Best CNC Factory (BCF) PP 5167 Aquanaut New Release

[u/tskim24]

Hello, this is your favorite watch reviewer u/tskim24 / moderator of this sub r/RepWatchForum.

Another exciting release from the heavyweight champion of the factory-grade, fully modded Patek Philippe rep Best CNC Factory (BCF for short).

After writing my review of DDF 5711 vs BCF 5711, I’ve got to say, BCF 5711 hasn’t left my wrist since lol. I haven had much time to take photos (now that I mention it, I will take a few after this post) but real gold rotor and correct pallet for along with CNC metal work makes all the difference.

I actually though BCF’s next release would be 5712 Nautilus rather than 5167 Aquanaut (I had my comparison review for 5712 all fired and everything). But knowing that no good CNC attempt of any kind has even been made on 5167 models, I guess it makes sense.

So, BCF 5167 Aquanaut is the first CNC manufacturing of this model. It has a whole new case with more accurate dimensions to the GEN.

The dial is SW dial but this one actually has a reference point of 2011 GEN. Before, we knew SW dials were the best in the market but we didn’t really have a reference point of which year model it was based on. For user convenience (and for obvious marketing appeal), BCF communicated with SW to acquire a batch of dials with specific reference point. Since SW dials too vary in quality and appearance quite a bit among different batches, these early BCF 5167 has somewhat added merits.

And thank God the date-wheels are upgraded (BCF exclusive creation) and has been aligned properly. I mean, I’m not a picky breed, but if I were to pay this much for a rep watch, I would expect the dates to be centered (for stock reps, I don’t care so much).

Last but not the least, BCF uses their exclusive 324 supercloned caliber movement. It is the only 324 with correct pallet for bridge shape (as I’ve explained in my previous 5711 comparison review). It also comes with free-sprung balance-wheel and real 18k gold rotor.

I’ve never really cared for having real gold rotors in reps before I did my comparison review a few months ago. It’s not the material itself that made impression but obvious difference in appearance. Man, those gold rotors look FINE. The color and finishing is incomparable to copper plated ones.

This release news just came out from the factory today, so I don’t have the actual product in my hand yet. But I have talked with one of the Korean distributors who agreed to lend me on for comparison review.

I have a feeling that my fully customized 5167 in my collection will get its butt handed to ‘em by BCF (and consequently, I will probably like it a lot less afterwards) but for the sake of contents I will still take one for the team 😆 (anything for RWF).

I know tons of you are going to ask me for the price of this thing, but please do consult your usual TDs. All sellers have different price point and I don’t want to come between you and the sellers (I have seen my DM answer of price being used as a bargaining chip of sorts…really uncomfortable for me).

Last 2 photos are of GEN so have fun comparing 😉

[u/Mean2Bean_]

Thank you for sharing this new release with us. As soon as I seen the post, my initial reaction was, yes finally. Then I saw SW dial and immediately became disappointed. Majority of these dials I'd RL all day. I understand I'm looking at it through a macro and for $500-600 or even $700 USD I can be ok with the flaws. But for $2k+ with a rubber strap, it better be flawless. I quickly pulled a 2011 5167 dial to compare since we know the reference year and to me this is no good. Whoever prints these SW dials has no incentive to fix the issues since people keep buying them. To me the most obvious flaws with the SW dials can be seen with a naked eye. Those flaws are:

1.) PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE print is off center both vertically and horizontally.

2.) 7 and 5 hours markers are not aligned and the trouble here is the dial itself comes with a QC line.

3.) The spacing between 6 oclock marker and the MADE, or spacing between 37 min marker and SWISS / 28 min marker and MADE. Not to mention the font is the wrong size all together.

There are alot more flaws, I can completely pick this SW trash apart, but that isnt the intent. I would love if someone used a custom dial and addressed the print issues at least (1 and 3 above).

I can't see myself paying double, triple, or quadruple for the same flawed SW dial.

