CBD Factory Watches

In the world of high-end replica watches, CBD Factory has quickly become the name enthusiasts associate with heavy, “gen-feeling” Rolex clones. Instead of focusing only on dial printing or bezel details, CBD builds its Day-Date and Daytona models around one clear idea: the watch should feel like a genuine full-metal Rolex the moment you pick it up. To reach that goal, the factory combines tungsten-loaded construction, an outer 904L-style steel shell and a visually convincing 3255-style movement to deliver serious weight and presence on the wrist.

In this guide, we break down CBD Factory Rolex clones from a technical point of view—how the cases and bracelets are built, how the movements perform, how they compare with other top factories, and why many collectors now see CBD as a strong base for modding and long-term use.

Forum posts and dealer listings show the same philosophy being applied to tungsten-cored Day-Date and Daytona lines, marketed with “ergonomic weighting” and “Oyster alloy” construction that redistribute mass through the case, caseback and bracelet.This article looks at CBD Factory from a technical angle only—how they build these watches, what movements they use, and where they sit among other replica factories—based entirely on open hobbyist sources and dealer specifications.

What Is CBD Factory?

CBD Factory is a Chinese replica watch manufacturer that appeared on the radar of Western collectors in early 2025, when specialist blogs and forums started reviewing its Rolex Day-Date 40 models.In most dealer catalogues the watches are tagged as “Factory: CBD,” while the product name uses the CBDF prefix (for example, “CBDF Rolex Day-Date 40mm Yellow Gold Super Clone 3255”), confirming that CBD and CBDF refer to the same factory.The brand’s current catalogue is narrow but focused: heavily weighted Day-Date 40 pieces and a growing line of Cosmograph Daytona references built on the same construction ideas.

Little is known about who actually owns CBD. One of the main review sites explicitly notes that the background of the factory is unclear, and suggests it may be an existing producer operating under a fresh label—similar to how GM uses the “Q Factory” name for higher-end Day-Date variants.What is clear is the factory’s technical positioning.

CBD markets its Day-Date line under the “Original Weight” concept: each watch is engineered to match the weight of a genuine Rolex, achieved by using a tungsten internal core in the case and bracelet with a 904L-steel outer shell, combined with thicker President-style bracelet links rather than simply adding more links.Dealer specs and reviews consistently quote ~202 g for the steel version and ~207 g for full yellow-gold-plated models, which aligns with this design goal.

Within the replica ecosystem, CBD is therefore positioned as a weight-focused, tungsten-based Day-Date/Daytona specialist, competing directly with GM, QF, THB and RC in the high-end “super clone” segment, but generally priced slightly below the heaviest THB offerings.Collectors mostly discuss CBD on forums like and Reddit, where its tungsten construction and plating behaviour are analysed alongside other factories—CBDF is even referenced in plating guides as one of several tungsten-core makers with specific white-gold replating limitations.

Case and Bracelet Construction

Alloys, plating and “Oyster-style” steel

CBD Factory’s Day-Date and Daytona lines use a hybrid construction: a very heavy internal core combined with a stainless-steel outer shell that is then plated or brushed depending on the reference. Facebook listings typically describe the watches as “all stainless steel plated with gold and white gold” in the case of yellow-, rose- or white-gold models, confirming that you are not getting solid precious metal, but a plated stainless base. 

For steel references, some sellers list “SS CBDF 1:1 Best Edition … 210 g” for 40 mm Day-Date models, which implies a standard steel outer with an unusually heavy interior. Sources and technical comparison tables go a bit further, describing CBD’s approach as a mixed-alloy system: a dense tungsten or similar heavy alloy core inside the case and bracelet, wrapped in conventional 904L-style stainless steel that provides the visible finish and allows normal brushing and polishing. 

The bezel and mid-case follow the same philosophy. Instead of making only the caseback heavier, CBD distributes the weight by loading the mid-case walls and even the bracelet with dense metal, so the watch feels uniformly heavy rather than “back-weighted.” This is exactly what supports their “Original Weight” marketing: a Day-Date that comes in around 207 g, very close to many genuine gold Day-Date 40 references, despite being built on a plated steel chassis. 

