SW200. For a daily wearer like this, which movement would you choose?
CBD was the first to release the 2026 Panda Daytona with a weighted build and a free-sprung 4131. QF followed with its own free-sprung 4131, and now VSF has entered the race.
These VSF QC photos came from Jun. From what I can see, the dial printing, hour markers, bezel engraving and overall case finishing all look clean and well executed. The visible 4131, including the bridge and rotor decoration, also appears nicely finished.
I’ve been looking into this weighted two-tone “Guinness” GMT for a while.
A lot of people are saying ONE is simply ARF under a new name. But has that ever been confirmed, or is ONE actually a new factory building on ARF’s reputation?
The watch itself makes a strong first impression: 176.98g, a convincing gold tone, clean case finishing and a well-executed Jubilee bracelet. But good execution alone doesn’t tell us who is really behind it.
What do you think—ARF reborn, or a new factory benefiting from the ARF association?
I’ve received quite a few DMs about the latest ORF Seamaster 300M, especially its upgraded 8800 movement, so I filmed it as closely as possible.
The key detail is the regulating nuts and threaded posts around the balance wheel, which clearly show the free-sprung setup.
Hope this answers some of your questions. If there’s another detail you’d like to see, let me know.
I initially noticed the blue gradient dial, but the Dandong 324 is what makes this BBF 5168G worth discussing.
The case finishing, polished edges and lume also look well executed. At 100.6g, it won’t reproduce the feel of the white-gold gen, so the choice comes down to movement and finishing versus heavier construction.
What matters more to you on an Aquanaut?
The upgraded free-sprung 8800 was what pushed me toward ORF, but after seeing it in hand, the black wave dial, ceramic bezel and case finishing impressed me just as much.
It feels like a very complete version now. No regrets with my choice so far.
Would you choose ORF or VSF?
I spent some time looking through this Ballon Bleu gen vs rep comparison, and the case construction surprised me most.
The domed crystal, case profile and blue cabochon are remarkably close. Even the thickness is around 13.2mm vs 13.1mm in this comparison.
The dial texture and Roman numerals also hold up well under magnification.
It’s not identical though — the SWISS MADE printing at 6 is slightly weaker, and the internal screw positions are different, so the parts aren’t interchangeable.
What difference stands out most to you?
I’ve looked at plenty of louder watches lately, but this MZ Mark XVIII Heritage caught my attention for completely different reasons.
Titanium case, 2892 movement, and only around 59g on the leather strap. The matte case finish also works really well with the vintage-style dial.
It comes with both leather and fabric straps, which almost gives it two different personalities.
Honestly, this looks like one of those watches that could quietly become a daily wearer.
Anyone here already wearing the MZ Mark XVIII?
I came across these photos of RICH’s third-generation green Sub. The MK2 bezel is the obvious update, but what really caught my attention is the Shanghai JH3235 movement with a free-sprung balance.
At around 155g, the whole package looks more substantial and complete than I expected. RICH wasn’t previously my first choice for this model, but this version has definitely entered the conversation.
Anyone else looking into it?
Rolex’s new 100 Years OP 41 is one release I didn’t expect factories to move on this quickly.
VS has now released its version, and the dial is what caught my attention: slate grey, green accents and the small “100 YEARS” at 6. The steel bracelet with gold limited to the bezel and crown also feels more restrained than a typical two-tone.
I’ve been studying the first QC photos and asking my usual TD about the details. It looks better than I expected, although I still want a proper side-by-side before judging it.
Anyone else considering this one? Happy to share what I’ve found.
DIF has released a blue version of the Black Bay 54, measuring 37mm in diameter and 11.2mm thick.
It combines a matte blue aluminum bezel with a matching blue dial and is powered by a Dandong 2824 automatic movement.
The compact case retains the vintage proportions of the BB54, while the blue colorway offers a clear alternative to the more traditional black version.
My TD Jun showed me this custom RGF build for another client.
White mother-of-pearl dial, baguette markers and a smooth bezel. On paper that sounds like a lot, but the smooth bezel keeps the dial from becoming too loud. The color shifts between silver, blue and pink depending on the light.
I think a fluted bezel would ruin the balance here.
Would you keep it smooth or go fluted?
WS has now entered the Aquanaut market.
After looking closely at its 5711, I have to admit that WS is highly competitive in both materials and finishing. It isn’t cheap, but the quality generally reflects the price.
What interests me most here is how the weight is achieved. The 5167R weighs 136g and the 5168G 150g, using a tungsten-based case material with a density of 16.8g/cm³ rather than hidden internal weights.
Both are 8.25mm thick and feature sapphire crystals, fluororubber straps, Calatrava-style clasps and integrated 26-330 movements with hacking seconds.
In theory, this construction should provide more natural weight distribution. Still, I’d want to examine the dial, case finishing and long-term durability before calling it a new standard.
Would you choose this over a conventional weighted version?
These comparison photos make the choice more interesting than I expected. Both are nearly identical in thickness and use the DD3235, but RSS weighs 175.7g versus 147.1g for VSF. RSS also has the updated 27-jewel movement, a clearer crystal with blue AR, and a white-gold tone extending to the caseback and clasp. VSF is already well established, but on paper RSS looks like the more complete 226659. Which one would you choose?
I’ve been keeping an eye on the weighted Yacht-Master， and this latest RSS release caught my attention.
Depending on the version, it weighs around 174–178g and combines an 11.8mm with the latest 27-jewel Dandong 3235, which RSS claims delivers over 70 hours of power reserve.
The gold version also uses a full-case vacuum-applied 18K wrapped finish. On paper, RSS seems to have addressed three of the biggest concerns with this model: weight, thickness and movement.
Still, specifications can’t prove how accurate the gold tone is or how well the finish will hold up over time.
These real photos were taken by my TD, Jun, from the first batch. Would you consider this one now, or wait for long-term owner feedback?
The new OR Seamaster 300M now comes with a free-sprung 8800 movement.
From these first product photos, the black wave dial, ceramic bezel and case finishing all look promising—but the movement is clearly the main attraction here.
Would this upgrade make you choose OR over VSF?
I’ve been wearing this one a lot lately.
When I was choosing a Santos, my TD Jun told me not to focus only on the dial, but on how the polished bezel, brushed case and bracelet come together. After spending time with it, I understand his point.
The transitions are clean, the screws and dial details are nicely executed, and the bracelet edges feel smooth. The quick-release system is genuinely useful, and the modified movement has been stable so far.
The remaining differences I’ve noticed are mostly inside the movement once the caseback is opened. On the wrist, the BV feels very complete.
I’ve looked into a lot of Daytona versions, and gold models usually fall short in one of two ways: they either look good but feel too light, or the movement details are mostly cosmetic.
This weighted QF Le Mans addresses both. It has the kind of heft a gold Daytona should have, and it’s the first version to use a free-sprung 4132 movement with a genuinely functional 24-hour counter.
After seeing the latest photos TD Jun shared, I finally understand why QF is considered the current benchmark.
Is there a better gold Le Mans available right now?