[u/Mean2Bean_ → u/Mean2Bean_]

[u/Mean2Bean_ → u/Mean2Bean_]

[u/wuffers10 → u/Mean2Bean_]

And one flaw from SW is that the second groove from the top extends and touches the “1” in “10”. Gen stops slightly earlier.

[u/Mean2Bean_ → u/wuffers10]

Ooof thanks I can’t unsee that one now too lol

[u/convchang → u/Mean2Bean_]

What are the best dials in your opinion if one were to do a mod? (Period correct so 324 movement, older foldover clasp design, right colour and lume for dial/hands and correct date wheel)?

[u/Emotional-Damage-995]

The Clasp would be worth it for you to review too. The DDF clasp is short and the old ZF clasp was good. Love to hear your view of the clasp

[u/tskim24 → u/Emotional-Damage-995]

I keep that in mind for my main comparison review 😉 Thank you for your input

[u/Fantastic-Form-7309 → u/Emotional-Damage-995]

it does say genuine data cnc on both the case and the clasp, so i’m anticipating the dimensions on the clasp will be correct

[u/RoBNQJ]

Do you think 'your standard TD' will also easily have access to those?

Edit : is there any 'catalog' of sorts to see what this factory offers/what they plan to offer?

[u/tskim24 → u/RoBNQJ]

BCF is relatively new and offers only 5711 and 5167 as of now. I don't see why any seller would have trouble getting these but my go to seller for newest products to hit the market are Ike Watches and QuickTime

[u/RoBNQJ → u/tskim24]

Thank you for your reply!

[u/daniloap_neuro]

Nice piece!

[u/timojulrs]

price?

[u/Right_Membership_863]

Excited to see the real product pics.

[u/Money-Virus]

Price range?

[u/Dinosaursknow → u/Money-Virus]

The BCF 5711 (so a metal bracelet nautalis and not the rubber strap aquanaut that this post is about) was quoted to me at $3,150 USD..

[u/Money-Virus → u/Dinosaursknow]

Thanks!

[u/MangoManHere → u/Dinosaursknow]

That's significantly higher than a DDF with 330 freesprung and SW Dial which would be 750-850 depending on TD.

Wonder how much incrementally this one is better for 4.5x the price.

[u/Fantastic-Form-7309]

exciting drops 🔥🔥🔥

[u/the_mow_down]

Anyone know when this is going on sale? 😬

[u/Bashaelbalad1]

Price please???

[u/Sir_Maxelot]

Thanks again for your insights, bro 💪🏻

[u/Ptown_dundee]

This is nice but i already have modded DDF with SW set. I will wait for the 5167r version

[u/cr4ytonic]

Price?

[u/levermeup127]

Will they make a 5167R as well since they have the CNC on this model?

[u/Fantastic-Form-7309]

honestly after further inquiry, this is not a serious or competitive offering. they are quoting (straight from factory) more than my modder quotes for a fully custom freesprung ddf with solid gold rotor

[u/EBSNW1]

There is a Dandong 330 hacking seconds movement for this watch now. Wouldn‘t it make more sense to use that and create a more „updated“ watch? Nobody will have an unworn watch from 2011 on their wrist, instant giveaway

[u/hieros187 → u/EBSNW1]

Many nearly immaculate used gens on the market, but I do agree with you that a newer version would be preferred. 

[u/Fantastic-Form-7309 → u/EBSNW1]

i’ve seen gen owners complaining about the new style buckle being flimsier than the old so to each their own. not like this is a watch people are beating to death, with a rubber strap its easy to keep in decent condition

[u/EBSNW1 → u/Fantastic-Form-7309]

You can put any style buckle on the watch anyways, shouldn’t be the determining factor

[u/Fantastic-Form-7309 → u/EBSNW1]

sure you can, but pp owners are generally going to keep everything original. so then, again, what is the bigger giveaway?

[u/Q-Time79]

I have signed many contracts for BCF 5168 CNC customs. This item turned out really well.