The Mingzhu DG3836 is a 22-jewel automatic multifunction calibre produced by Mingzhu, a Chinese movement manufacturer. In its base configuration it is a 6-hand movement featuring date, 24-hour indicator, and day/month complications — operating at 21,600 bph in a 26mm diameter, approximately 6.1mm to 8.1mm thick architecture with around 40 hours power reserve. The V3 designation refers to the third-generation modification of this calibre by replica manufacturers specifically for use in Daytona-style references: the sub-dial layout is configured to replicate the three-register visual architecture of the Daytona dial.
It is important to understand what the DG3836 V3 is and is not in this context. The sub-dials on a DG3836 V3-powered replica replicate the visual appearance of a Daytona chronograph dial — but the DG3836 is not a chronograph movement. There are no functional pushers, no elapsed time measurement, and no start/stop/reset mechanism. The movement provides the correct sub-dial aesthetic for the reference without the chronograph complication. Buyers who specifically require a functional chronograph should look for references fitted with a dedicated chronograph calibre.
In Practice
- The DG3836 V3 operates at 21,600 bph with approximately 40 hours power reserve — slightly longer than the DG2813 V4's 36-hour reserve. The movement is self-winding through wrist motion with manual winding capability via the crown.
- The three sub-dials on a DG3836 V3-powered Daytona replica display functional information — typically running seconds, 24-hour indicator, and date or day/month — configured to occupy the same dial positions as the chronograph registers on the genuine Daytona. The visual result matches the Daytona sub-dial layout; the function does not.
- There are no functional chronograph pushers on a DG3836 V3-powered replica. The pushers visible on the case at 2 and 4 o'clock are cosmetic — they replicate the external appearance of the genuine reference but are not connected to any movement complication.
- The V3 designation reflects replica manufacturer modifications to the base DG3836 calibre for Daytona reference compatibility — sub-dial positioning, hand sizing, and case fitment adjustments specific to the Daytona case geometry.
- The DG3836 V3 is a closed caseback movement in practice. Its architecture does not replicate the visual layout of the genuine Daytona calibre — for exhibition caseback Daytona references where movement appearance matters, a dedicated clone chronograph movement is the appropriate specification.
Related Terms
Mingzhu DG2813 V4 · Mingzhu DG3804 V4 · Mingzhu DG2812 V3 · Seiko VK63 · Super Clone
Read Next
For a full overview of movements used in replica watches — including how the DG3836 compares to dedicated chronograph calibres — read: Replica Watch Movements Explained