Factory Guide
Factory Names Matter — But the Exact Watch Matters More
Names such as VSF, BTF, ZF, 3KF, PPF, QF and GMF are commonly used to identify different production sources in the 1:1 Clone market. They can be useful, but a factory name alone does not tell you everything about the watch.
We select factories according to the specific brand, collection, reference and available version — not simply because one factory has a well-known name.
Before You Compare
Named Factories Apply to 1:1 Clone Versions
The specialist factory names on this page refer to our 1:1 Clone category. Asian and Swiss versions are sourced from smaller, unbranded production sources and should not be assumed to come from VSF, BTF, ZF or another named factory.
If you are still comparing the three product levels, see our Quality Tiers Guide for the differences between Asian, Swiss and 1:1 Clone versions.
At a Glance
Factory Sources by Brand
These are the main factory names associated with the 1:1 Clone versions we currently source or encounter for each brand.
| Brand | Factory Sources | Common Collections |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex | VSF / BTF / QF / GMF / ARF | Submariner / GMT / Daytona / Datejust / Day-Date |
| Patek Philippe | PPF / 3KF / ZF | Nautilus / Aquanaut / selected Calatrava |
| Audemars Piguet | ZF / APSF legacy stock | Royal Oak / Offshore |
| Omega | VSF / ORF | Seamaster / Aqua Terra / Planet Ocean |
| Panerai | VSF / XF | Luminor / Submersible / Radiomir |
| Hublot | V6F / HBF / WWF | Big Bang / Classic Fusion / Spirit of Big Bang |
| TAG Heuer | OF / XF / ZF | Aquaracer / Carrera / Formula 1 / Monaco |
| Breitling | GF / BLSF / TF | Superocean / Avenger / Navitimer / Chronomat |
| Richard Mille | ZF / BBR / T+ / KVF / UMI | RM055 / RM35 / RM67 / RM011 / RM052 |
| Bell & Ross | BRF / XF | BR03 / BR05 / BR01 |
| Chopard | GF / ZF / YF | Alpine Eagle / Mille Miglia / Happy Sport |
| Franck Muller | GF / V9F / FMF / ZF | Vanguard / Long Island / Crazy Hours |
| Longines | AF / ZF / KZF / MKS | Master Collection / Conquest / selected complications |
Current Factory Status
Two Names Need Special Attention
Factory availability changes over time. Two names that customers may still see online should no longer be treated as normal current-production options.
CF
Clean Factory / CF
According to our current sourcing information, Clean Factory closed in July 2025. A limited amount of old stock may still remain in the market, but most watches currently sold under the Clean / CF name are not actual Clean Factory production.
APS
APSF
According to our current sourcing information, APSF has stopped production, with its production line shut down in mid-May 2026. Watches currently sold under the APSF name are existing stock rather than newly produced pieces.
V
Always Check the Version
Factory names can remain in listings long after production changes. We therefore confirm the actual factory and current version whenever possible instead of relying only on a seller's title.
VSF
Commonly associated with Submariner models such as 116610, 126610 and 124060, plus selected Datejust models. VSF also produces Omega and Panerai.
BTF
Best known for Rolex Daytona production, including 116500LN-generation models and newer Daytona versions.
QF
Commonly encountered with Day-Date, Daytona and GMT models, including selected heavier Day-Date and Daytona configurations.
GMF
Frequently associated with Day-Date 36/40 and Datejust 36/41, particularly dress-oriented Rolex configurations.
ARF
A long-established Rolex factory name associated with Submariner, Datejust and selected Daytona/GMT models. Specifications vary by production generation.
One Brand, Different Specialists
A factory that makes a strong Submariner is not automatically the factory we would choose for a Daytona or Day-Date.
Real Product Photos
VSF vs. ARF — Actual GMT-Master II Examples
The photos below show actual VSF and ARF GMT-Master II examples from multiple angles. They provide a closer look at the dial, bezel, case profile, bracelet, clasp and movement fitted to each photographed watch.
Dial & Bezel
VSF — Front View
Front view of the photographed VSF example, showing the dial, hands, date window, crystal and two-color GMT bezel.
ARF — Front View
Front view of the photographed ARF example, showing the dial, hands, date window, crystal and two-color GMT bezel.
