The Mingzhu DG2803 is an automatic calibre produced by Mingzhu, a Chinese movement manufacturer. Operating at 21,600 bph in a 26mm diameter, approximately 5.87mm thick architecture with 17 jewels and around 36 to 44 hours power reserve, it carries both a day-of-week and date complication — the two defining display features of the Day-Date reference. The V3 designation refers to the third-generation modification of this calibre by replica manufacturers specifically for use in Day-Date style references: hand sizing, sub-dial configuration, and case fitment adjustments made for compatibility with Day-Date case geometry.
In replica watches, the DG2803 V3 is found in Day-Date style references where both a day name display and a date window are required on the dial. The day display shows the full day name — Monday, Tuesday, and so on — while the date appears in a separate window, both advancing automatically at midnight. Date position varies by variant — typically at 3 o'clock or 6 o'clock depending on the specific reference configuration.
In Practice
- The DG2803 V3 operates at 21,600 bph — consistent with other Mingzhu automatic calibres. With 17 jewels and a power reserve of approximately 36 to 44 hours, it sits within the standard range for Chinese automatic movements used in mid-tier replica production.
- Both the day and date complications advance automatically at midnight during normal daily wear. Setting the day and date correctly after extended non-wear requires crown adjustment through the standard positions — typically two or three crown positions depending on the reference.
- The DG2803 is often confused with the DG2813, which carries only a date complication. The defining distinction is the day-of-week display — the DG2803 carries both day and date, the DG2813 carries date only. Both share the same 26mm diameter and base architecture.
- Stop-seconds (hacking) is present — pulling the crown to the time-setting position stops the seconds hand, allowing precise time synchronisation. This is a practical feature for daily wear that is absent in some lower-tier replica movements.
- The V3 designation reflects replica manufacturer modifications to the base DG2803 calibre for Day-Date reference compatibility. The DG2803 V3 is a closed caseback movement — its architecture does not replicate the visual layout of any specific Swiss Day-Date calibre. For exhibition caseback references where movement appearance matters, a clone movement is the appropriate specification.
Related Terms
Mingzhu DG2813 V4 · Mingzhu DG3804 V4 · Mingzhu DG3836 V3 · Miyota Movement · Super Clone
Read Next
For a full overview of movements used in replica watches — including how the DG2803 compares to other Mingzhu calibres — read: Replica Watch Movements Explained