The Submariner 116610LV “Hulk” remains one of the most difficult modern Rolex references to replicate accurately.
Although both Clean Factory and VS Factory have spent several years refining their versions, the differences between them are no longer about obvious flaws.
At the current level, the comparison comes down to execution priorities — bezel geometry, dial saturation, crystal behavior, and overall wrist presence.
This comparison is based on direct side-by-side inspection of both watches under daylight, indoor white LED lighting, and low-angle natural light.
Additional observations were made using macro photography at 5x magnification and timing tests over a 72-hour period.
Verdict First: Two Different Philosophies
Clean Factory focuses more heavily on visual impact. The green dial appears brighter and more reflective, especially under direct sunlight.
VS Factory, by comparison, aims for stronger proportional accuracy and more restrained color calibration.
After handling both pieces extensively, neither feels objectively superior in every category.
The better choice depends on whether the buyer prioritizes:
- more vibrant wrist presence (Clean)
- more authentic case and bezel proportions (VS)
- dial brightness versus tonal consistency
- smoother finishing versus sharper machining definition
Quick Comparison Summary
- Best Dial Sunburst Effect: Clean Factory
- Best Bezel Teeth Definition: VS Factory
- Best Crown Guard Proportion: VS Factory
- Best Crystal Clarity: Slight advantage to Clean
- Best SEL Fitment: Nearly identical
- Most Gen-Like Under Indoor Lighting: VS Factory
Case Shape and Wrist Presence
Both watches use 904L stainless steel and measure close to genuine specifications.
On paper, dimensions are essentially identical. In practice, however, the watches wear differently.
The VS Factory version visually appears slightly larger on the wrist.
This is mainly caused by the bezel edge profile and the way the ceramic insert sits relative to the outer bezel teeth.
Under macro inspection, the VS bezel extends marginally further outward around the 20-minute marker area.
This creates a slightly wider visual footprint, particularly noticeable when viewed from above.
Clean Factory softens these transitions slightly.
The result is a watch that appears marginally more compact and polished, although some collectors may consider it less aggressive than genuine examples from later production batches.
Bezel Action and Tooth Geometry
The bezel remains one of the clearest differences between the two factories.
Clean Factory uses slightly rounded bezel teeth with smoother machining transitions.
The action feels lighter with less audible resistance during rotation.
VS Factory uses deeper and sharper bezel cuts.
The click resistance is firmer and closer to the tactile feedback found on genuine late-production 116610LV models.
Under magnification, the difference becomes easier to identify:
- Clean prioritizes smoother finishing consistency
- VS prioritizes sharper edge separation
Collectors who frequently handle genuine Rolex sports models will probably notice the VS bezel profile feels slightly closer to authentic machining tolerances.
Crown Shape and Crown Guards
One detail often ignored in online comparisons is crown proportion.
Clean Factory uses a slightly slimmer crown profile, which visually reduces the gap between the crown guards.
VS Factory adopts a fuller crown shape with marginally thicker knurling.
Compared directly against a genuine Mk2 Hulk reference, the VS crown proportions appear marginally more accurate.
However, the difference is subtle enough that most wearers would never notice it without side-by-side inspection.
Dial Texture, Sunburst, and Color Accuracy
Dial execution is where preference becomes highly subjective.
Clean Factory produces a brighter green dial with stronger sunburst reflection under direct lighting.
In outdoor conditions, the dial becomes noticeably more vibrant and saturated.
VS Factory uses a darker and slightly flatter green tone.
While less visually dramatic, it behaves more consistently across changing light conditions and resembles some genuine Hulk examples photographed under indoor lighting.
The difference becomes especially visible at low viewing angles:
- Clean reflects more emerald-green highlights
- VS shifts toward darker olive tones
Print quality on both dials is excellent.
Under 5x magnification, however, the VS minute track appears marginally cleaner around the outer edge near the 25–35 minute markers.
Crystal and Cyclops Performance
Crystal behavior is rarely discussed properly in replica comparisons, despite being one of the easiest tells under real-world lighting.
Both factories use sapphire crystals with anti-reflective treatment beneath the cyclops.
However, Clean Factory shows slightly better transparency at extreme side angles.
VS Factory occasionally exhibits mild edge whitening under bright directional light, particularly near the cyclops transition area.
This issue is minor but still visible when compared directly beside genuine examples.
Date magnification is acceptable on both versions, though Clean appears fractionally closer to genuine magnification ratio.
Bracelet, SEL Fitment, and Wearability
Bracelet quality between the two factories is extremely close.
Both bracelets feature solid brushing consistency, acceptable screw tolerances, and minimal bracelet rattle.
The SEL fitment on both samples tested was tight, with no visible daylight gap during normal wear.
The difference mainly appears in the first link articulation:
- Clean feels slightly looser and more flexible
- VS feels tighter with a firmer transition from case to bracelet
After several hours of wear, the Clean bracelet felt marginally more comfortable on smaller wrists due to softer articulation near the lugs.
Movement Performance and Rotor Noise
Both watches use the Dandong 3135 movement, currently considered the standard movement platform for high-end 116610LV replicas.
Timing performance across both samples remained within acceptable daily variance during testing:
- Clean Factory sample: +6 seconds/day
- VS Factory sample: +4 seconds/day
Rotor noise was slightly more noticeable on the VS sample during rapid wrist movement, although neither watch produced excessive mechanical noise during normal wear.
Movement finishing differences are mostly cosmetic.
VS includes additional engraved internal markings, while Clean maintains cleaner bridge surfaces with fewer visible engravings.
Which One Feels Closer to Genuine?
After extended handling, the answer depends heavily on lighting conditions and what details the observer focuses on.
Under direct sunlight:
- Clean appears more visually impressive
- The green dial has stronger visual impact
Under indoor lighting and close inspection:
- VS appears slightly more restrained and proportionally accurate
- The bezel structure feels closer to genuine Rolex machining
Neither version fully dominates the other.
The current generation of Clean and VS Hulk replicas has reached a level where preference matters more than obvious flaws.
Choose Clean Factory if you prefer:
- brighter dial reflections
- stronger sunburst effect
- smoother overall finishing feel
Choose VS Factory if you prefer:
- sharper bezel machining
- slightly more accurate crown proportions
- more restrained and gen-like color behavior
For most buyers, either version represents a highly refined modern Hulk replica.
The difference is no longer about “good versus bad,” but rather which interpretation of the 116610LV feels more convincing to your own eye.
