How to choose the VS Factory Rolex third generation 41mm Black Water Ghost? What is the difference with the second generation 40mm Black Water Ghost?

The Rolex Submariner model is produced by VS Factory with a solid 904L stainless steel case, 41 mm diameter and Dandong 3235 Clone movement architecture. It is among the most successful 1:1 super clone watch reviews on the market, with its sapphire crystal AR coating glass, original case tolerances and detailed workmanship.

First, let me talk about the difference between the two models. This second generation has black 40 mm sapphire glass and comes with the Dandong 3135 movement. The third generation black has 41 mm sapphire glass and comes with Dandong 3235 integrated movement. Actually, there is no big difference in terms of appearance; The point is at six o'clock. The third generation black has an extra small crown mark at the six o'clock position of the dial, while the second generation black does not have this small crown mark; The difference in appearance is really small.
Another point is that the strap and buckle sizes are also different. So, do not think that the dimensions of the second generation and the third generation are the same and that VS will directly use the second generation black strap. It doesn't work like that; They are all produced by re-opening the mold and the dimensions of the strap and buckle are completely different. But honestly, you can't see the difference with the naked eye. Therefore, measuring with a caliper provides a clearer basis.

Today we will do a comprehensive comparison and disassembly; I will make these two models completely clear for you, from the size to the mechanism, from the details to the wearing experience.

1. Size and nomenclature:Don't be fooled by the two words 'Water Ghost'

VS second generation Water Ghost: 40 mm case diameter, Dandong 3135 movement, early classic model;
VS third generation Water Ghost: 41 mm case diameter, Dandong 3235 integrated movement, the current newest mainstream version.

Even though they are both 'Water Ghosts', their positioning is completely different. You can think like this:

The second generation is the 'classic replica version', faithfully bringing back the old Submariner;
The third generation is the 'modern upgrade version', closer to the design language of the new Rolex after 2023.

2. Appearance differences: same from distance, have detail from up close

In general, the two models are really similar to each other, especially with the black dial and ceramic bezel design, an ordinary person cannot distinguish them at first glance. But if you look carefully, three critical details immediately separate the two:

The small crown mark at six o'clock is the clearest difference!

Second generation black: no small crown, clean and simple;
Third generation black: there is an extra small crown logo at the six o'clock position, the new is the same as the original; It is more distinguishable and gives a more 'new model' feel.

Case and strap: remoulded, not compatible!
Many people think that VS only slightly enlarged the second generation, but it is not. The third generation's case, lugs, strap and buckle have been completely remoulded; Size and structure are different.

The strap of the third generation is wider, the strap links are thicker, the overall appearance is more assertive;
Although both of the buckles have one-touch opening and micro-adjustment feature, their internal structures are not compatible and cannot be attached to each other;
Although the difference may seem slight to the naked eye, the third generation fits the wrist better when worn, especially suitable for friends with thick wrists.

Glass and date window: full details
Both models use sapphire glass and 2.5x date magnification, but the third generation goes a step further in craftsmanship:

Fully transparent IO coating has been applied to the glass, there is no whiteness at the edges, it is clear from all angles;
The date font is made with oil-based printing, its thickness is smooth, there is no dispersion, there is no color shift;
There is a sunken curve design on the glass; It's a little higher than the ceramic bezel, but it doesn't show up and gives a layered feeling.

3. Core upgrade: the real shining point is the mechanism

If the appearance is the 'showcase', the mechanism is the 'inner world'. The focus of this generation VS's upgrade is entirely on the 3235 integrated movement.

VS second generation black: Dandong 3135
Power reserve of about 42 hours;
The date is set forward, cannot be reversed;
Works stable, deviation of ±5 seconds per day, suitable for daily use;
Technology is mature, easy to maintain.
VS third generation black: Dandong 3235 integrated mechanism (major upgrade)
Power increased to about 70 hours, do not wear it on the weekend
The date can be adjusted both forward and backward, the setting style is the same as the original;
There are deep carved gilded inscriptions on the mechanism bridge, the three-dimensional feeling is strong, the printing is not a label;
Shock absorbing KIF style, the golden adjustment pin is on the right side, the gears can really be adjusted;
It works fluently, its noise is low, its stability in long-term use is very good.

