VS Factory “Pepsi” GMT-Master II V3 In-Depth Review: The Ultimate Comparison vs. Genuine & CLEAN Factory

Foreword

The VS Factory Pepsi GMT V3 is currently regarded as one of the most accurate replicas available, matching Rolex’s latest MK3 bezel specification. This review will analyze its material quality, movement performance, and detail accuracy in direct comparison with the genuine watch and Clean Factory’s version.

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Critical Upgrades: V3 Bezel & Movement

Bezel Technology

• VS Factory’s V3 bezel replicates the authentic MK3 ceramic process, exhibiting a bright red hue under UV light (compared to earlier dark-red versions), identical to Rolex’s post-2023 production.
• Clean Factory also uses ceramic but shows slightly less vibrant color gradation, particularly in strong lighting, where VS’s blue-to-red transition appears more natural.

Movement Comparison

• Both VS and Clean Factory use the Dandong 3285 movement (72h power reserve, independent GMT/hand-setting), outperforming cheaper Shanghai 3285 versions (reduced functionality, lower stability).
• Key differences:
  • VS’s movement finishing is more refined, with closer plating reflectivity to genuine.
  • Clean’s movement has darker bridge plating due to inferior coating techniques.

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Detail Accuracy Comparison

• VS Factory:And the genuine product are the same, with small rounded corners.
• Clean Factory:The Clean factory glass, wrong, big rounded corners.

• VS Factory:The same high-transparency dial as the original, which is non-reflective on all four sides. It has no refraction and is transparent and clear.
• Clean Factory:The dial glass has high light reflection and poor transparency.
• Original:The genuine product is clear and transparent at any angle.

• VS Factory:The same as the genuine product. The lamp tube reflects white light.
• Clean Factory:The clean factory reflects blue light.

• VS Factory:The VS calendar frame has the same magnification as the original.
• Clean Factory:The clean factory magnifier has a larger magnification than the original.

• VS Factory:The arc of the calendar frame of the VS factory is consistent with the original.
• Clean Factory:Clean factory with large arc.

• VS Factory:The VS factory and genuine Rolex logo have the same white English, clear and bright white.
• Clean Factory:Clean factory color is a little darker and not clear.

• VS Factory:You can see the lettering on both the authentic and VS factory versions, and they are very similar in brightness.
• Clean Factory:Clean factory lasers have larger fonts and the wrong colors.

• VS Factory:VS factory and genuine products have the same sharp minute hand.
• Clean Factory:The minute hand of the clean factory is not that sharp.

• VS Factory:The VS factory second hand is clean and neat, and the surface is as flat as the original.
• Clean Factory:The second hand of the clean factory has an arc, which is not the same as the version.

• VS Factory:The GMT pointer is bright red, just like the original, and the edge of the triangle needle is the same size and color.
• Clean Factory:Clean factory color is dark red.

• VS Factory:Size and shape are the same as the original.
• Clean Factory:Tooth grooves are large and incorrectly shaped.

• Comparing the ceramic rings and steel rings at different angles, the VS factory is consistent with the authentic ones, the steel ring is exposed larger, and the clean factory ring is smaller.

• VS Factory:There is a 0.25mm gap between the genuine and VS factory crowns after tightening, in order to reduce the friction between the crown and the case.
• Clean Factory:There is no gap,If you tighten the watch crown all the way, it’ll rub against the case.

• VS Factory:Almost the same thickness as the original.
• Clean Factory:Thickness 12.5, thicker than the original.

• VS Factory:The shell ear alignment.
• Clean Factory:Not in the correct version and too thick.

• The back of the clean factory is a little higher, while the VS factory bottom cover is the same height as the original one after being locked in.

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Buying Recommendations

VS Factory Advantages

• Superior overall accuracy: MK3 bezel + Dandong 3285 + high-clarity crystal (no mods needed).
• Better value: Priced similarly to Clean ($600-$900) but with finer details.

Clean Factory Use Case

• Preferred if you favour a darker bezel tone (non-latest MK3 style).

Avoid

• Low-cost Shanghai 3285 versions (compromised functionality, high failure rate).

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Conclusion

The VS Factory Pepsi V3 stands as the only replica currently synced with Rolex’s MK3 bezel standard, achieving breakthroughs in movement, crystal, and case profile. For collectors pursuing maximum authenticity post-2023, this is the definitive choice—effectively a refined upgrade over Clean Factory.