The Mingzhu DG3804 is a 4-hand automatic GMT calibre produced by Mingzhu, a Chinese movement manufacturer. It is built around a GMT complication — an additional 24-hour hand that tracks a second time zone independently from the main hour hand, used in replica references that replicate GMT-function watches. Operating at 21,600 bph in a 26mm diameter case, it combines date complication with self-winding capability in a single calibre architecture. The V4 designation refers to the fourth-generation modification of this calibre by replica manufacturers: refinements to GMT hand fitment, case geometry compatibility, and production consistency relative to earlier versions of the same base calibre.
In replica watches, the DG3804 V4 is found in GMT references where an independently adjustable 24-hour GMT hand is required as a functional complication. It operates as a standard automatic with the addition of the GMT hand — self-winding through wrist motion, with date at 3 o'clock, and no exhibition caseback compatibility. Like other Mingzhu calibres, it is a practical daily wear movement with no visual resemblance to any specific Swiss GMT calibre.
In Practice
- The DG3804 V4 operates at 21,600 bph with a 24-hour GMT hand that tracks a second time zone independently from the main hour hand. The GMT hand is used in combination with a 24-hour bezel scale to read the second time zone — the bezel must be correctly aligned to the GMT hand for accurate second time zone reading.
- The 4-hand architecture — hours, minutes, seconds, and GMT — is the defining characteristic of the DG3804 relative to other Mingzhu calibres. It is specified exclusively for GMT references and is not a general-purpose automatic movement used across multiple reference types.
- The calibre measures 26mm in diameter — consistent with the DG2813 footprint. Date is displayed at 3 o'clock via a standard date window aperture in the dial.
- The V4 designation reflects replica manufacturer modifications to the base DG3804 calibre — not a Mingzhu factory revision. These modifications address GMT hand fitment tolerances, case geometry compatibility, and production consistency relative to earlier versions.
- The DG3804 V4 is not suitable for exhibition caseback references. Its architecture does not replicate any specific Swiss GMT calibre visually — for display caseback GMT models where movement appearance matters, a clone movement is the appropriate specification.
Related Terms
Mingzhu DG2813 V4 · Mingzhu DG3836 V3 · Mingzhu DG2812 V3 · Miyota Movement · Super Clone
Read Next
For a full overview of movements used in replica watches — including how the DG3804 compares to Miyota and other calibres — read: Replica Watch Movements Explained