The Engine for the New Generation Daytona (1265xx)
In 2023, the watch world stopped. Rolex retired the legendary Daytona 116500 series and introduced the new 126500 generation.
A new crown requires a new heart. While the Caliber 4130 was a masterpiece of reliability, the new Caliber 4131 is a masterpiece of efficiency and aesthetics.
At Victory Factory, we don’t just live in the past. To power our new 1265xx Daytona Super Clones, we have secured exclusive access to the only movement capable of matching the original’s updated architecture: the Custom Dandong 4131.
1. Visual Revolution: Designed to be Seen
The biggest change from the 4130 to the 4131 is aesthetic. For the first time, Rolex offered an exhibition caseback on the Platinum Daytona. The movement could no longer hide; it had to shine. The Dandong 4131 captures this new visual language perfectly:
- Rolex Cรดtes de Genรจve: Unlike standard Geneva stripes, the bridges on the 4131 feature the new, exclusive “Rolex Cรดtes de Genรจve” finishing, characterized by a thin, polished groove between each stripe. Our Dandong 4131 replicates this distinct light-catching effect brilliantly.
- Skeletonized Rotor: Gone is the solid semi-circular rotor of the 4130. The 4131 features a beautiful, cutout 18K gold-plated oscillating weight with improved ball bearings.
- Polished Bevels: Every bridge features deeply polished anglage (bevels), proving that this movement is finished to a haute horlogerie standard.
The Result: When you open the caseback of a Victory Factory Platinum Daytona, the view is virtually indistinguishable from the genuine article.
2. Technical Evolution: Simplified and Optimized
The genius of the 4131 lies in its simplification. By reducing the number of components, efficiency and reliability are increased.
- Optimized Ball Bearing: The new rotor spins on an updated ball-bearing mechanism, replacing the older sleeve bearing. This improves winding efficiency and longevity.
- Inherited Greatness: It retains the core architecture that made the 4130 famous: the robust Vertical Clutch for smooth chronograph engagement and the precision Column Wheel for that perfect tactile pusher feel.
3. Performance: The 72-Hour Benchmark Continues
Despite the structural changes, the performance metrics remain elite.
- 72-Hour Power Reserve: Like its predecessor, the Dandong 4131 provides a genuine 3-day power reserve. It is weekend-proof.
- Correct Thickness: The movement architecture ensures our new 1265xx Daytona cases maintain the correct, elegant profile on the wrist, matching the genuine dimensions precisely.
4. The Victory Standard: VF-Tuning for the 4131
Just like our 4130s, every Dandong 4131 that enters Victory Factory must pass our internal standards before casing:
- Aesthetic QC: We inspect the movement under 10x magnification to ensure the Geneva stripes and gold engravings are clean, sharp, and correct.
- Dynamic Regulation: We test the movements on winders simulating active wear to ensure stable timing across various states of wind.
Technical Comparison
| Feature | Dandong 4130 (The Classic) | Dandong 4131 (The New Era) |
| Model Application | Daytona 1165xx (Old Gen) | Daytona 1265xx (New Gen) |
| Bridge Finishing | Circular Graining | Rolex Cรดtes de Genรจve |
| Rotor Design | Solid Half-Moon | Skeletonized Ball-Bearing |
| Exhibition Back Ready? | No (Historically incorrect) | Yes (For Platinum models) |
| Chronograph System | Vertical Clutch + Column Wheel | Vertical Clutch + Column Wheel |
| Power Reserve | 72 Hours | 72 Hours |
Conclusion
The 4130 is the undisputed king of the past decade. The 4131 is the king of the future. By offering both, Victory Factory ensures that whether you prefer the classic panda or the new platinum exhibition model, your watch is powered by the most accurate engine available.
Own the future of chronograph technology.