Weight-optimised bracelet links and solid end links

Where CBD really differentiates itself is the President-style bracelet. A popular technical thread compares genuine Day-Date bracelets with various replicas and notes that the original has 25 links, weighing about 207 g, while CBD’s Day-Date maintains the same 25-link count and reaches the same overall weight. Competing weighted factories often achieve 200 g+ by adding extra links (28–29 sections), which changes the proportions and fit. 

To hit these numbers with the same link count, CBD appears to thicken each individual link and load it with a heavy internal alloy rather than simply extending the bracelet. This results in:

• Solid end links (SELs) that are noticeably denser than standard replicas,
• Centre links and side links that feel “blockier” and less hollow,
• A general sense of “brick-like” mass that some collectors enjoy and others find visually too chunky

One critical review even argues that CBD’s bracelet becomes “too thick, which spoils the overall look of the watch”, and points out that the interface between the heavy core material and outer steel is not always perfect—on some pieces, micro-cracks at the edge of individual links have been observed. 

Caseback, bezel and clasp engineering

The caseback on CBD’s heavy Day-Date and Daytona models is another key component in the weight strategy. Forum members discussing the tungsten versions refer to them as “tungsten Daytona and Day-Date,” indicating that the dense metal is not confined to the bracelet alone. The closed Oyster-style back provides a convenient place to add extra mass without affecting the external profile too much, though it can slightly alter how the watch sits on the wrist compared to a genuine piece.

The fluted bezel and Oyster-style middle case remain visually faithful to Rolex dimensions, but because the bracelet and mid-case walls are thicker, the watch can present as more muscular in real life. Collectors sometimes report that, side by side with a gen, the CBD case and bracelet feel “over-built,” even if the diameter and lug-to-lug measurements are technically correct. 

Finally, the clasp is built to handle the extra mass. Listings for CBDF Day-Date models emphasise upgraded bracelets and clasps, and owners of the tungsten Daytona variants report no immediate structural issues despite the higher leverage on the closing mechanism. That said, because the entire system is heavier than standard reps, long-term wear will test spring bars, screws and clasp tolerances more severely than on lighter builds.

Movement Technology in CBD Factory Watches

Shanghai 3255 Clone: Architecture and Specs

Inside most CBD Factory Day-Date models you’ll find a super clone of the Rolex 3255 calibre, built on a modern Chinese base movement. The architecture is designed to mirror the genuine 3255 as closely as possible, both visually and technically:

• Automatic winding with a bi-directional rotor
• 4 Hz / 28,800 vph beat rate for a smooth, stable sweep
• Hacking seconds and quickset date for everyday practicality
• A claimed power reserve of up to 70 hours

The movement layout, bridge shapes and rotor cut-outs are intentionally arranged so that, when the caseback is opened, the calibre immediately evokes the look of a genuine 3255. For collectors who care about what sits behind the dial, CBD is clearly targeting that “gen-like” impression rather than just basic functionality.

Decoration, Rotor Design and Power Reserve Claims

CBD does not leave the movement undecorated. Their 3255 clone typically features:

• A Rolex-style engraved rotor, often in a gold or champagne tone
• Striped finishing on bridges and plates to emulate Geneva waves
• Polished screw heads and bevelled edges in the most visible areas
• Red reversing wheels and a familiar gear train layout

These details are aimed at making the calibre look convincing in macro photos and under loupe inspection. As with most super clones, power-reserve figures are optimistic on paper, but in real-world use owners generally see comfortably over two full days on a full wind, which is more than enough for daily wear.

Serviceability and Long-Term Reliability Considerations

As with any high-end clone movement, regular servicing remains important. The CBD 3255 clone can be disassembled, cleaned and lubricated by a competent watchmaker; beneath the Rolex-style cosmetics it follows a fairly familiar modern Chinese automatic architecture. With proper regulation and lubrication, timekeeping can typically be brought into the ±5–10 seconds per day range.

