The most competitive Submariner has received another upgrade. This time it is the 40mm green Submariner fitted with the 3135 movement. VS Factory has regained its momentum and re-entered the Submariner market, shaking the market dominance long held by Clean Factory. Forced by market competition, the brand rolled out new upgrades. To my eyes, many of these updates carry more symbolic value than practical improvement. It seems VS and Clean are gradually moving toward product homogenization. As always, the smartest buying decision comes down to after-sales service, rather than obsessing over magnified close-up marketing photos highlighting tiny details.

Factory comparison materials are available. Clean Factory used to be the most active in releasing detailed photo reviews. However, lengthy write-ups are less meaningful these days. It feels absurd to churn out thousand-word articles for every minor version update just based on product photos. You may refer to the comparison images provided.

Full V5 Version Upgrade Points for CLEAN Factory 40mm Submariner Reference 116610 Series:

1. All models equipped with the upgraded Dandong 3135 movement. Finishing of the movement is enhanced, and its structure is closer to the genuine.
2. The bezel rotation feel is no longer stiff.
3. White edge defect on crystal glass corrected.
4. Calendar font revised to eliminate burrs and ink spray marks on the calendar background.
5. Band chamfer polishing is smoother and rounder.
6. The opening and closing tension of the clasp and yoke achieves a “soft-close” effect, operating silky smooth.

The genuine latest CLEAN V4 green bezel outperforms the old V3 green bezel. The exclusive CLEAN blue bezel delivers the same blue-purple hue as the original watch. Hand-polished 3D hands, no need to replace with aftermarket hands anymore. Black and green steel Submariners adopt AR steel bracelets. CLEAN two-tone bracelets and AR bracelets feature exclusive three-piece joint end links with no exposed steel on the side. The top-tier aftermarket green dials are independently developed by CLEAN, as well as CLEAN’s in-house blue dials. Constructed entirely from 904L steel (genuine 18K vacuum electroplating; free replacement in case of discoloration).

Five variants released this time: 116610 (Black / Green) all-steel Submariner 114060 (Black) no-date Submariner 116613 (Black / Blue) two-tone Submariner