Clean Factory vs Noob Factory compares two former leaders that are both out of the picture in 2026. Noob closed after the 2021 raids, and r/RepTime members reported a raid on Clean in July 2025. Both names still appear on listings, as "Noob V2" or "FNF" and as "Clean Plus" or leftover Clean stock, but no source links these watches to the original factories. For the Rolex models that both once led, the May 2026 community guide ranks VSF first.
Clean Factory vs Noob Factory: the table
| Clean Factory | Noob Factory | |
|---|---|---|
| Status, October 2026 | Reported raided in July 2025; the February 2026 guide update removed it, and one "Clean*" row remains in May 2026 | Closed since the 2021 raids; "Noob (Closed)" in the May 2026 guide |
| Led the community on | Rolex sports models until 2025 | The Submariner and the 4130 clone Daytona until 2021 |
| Movements | VR3235 and SH3235; Dandong movements in other lines | A 4130 clone made by a Dandong movement factory in the Daytona |
| The name today | "Clean Plus", announced by a dealer account in September 2025 | "Noob V2" and "FNF" (Fake Noob Factory), seen since late 2024 |
| Link to the original | Not verified | Not verified |
How each one ended
Noob, 2021. In August 2021 members wrote that dealers saw almost no chance of a return, and that the Dandong factory that made the 4130 clone was also searched. A member wrote that Noob led the Submariner until VSF released its 116610 with the VS3135.
Clean, 2025. On July 14, 2025, members reported the raid, and one wrote: "My TD confirmed many arrested." The February 2026 guide update "Removed all mentions of Clean Factory (sad day)". In July 2026 a reviewer on r/RepWatchForum wrote that seller claims of "old CLEAN stock" are "all probably a scam" at this point.
The names that remain
- Noob V2 and FNF. In December 2024 a dealer account announced that "The legendary Noob Factory has officially returned". Members answered that the name had changed hands and that anyone could claim it. The May 2026 guide lists "Noob v2" only as the second choice for the Sky-Dweller.
- Clean Plus. In September 2025 a dealer account introduced Clean Plus with the Dandong 3235 and said that new owners had taken over. Owner reports in 2026 are mixed, and in September 2026 one owner found what looked like an SH3235 in a Clean Plus Datejust 41.
What to buy instead in 2026
| Model | First choice in the May 2026 guide |
|---|---|
| Submariner 126610 | VSF (3235 clone, NWBIG) |
| Submariner 116610 | VSF (3135 clone, NWBIG) |
| Daytona 116XXX | VSF, QF free-sprung and BTF (all NWBIG) |
| Daytona 126500 | VSF (4131 clone, NWBIG) |
Sources
All dates are the posting dates of the threads.
- Who Makes the Best guide, spreadsheet updated May 29, 2026 and the February 20, 2026 update post (r/RepTime)
- Factories closed, August 1, 2021 and Update on Noob situation: they most likely not coming back but the 4130 is here to stay, August 18, 2021 (r/RepTime)
- Noob Factory is Back! New DayDate is coming! December 3, 2024 (dealer post), Is Noob factory back? December 3, 2024 and Noob V2 / Fake Noob Factory (FNF) Sky-Dweller in Everose Gold, November 12, 2024 (r/RepTime)
- Clean Factory got raided, July 14, 2025 and Clean's legacy continues as Clean Plus, September 19, 2025 (r/RepTime, dealer post)
- Comparison: genuine vs Clean 126610LN, February 11, 2023 and Clean Datejust DD3235, April 16, 2025 (r/RepTime)
- 126500: Clean or VSF, May 5, 2025 (r/RepTime)
- Time to let go of the ghost of Clean, July 21, 2026 (r/RepWatchForum) and DD3235? SH3235? September 4, 2026 (r/RepTime)
Next steps
Gold, platinum and custom versions
Guide
Gold Rolex replica: plated, wrapped, weighted or solid 18k gold
Gold plating in microns, tungsten-weighted builds and solid 18k parts, with weights and reported prices.
Guide
Custom replica watches: gold, diamonds, weight and genuine parts
What you can change, diamonds or moissanite, the order steps and the prices owners report.