There are, however, a few practical points to keep in mind:

• The extra weight of CBD’s tungsten-loaded cases and bracelets means the rotor and bearings work under slightly higher load than in lighter replicas.
• Treating the watch as a mechanical piece – avoiding constant manual over-winding and planning a service interval of roughly 3–5 years – is advisable.
• For enthusiasts who want maximum stability, having the movement inspected and regulated out of the box by a trusted watchmaker is a sensible upgrade.

In short, CBD Factory combines a visually convincing 3255 clone with performance that is perfectly adequate for everyday luxury use, especially when paired with proper servicing. The real selling point remains the overall package: a heavy, convincingly weighted Day-Date or Daytona with a movement that looks the part when the caseback comes off.

“Original Weight” Philosophy: How CBD Reaches 200+ Grams

Internal Tungsten / Heavy Alloy Cores

CBD Factory’s entire identity is built around one promise: make the watch feel like a genuine full-metal Rolex on the wrist. To achieve that, they don’t just rely on standard 904L-style steel. Instead, their Day-Date and Daytona lines use a dual-layer construction:

• An inner core made from tungsten or a similarly dense heavy alloy
• An outer shell in stainless steel (brushed or polished, then plated for gold-tone models)

This combination allows CBD to push the total weight of a Day-Date 40 to around 200–207 grams without changing the external dimensions dramatically. Rather than simply making the caseback thicker or adding random blocks of metal inside the case, the factory integrates dense material into multiple structural components:

• The mid-case walls are reinforced with heavy alloy
• The bracelet links are partially filled or thickened
• The caseback carries its share of the extra mass

From the outside, what you see and touch is steel or plated steel; what you feel on the wrist is the hidden mass of the tungsten core. That is the core of the “Original Weight” philosophy.

Weight Distribution and Wearing Comfort

Hitting a target weight is one thing; making that weight comfortable is another. Many earlier “heavy” replicas solved the problem by loading almost all additional mass into the caseback. The result was a watch that constantly rolled outward on the wrist and felt unbalanced.

CBD tries to solve this by spreading the weight:

• Extra density in the bracelet links keeps more mass on the underside of the wrist
• A heavier mid-case and solid end links stabilise the watch between the lugs
• The caseback is still important, but no longer the only place where weight is added

In practice, this creates a very specific wearing experience:

• On the wrist, the watch feels substantial and “full”, more like a genuine precious-metal Day-Date than a hollow-feeling standard replica.
• Because the bracelet itself is loaded, the watch tends to sit flatter and more securely instead of flipping around.
• At the same time, the thicker links and denser bracelet give a slightly “overbuilt” visual impression compared to an original Rolex, which purists will notice.

So CBD’s approach is a trade-off: maximum realism in weight and presence, at the cost of a slightly chunkier bracelet and a more robust, less delicate feel overall.

Comparison of Stated Weights vs Genuine Rolex

When CBD talks about “Original Weight”, they are essentially targeting the weight range of genuine Day-Date 40 and heavier Daytona configurations. In broad terms:

• A genuine Day-Date 40 in full gold typically sits a little above the 200-gram mark, depending on bracelet sizing.
• CBD’s steel-based, gold-plated Day-Date 40 is advertised around 207 g, putting it right in that same psychological zone of “full-gold heft” when sized similarly.
• Stainless-steel-look versions (or white-gold-style pieces) tend to come in just over 200 g, still significantly heavier than most regular steel replicas.

From a collector’s perspective, this means:

• On paper, CBD’s numbers are very close to genuine weights.
• On the wrist, the impression is indeed that of a full-metal luxury watch: when you pick it up, it feels dense and expensive.
• Under a loupe, an expert can still distinguish details in case geometry and bracelet proportions, but that is beyond what most casual observers will ever examine.

In other words, CBD Factory is not just building another visually accurate replica; it is engineering a specific physical sensation – that moment when you pick up the watch and immediately feel that it has the “right” mass. For enthusiasts who care as much about weight and presence as they do about dials and bezels, this “Original Weight” philosophy is exactly what sets CBD apart in the current replica factory landscape.