In short: 3235 movement = longer power reserve + smarter tuning + closer to the original logic.

4. Workmanship details: VS again in place

Whether it's second generation or third generation, VS doesn't lag behind in detail processing:

Hour and minute hands: three-dimensional 'Bulgari' type processing, no burrs on the edges, lume is full;
Centre shaft: solid small cover design, round and elegant, the original feeling is restored;
Hour markers: inverted triangles at 6 and 9 o'clock are rounded, unobtrusive;
Crown: embossed logo and polished corners, screwing down smoothly;
Case and strap: 904L steel and fine brushed workmanship, scratch and corrosion resistant;
Buckle: one piece, no welding point, with built-in micro adjustment feature, it can be easily adjusted even when wearing a diving suit.

Today I will mainly talk about the third generation Water Ghost; If you are interested in the second generation Water Ghost, you can check out my previous reviews. However, let me briefly talk about some of the main features of the third generation. Case, case and strap are all 904 steel; The bezel is a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel. The sound it makes when rotated is very clear, and even the gap felt when rotating is quite evident.
The glass is also high-resolution, high-transparency sapphire glass; It comes with a 2.5x date window and the date font is processed with oil-based printing. The thickness and size of each date digit is consistent. The glass has a fully transparent IO coating; You don't get that matte feeling around the edges, the glass edge looks clear no matter what angle you look at it from. Additionally, the glass is processed in a dented shape; Although it is sunken, it is not lower than the ceramic bezel, it has such a curve, it is not completely protruding.
Dial details: The hour-minute hand center shaft of VS is always processed very well; Design in the form of a small cover with a filling in the middle. The hour and minute hands are always this buff type, three-dimensional; Not the sticking type. The triangles at 6 and 9 o'clock are rounded; but these corners are not sharp, they are processed roundly, a well-done point in the level of detail. Also examine the hour and minute hands, there is not even the slightest burr; all in line with the great manufacturer's craftsmanship.
Crown detail: an embossed crown design, polished sides and rounded corners. Let's briefly touch on this detail. There is corner processing here too; The texture of the strap is the same, the entire strap is processed with brushed workmanship.
The buckle also has a one-touch design; There is no welding point where the safety buckle is, it is produced in one piece. Poorly made ones have weld points here; When I opened it and looked inside, the dragon-phoenix sign and the 3VV code were engraved. The buckle has a micro adjustment feature in this area, making it very practical to wear.
Case back closed design; On the movement side, VS uses the real Dandong 3235 movement. The inscriptions around the mechanism are deeply carved, three-dimensional gilded inscriptions. The writings are not this deep on those assembly products or those made in Shanghai. Also the small gold pin of Dandong 3235 is on the right side. The fastening parts of the shock absorber are steel-coloured, only the small gold pin is gold-coloured. The gilt writing on some of the gears here is also quite good. That golden gear can actually be used, so the speed can be adjusted. At the same time, the power reserve can reach approximately 70 hours; The overall workmanship is very good.

Summary:
I think that when the second generation black and the third generation black are installed, the sizes are actually close to each other; The strap links could perhaps be a little thicker. But actually there is no big difference. VS second generation black is 'nostalgia choice', third generation black is 'power king'. If you want a Water Ghost that does not become obsolete after three years, whose mechanism is stable and whose details are meticulous, buy the third generation with your eyes closed, it is the right choice.
Actually, the Water Ghost that you can play now is the C version of VS. Now if someone tells you they have stock goods, they are probably doing you anti-C work; Definitely pay attention to this. The stability of this Dandong 3235 movement is very good. The setting format and features are the same as the original, including setting the date forward and backward, reversing the date.

I hope this article will be useful to you. I will share more detailed disassembly, real shot review and real-replica comparison in the future.