Case Profile & Crown
VSF — Case Profile
Side view of the VSF example showing the bezel edge, case profile, crown guards, crown and lug shape.
ARF — Case Profile
Side view of the ARF example showing the bezel edge, case profile, crown guards, crown and lug shape.
Bracelet & Clasp Exterior
VSF — Clasp Exterior
Exterior view of the bracelet and closed clasp on the photographed VSF example.
ARF — Clasp Exterior
Exterior view of the bracelet and closed clasp on the photographed ARF example.
Clasp Interior
VSF — Clasp Detail
Open-clasp view of the photographed VSF example, showing the internal surfaces, construction and visible markings.
ARF — Clasp Detail
Open-clasp view of the photographed ARF example, showing the internal surfaces, construction and visible markings.
Movement Detail
VSF — Movement
Open-case view of the movement fitted to the photographed VSF example, showing the rotor, balance area, bridges and visible movement markings.
ARF — Movement
Open-case view of the movement fitted to the photographed ARF example, showing the rotor, balance area, bridges and visible movement markings.
Photo note: These images show individual product examples for visual reference. Factory specifications and finishing can vary between references and production batches, so the exact version should always be confirmed when comparing watches.
PPF
Strongly associated with Patek Philippe, especially Nautilus 5711/5712, Aquanaut and selected Calatrava models.
3KF / 3K
Commonly discussed for Nautilus 5711 and Aquanaut 5167/5168, with different movement generations depending on the version.
ZF
A multi-brand factory name also seen across Patek, Audemars Piguet, IWC and other watch categories.
Reference Still Comes First
A 5711, 5712 and 5167 should not be compared only by the letters printed after the factory name. Their internal specifications are different.
ZF
Commonly associated with Royal Oak references including 15400 and 15500, as well as products from several other brands.
APSF — Closed
APSF was widely associated with Royal Oak 15400, 15500, 15510 and selected Offshore models. The factory has now closed, so current availability is limited to existing stock.
15400 Generation
The 15400 belongs to the 3120-generation architecture, so it should not be treated as mechanically identical to later Royal Oak references.
15500 / 15510 Generation
These references correspond to the newer 4302 generation. Factory name alone cannot tell you which movement solution is inside a specific watch.
Factory vs. Movement
Don't Confuse Who Made It With What's Inside It
A factory name identifies the production source. A movement name identifies the mechanical platform inside the watch. They are related, but they are not the same information.
01
Reference
Start with the exact watch: for example, Submariner 126610, Daytona 116500LN or Royal Oak 15500.
02
Factory
Then compare which specialist factories currently offer that particular reference.
03
Movement
Finally confirm the actual movement rather than assuming it from the factory name.
For movement names such as DD3235, VS3235, DD3285, DD4130, DD4131, 324 S C Clone and 4302-generation movements, see our Watch Movement Guide .
How We Compare
We Don't Use a Universal “Best Factory” Ranking
Factory reputation is useful background information, but it should never replace checking the actual watch.
What We Look At Instead
- Exact brand, model and reference
- Current factory version
- Movement used in that version
- Case dimensions and construction
- Dial, crystal, bezel and bracelet execution
- Functions and complications
- Pre-shipment QC results
FAQ
Factory Questions We Hear Most Often
Is VSF the best factory?
There is no single answer for every watch. VSF is well known across Rolex, Omega and Panerai, but the better comparison is always based on the exact reference and current version.
Is Clean / CF still producing watches?
According to our current sourcing information, Clean / CF closed in July 2025. Limited old stock may still exist, but current listings should not automatically be treated as new CF production.
Is APSF still operating?
No. APSF has closed. Watches still available under the APSF name are existing market inventory rather than current factory production.
Does the factory name guarantee a specific movement?
No. Different references and production generations from the same factory can use different movements. The exact factory, reference and movement should be checked together.
Do Asian and Swiss versions use these factories?
No. The named specialist factories in this guide apply to our 1:1 Clone category. Asian and Swiss versions generally come from smaller unbranded production sources.
Not Sure Which Factory Version to Choose?
Send us the watch, model or reference you're considering. We'll explain the available factory versions, movement differences and key specifications so you can compare the actual options.