Finishing Quality and Dial Details

Printing, Indices, Hands and Lume

On the dial side, CBD Factory aims clearly at the “super clone” bracket, not entry-level. Dials on their Day-Date and Daytona lines generally show:

• Clean pad printing on text and minute tracks with minimal ink bleed
• Applied indices that are well-seated and evenly aligned, without the obvious tilt or height differences you see on cheaper reps
• Hands that follow genuine profiles closely in length and shape, especially on Day-Date 40

Under normal viewing distance, the overall effect is sharp and coherent. Logos, coronets and model text look balanced; rehaut engravings line up reasonably well with the minute markers; and the sunburst or lacquer finishes on the dial surfaces react nicely to light.

However, CBD is still a weight-first factory, not a finishing-obsessed atelier. Under macro:

• The coronet and some smaller fonts can look slightly softer than on genuine or top-shelf VSF pieces.
• Edges of indices are not quite as crisp as Rolex – good for the price tier, but not indistinguishable.
• Lume is functional but not on par with genuine Chromalight in brightness or longevity; it’s there, it glows, but it’s not a highlight of the watch.

For most wearers and most lighting conditions, the finishing is more than adequate and matches what people expect from modern super clones – but it is not the main headline of the CBD story.

Datewheel, Font Accuracy and Cyclops Alignment

If CBD has a “signature weak point,” enthusiasts would point to the datewheel and date presentation. Mechanically the date changes as expected, but several details are often mentioned in reviews and forum discussions:

• Date font:
  • The print is usually clean, but the font style and thickness are not always a perfect match to Rolex.
  • Certain double-digit numbers (10, 11, 20, 28, etc.) can look slightly off in spacing or shape when compared side by side with a genuine wheel.
• Background colour and finish:
  • On light dials, the white tone of the date disc can differ subtly from the dial colour, which sharp-eyed collectors will notice.
  • On some batches, the surface of the disc is a bit more matte or slightly more glossy than ideal.
• Cyclops and magnification:
  • Cyclops lenses are generally aligned correctly, but magnification and centering can vary from piece to piece.
  • On a good sample, the date fills the window convincingly; on weaker ones it may sit a little low or off-centre, which draws attention during close inspection.

The positive side of this is that, for modders, the datewheel is one of the easiest components to upgrade. Many owners treat CBD Day-Date models as a heavy, well-built base and then:

• swap in a higher-grade or custom datewheel,
• fine-tune the cyclops alignment,
• and, if they are extremely picky, adjust the handset and dial for perfect symmetry.

In summary, CBD Factory delivers solid, convincing finishing at arm’s length, with dials and hands that meet super-clone expectations, while leaving some room for improvement in the micro-details of date font and cyclops execution. For a United Luxury audience, the takeaway is clear: CBD focuses primarily on weight, presence and overall construction, with finishing that is good enough for most collectors and upgrade-friendly for perfectionists.

Comparison with Other Replica Factories

CBD vs VS Factory (Movement and Reliability)

VS Factory is widely seen as the “safe choice” for Day-Date style builds because of its strong track record on movement reliability. Their 3255-style calibres are generally well-assembled, conservatively tuned and known for running for years with minimal drama when serviced correctly.

CBD, on the other hand, comes at the problem from a different angle:

• CBD’s focus:
  • Maximum realism in weight and physical presence
  • Very convincing 3255-clone aesthetics under the caseback
• VS’s focus:
  • Strong out-of-the-box timekeeping
  • Lower reported failure rates and easier after-sales support

In practice this means:

• If a collector’s number-one priority is reliability, VS still has the more established reputation.
• If the main goal is a Day-Date or Daytona that feels as heavy and dense as a genuine full-metal Rolex, CBD has a clear edge.
• On the wrist, most owners will feel CBD’s extra grams immediately; under timing machines and on the bench, VS tends to generate slightly more confidence long term.

For modders and enthusiasts willing to budget for a full service and regulation, CBD can be brought very close to VS in daily performance, but it is not marketed as a “bulletproof workhorse” out of the box in the same way.

