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2025 AR Factory released the latest replica Rolex GMT-Master II Blueberry model
Apr
AR Factory has undergone two distinct eras: the original “AR” famed for industry‑leading case and bracelet finishing (circa 2012–2018) and the current “AR Factory” (2023–present), which focuses exclusively on Super Rolex clones. This second incarnation’s launch of heavy‑weight Day‑Date models around late 2023 established their golden‑tone prowess, followed early in 2024 by reentering the Fake Rolex GMT‑Master II space with Pepsi and Batman colorways. In April 2025, they unveiled the “Blueberry”—their first all‑blue ceramic bezel Replica Rolex GMT‑Master—equipped with an SH3285 movement and milling improvements inherited from their Replica Rolex Day‑Date line. Below, we trace each major series release, spotlighting the technical breakthroughs and tolerances that set AR’s output apart.
1. AR Factory Era I (2012–2018): Pioneering Super‑Clone Finishing
1.1 Founding and Early Focus
- 2012: A small team of veteran case‑makers splintered from a major Shenzhen manufacturer and adopted the “AR” (Artisan Replica) name. Their mission:
- Perfect 904L stainless‑steel polishing
- Tight case‑bracelet tolerances within ±0.05 mm
- Early adoption of Miyota‑based clone movements adapted for chronograph functions
1.2 Landmark Releases
- 2014 Submariner 116610LN Clone:
- Bezel: First to use genuine Cerachrom insert sourced through third‑party ceramic mills
- Movement: Early clone 3135 with upgraded shock protection
- 2016 GMT‑Master II Pepsi (116710BLRO) Clone:
- Bracelet: Fully milled 904L links for the first time in the clone market
- Tolerance: Case thickness held to ±0.07 mm vs. spec
1.3 Closure
- 2018: Legal pressures and factory raids forced AR to cease operations. Many dealers continued to sell lesser clones under the “AR” label, leading to brand dilution.
2. AR Factory Era II (2023–Present): Replica Rolex‑Only Specialization
2.1 Re‑Establishment & Golden Day‑Date Series
- Q4 2023: A new outfit registers as “AR Factory” with no direct link to the old AR except name. They focus exclusively on Rolex lines.
- Late 2023: Launch of heavy‑weight Day‑Date 36 mm and 40 mm clones:
- Bracelet overweighted by +60 g for authentic heft
- Golden finish perfected using multi‑stage PVD plating for Rolex‑matching tone
2.2 Return to Rolex GMT‑Master II Replica
- Early 2024: Pepsi (red/blue) and Batman (black/blue) GMT‑Master II replicas, featuring:
- SH3186 clone movement with jumping hour hand
- Mono‑block Cerachrom bezels sourced from Rolex‑grade ceramic suppliers
- Case tolerances held to ±0.10 mm
2.3 April 2025 “Blueberry” Launch
- April 18, 2025: Introduction of the all‑blue “Blueberry” bezel reference—purely a replica concept with no Rolex counterpart.
- Bezel: Dual‑tone blue Cerachrom (light & dark segments)
- Movement: Upgraded SH3285 clone (70 h reserve, ±5 s/day)
- Bracelet: Carries over the Day‑Date heavy‑weight milling presets for seamless Rolex‑grade finishing
3. Series Launch Chronology & Technical Breakthroughs
| Series | Launch Date | Key Technical feat. | Tolerance Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR I Submariner 116610LN | 2014 | First clone Cerachrom bezel | Case thickness ±0.08 mm |
| AR I Pepsi GMT‑Master II | 2016 | Fully milled 904L bracelet | Bracelet end‑link ±0.05 mm |
| AR II Heavy Day‑Date | Q4 2023 | +60 g overweight bracelet; PVD gold tone | PVD layer thickness ±0.02 μm |
| AR II Pepsi & Batman GMT | Early 2024 | SH3186 clone with local‑hour jump | Movement accuracy ±8 s/day |
| AR II “Blueberry” GMT | Apr 18 2025 | SH3285 clone, two‑tone bluish Cerachrom | Case tolerance ±0.08 mm; bezel alignment ±1 min |
4. Technical Deep‑Dive: “Blueberry” Replica Specs
4.1 Case & Bezel
- Material: 904L stainless steel
- Diameter & Thickness: 40.20 mm × 12.30 mm
- Bezel: Cerachrom ceramic, segments in light & dark blue, platinum‑filled numerals
- Tolerance: ±0.08 mm case, ±1 min bezel alignment
4.2 Movement
- Caliber: SH3285 clone (based on Asian 2836‑2)
- Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
- Power Reserve: 68–72 h
- Accuracy: ±3 s/day (time‑grapher avg.)
- Functions: Jumping hour hand, instantaneous date rollover
4.3 Dial & Lume
- Dial: Matte white, anti‑glare coated
- Hands & Markers: Fully polished, exact bevel profiles
- Lume: Super‑LumiNova® C3—150 lux at 5 min, 40 lux at 60 min
4.4 Bracelet & Clasp
- Bracelet: Solid‑link 904L Oyster, 125 g
- Clasp: Glidelock micro‑adjust (±5 mm)
- Finish Tolerance: ±0.05 mm brushing and polishing consistency
5. Comparative Data Tables
| Metric | AR I (2016 Pepsi) | AR II (2024 Pepsi) | AR II (2025 Blueberry) | Rolex 126719BLRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bezel Material | Aluminum | Cerachrom | Cerachrom | Cerachrom |
| Movement Power Reserve | 42 h | 50 h | 70 h | 70 h |
| Daily Accuracy | ±10 s/day | ±8 s/day | ±3 s/day | ±2 s/day |
| Case Tolerance | ±0.20 mm | ±0.12 mm | ±0.08 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Bracelet Weight | 110 g | 120 g | 125 g | 128 g |
| Lume (5 min) | 100 lux | 120 lux | 150 lux | 180 lux |
6. Conclusion
AR Factory’s second‑generation operations have refined every technical and aesthetic aspect of their rolex GMT‑Master II replicas. By tracing their series‑launch chronology—from heavy Day‑Date innovations to the bespoke “Blueberry” concept—we see a factory that systematically closes the gap to genuine Rolex metrics. While no official Rolex “Blueberry” exists, AR’s meticulous case tolerances, advanced clone movements, and perfected ceramic bezels position their V4 as the most authentic homage yet.
