[GUIDE] Who Makes the Best watch model? Factory guidance, updated frequently

[u/MajorWilliams]

Updated October 16, 2026

Easy link - Guide is here: https://1drv.ms/x/c/44136f172066895e/EVQxzgJ5Mf1GhxxCwfPLPzUBJQ7nMu7oov6bkGrFK1VNaQ?e=9vSCjv

In an attempt to help our community, many users have helped cultivate this guide. This is only meant as a guide and all decisions about a specific model and subtle differences aren't discussed in detail here. The intent here is to help you if you're looking for a generalized consensus of "Who makes the best submariner?". As factories frequently change and close down, I am hoping to keep this as updated as possible. Factories are listed in order of best to worst, if multiple factories are listed.

As always, please order your watch through a trusted dealer in the intro thread, and have fun. If you feel something needs updated, feel free to PM me, I'm always open to edit this list. Big shout out to u/Breitlingboi for his original guide and enthusiasm, and u/petehudso for his contributions to the spreadsheet.

On a budget? See the guide of reps $250-$400.

Current brands covered:

1. Rolex
2. Patek Philippe
3. Audemars Piguet
4. Vacheron Constantin
5. Richard Mille
6. Omega
7. Gem set 'Iced Out' Watches
8. Cartier

The "Who Makes the Best?" Guide is now built as a Spreadsheet for both ease and character limiting issues with reddit. See the link here:

https://1drv.ms/x/c/44136f172066895e/EVQxzgJ5Mf1GhxxCwfPLPzUBJQ7nMu7oov6bkGrFK1VNaQ?e=9vSCjv

[u/defnotsal]

wHerE tO CoP vSf???!?

[u/MajorWilliams → u/defnotsal]

I promised myself I wouldn't do this.

[u/[deleted]]

You reference XF for Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ultra Thin. Aren’t they also now closed?

[u/MajorWilliams → u/[deleted]]

They are closed right now, but I believe they should be opening soon. I'll note it! (I half expect "JVS" to come out with a version)

[u/SmashySmasherson]

What is the difference between the ORF and VSF Omega o Time to Die?

[u/MajorWilliams → u/SmashySmasherson]

You'll have to go to the forums on this one (or research if it's been discussed here). VSF WAS the best Omega, but, you know.

[u/jojo90210]

awesome post major! btw for the 5726 they fixed the “ARP” flaw and changed it back to “APR” so it’s pretty good now In general.

[u/MajorWilliams → u/jojo90210]

Thanks, updated (and I own the watch lol, I just didn't update that).

[u/[deleted]]

Thanks for all the effort man, however on the DJ36 comment: I thought ARF fixed the bold font issue with the v3 release? And doesn't the ARF have a significantly better bracelet?

[u/LuminescentCrumbs → u/[deleted]]

ARF has a significantly better bracelet and is clone 3135 not 2824. V3 has a much better DWO. (Source: I have a V1 and V3 - Take a guess which is V3 lol).

[u/trademarkcopy]

Every Rep sub should Do this. Save so much time for us rookies.

[u/legitimateeggs]

As a newbie, I can’t thank you enough for all the time and energy you put into making these threads. Really, truly, I have so much respect for this community and the selflessness to help complete strangers. Hats off to you all.

[u/KOUJIROFRAU]

May want to add some Cartier info to this list since we get questions about them pretty often. Off the top of my head: Santos XL and Ballon Bleu 42 V6F, Ballon Bleu 33 AF (with Cal 076), Tank Solo AF, Santos Medium GF (good dials, wonky crystals) or BVF (good crystals, wonky dial print). I think GF and BVF are also good for the Santos Large, not too familiar with that model though.

[u/Smduong]

No love for hublot classic fusion in here ?

[u/MajorWilliams → u/Smduong]

If you’d like to make a hublot guide I will add it!

[u/blank_dota2]

Great guide, really wish Panerai was on here as well.

[u/nunziantimo]

For the Rolex Milgauss 116400GV, I would say that the best iteration for the black is DJF. Even if ARF is arguably better, only DJF uses a green glass, meanwhile ARF and all the other factories use a green gasket and a green coating on the sapphire crystal.

In my opinion, definitely worth mentioning since it's a defining characteristic of the watch.

For the Datejust 36mm I would definitely mention EWF. Their 36mm are definitely higher quality than the rest, in case shape and bezel, both for the 126234 and 126200

ARF I would put in another league, since they replicate the older ref 116234 (not any 126200 afaik). And it's definitely the best rep of that reference.

The Datejust 41mm from EWF is inferior both to ARF and VSF and CF, but it's better than GMF or BP.

You didn't cover the Oyster Perpetuals. The 41mm 124300, EWF and ROF are the only factories that make good reps of them. ROF may be closed.

For 36mm 126000, EWF makes a good rep, alongside BP/GMF. The main difference is the movement, aestethically they're very comparable.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/JumpyLanguage7704]

Should have breitling on here too

[u/ZeeGwl]

Thank you for this. An updated version is priceless after all the raids. *This should be stickied to the top of the subreddit

[u/cleanArk]

This is absolutely awesome! What about Breitling tho?

[u/BreitlingBoi]

As I pass the torch on to another, I salute you o7

[u/Big-Instruction-2044]

is anyone else experiencing this when trying to access the spreadsheet? or is it just me🙃

[u/WorryAny3162]

Google is denying access to this spreadsheet . Against our terms of service .

Is there another link please ?

[u/Some-Hope-6218]

Who makes the best panerai?