CBD vs GM / QF / THB (Weight and Materials)

Among weighted factories, CBD’s natural rivals are GM, QF and THB – all of which produce heavy Day-Date builds aimed at the “super clone” end of the market. The main differences can be summarised like this:

GM Factory

• Balanced approach between finishing, movement quality and comfort
• Weighted models, but usually lighter than CBD
• Often considered a good “all-rounder” choice

QF (sometimes used as a premium GM label)

• Upgraded materials and finishing for certain Day-Date references
• Moves closer to gen in feel and detailing, but again does not chase 200+ g at all costs

THB Factory

• Aggressive about weight, sometimes pushing into the upper 190 g range and beyond
• Some versions achieve this by adding extra bracelet links, which changes the proportions and fit

CBD Factory

• Explicit, branded “Original Weight” concept
• Aims for ~200–207 g on Day-Date 40 by using tungsten / heavy core material and thicker links
• Keeps the standard link count, which preserves visual proportions but increases link thickness

From a purely technical perspective, CBD sits at the extreme end of the weight spectrum:

• It generally feels heavier than GM and most QF pieces.
• It competes directly with or even surpasses THB in density, while avoiding the visual giveaway of extra links.
• The trade-off is that bracelet components can appear chunkier and more “built up” than on a genuine Rolex, especially when examined side by side.

For collectors who care more about how the watch feels than micro-level aesthetics, CBD’s material strategy is very appealing. For those prioritising “perfect proportions under macro,” GM/QF may still look slightly more refined.

Price-to-Performance Positioning in the Market

When you step back and look at the entire landscape, CBD Factory carves out a very distinct niche:

• Above mainstream reps in construction and engineering
• Alongside GM / QF / THB in the super-clone category
• Often priced slightly below the heaviest, most hyped competitors, especially when factoring in its relatively new brand name

What you are paying for with CBD is not just a movement clone and a decent dial – you are paying for a complete physical experience:

• A bracelet and case engineered to hit genuine-like weights
• A movement that looks correct when opened and performs well once serviced
• A package that feels unapologetically solid and substantial in the hand.

For our audience, the positioning can be described simply:

VS Factory remains the conservative choice for long-term reliability; GM and QF balance comfort and finishing; THB and CBD turn the weight dial up. CBD is the factory that chases “genuine heft” more aggressively than almost anyone else, making it a natural option for enthusiasts who want their Day-Date or Daytona to feel as serious as it looks.

Known Weak Points and User Feedback

Plating Durability on Gold-Tone Models

CBD Factory’s gold-tone Day-Date and Daytona models rely on plated stainless steel over a heavy alloy core, not solid gold. That’s standard across the replica world, but it also means CBD is subject to the same long-term risk every plated watch faces: wear on high-contact areas.

Owners generally report that the finish looks excellent out of the box – rich yellow or rose tones, even brushing and polishing, no obvious colour mismatch between case and bracelet. Over time, however, the usual stress points can show age first:

• The underside of the clasp and buckle edges
• The links closest to the clasp, where desk wear hits hardest
• Sharp corners on the lugs and fluted bezel

How quickly that happens depends entirely on how the watch is worn. A carefully rotated collection piece can stay fresh for years; a true daily beater will eventually show micro-scratches and, later, thinning of the plating. For very particular collectors, CBD is often treated as a base for later “gold wrap” or replating, rather than a lifetime final finish.

Bracelet Thickness, Ergonomics and Daily Wear

The way CBD reaches its “Original Weight” target has one obvious side effect: the bracelet is thicker and denser than on many other factories. Some collectors love this. When you pick the watch up, it feels like a solid block of metal; the President bracelet doesn’t rattle or feel hollow, and on the wrist the watch sits with a very confident presence.

Others are more critical. Side-by-side with a genuine Day-Date 40, you can see that:

• Each link is fractionally more chunky, top to bottom
• The overall bracelet stack looks more muscular, especially at the clasp
• The head-to-bracelet transition can feel a touch less “silky” than on Rolex

In everyday use, the extra mass also means the watch is more noticeable over long days. For some wrists this is a plus – it feels luxurious and substantial. For smaller wrists or those used to lightweight pieces, CBD’s heavy bracelet can be tiring and may require a very precise fit to avoid hot spots or sliding.

Common Out-of-Box Issues and Typical Mods

Like most high-end replicas, CBD Factory pieces are not perfect straight out of the box, and experienced enthusiasts treat them as a platform to refine rather than a finished product. The most commonly mentioned points are:

• Datewheel and font – Mechanically fine, but the print and spacing are not always a perfect match to Rolex. Many owners eventually upgrade to an aftermarket or custom datewheel for a cleaner look under the cyclops.
• Cyclops and alignment – On good samples, magnification and centring are very convincing; on weaker ones, the date can sit slightly low or off-centre. A competent watchmaker can adjust or replace the crystal if this becomes distracting.
• Movement regulation – The 3255 clone usually runs, but rate and beat error can vary. Enthusiasts often budget for an immediate regulation and lubrication to bring performance into a tight, reliable range.

None of these issues are unique to CBD; they are part of the reality of modern super clones. The difference is that, thanks to its strong case and bracelet architecture, CBD gives modders a very solid foundation. Once the usual tweaks are done – datewheel, regulation, maybe a future replating – you are left with a watch that not only looks the part, but also feels remarkably close to a full-metal Day-Date or Daytona on the wrist.

Is CBD Factory a Good Base for Modding?

Recommended Upgrades for Enthusiasts

From a technical point of view, CBD Factory watches are strong platforms to build on rather than “perfect out of the box” pieces. The case, bracelet and overall weight engineering are already at a very high level, so most upgrades focus on fine-tuning details, not rebuilding the watch. For serious collectors and modders, the most common and effective upgrades are:

1. Datewheel Swap
   • Replace the stock datewheel with a higher-precision aftermarket disc that has better font accuracy, spacing and colour match.
   • This single change dramatically improves how the watch looks under the cyclops, especially on light-coloured dials.
2. Movement Service and Regulation
   • Have the 3255 clone fully inspected, lubricated and regulated by a competent watchmaker.
   • Aim for tight, stable performance in the ±5 seconds per day range and a consistent power reserve.
   • This also helps to protect the rotor, bearings and key components from long-term wear – especially important on a heavy watch.
3. Crystal / Cyclops Adjustment (If Needed)
   • On samples where magnification or centring is slightly off, a watchmaker can re-seat or replace the crystal.
   • When done properly, the date fills the window correctly and lines up perfectly with the dial.
4. Future Replating or Gold Wrap (for Long-Term Use)
   • For collectors who plan to keep a gold-tone CBD as a long-term staple, a professional replating or gold wrap service can be considered later.
   • The watch’s dense case and bracelet architecture make it a good candidate for this kind of high-end finishing work.

Once these upgrades are in place, you end up with a piece that combines CBD’s impressive weight and construction with refined details and tuned mechanics – very close to the top of what is realistically possible in the super-clone world.

Who Is CBD Factory Best Suited For?

CBD Factory is not the right choice for everyone – and that is exactly what makes it interesting. It is built for a specific type of collector:

• For you, if…
  • You care deeply about how a watch feels in the hand and on the wrist, not just how it looks in photos.
  • You want a Day-Date or Daytona that delivers genuine-like heft, with 200 g+ on the scale and a solid, non-hollow bracelet.
  • You are comfortable with the idea of basic modding and servicing (or working with a trusted watchmaker) to unlock the full potential of the piece.
• Maybe not for you, if…
  • You prefer a lighter, more conventional wearing experience and don’t want to notice the watch’s weight all day.
  • Your top priority is out-of-the-box reliability with minimal future adjustments, in which case more conservative factories may fit better.
  • You are extremely perfectionist about micro details such as date fonts and under-loupe finishing, and don’t plan to modify anything.

In short, CBD Factory is an excellent base for modding if you are looking for a dense, full-metal-feeling Day-Date or Daytona and you’re willing to treat the watch as a project: strong bones from the factory, carefully upgraded and serviced into something that looks and feels remarkably close to a genuine precious-metal Rolex.