The high-end watch market is more complex than it appears. It requires a deep technical knowledge of the craft. Understanding how to identify a Rolex Submariner is essential for anyone who wants to confirm the authenticity of an expensive timepiece. Rolex Submariner, perhaps the most famous diver's watches in history is a prime target for imitation. The Cyclops Lens is the first thing to look at when determining a real piece. A genuine Submariner has a sapphire glass with a date magnifying lens which enlarges each numeral by exactly 2.5 times. Replicates struggle to achieve this ratio. They often display a 1.5x magnifier or lack the anti-reflective treatment that lends the date window clarity. The dial's printing is a sign of accuracy, even beyond the crystal. Genuine Rolex dials use a proprietary process of printing that produces sharp lettering, with a slight raised effect. There is no fuzziness or bleeding under the jeweler's magnifying glass. The bezel is also a key point to inspect. The Cerachrom bezel on modern Submariners is coated with a thin coating of gold or platinum via PVD. Replicas often use inferior paints or materials that don't have the same metallic sheen as the original. The weight and integrity of the material are other important factors. Rolex uses only 904L Oystersteel stainless steel. It is more resistant to corrosion and easier to polish than most replicas. The difference is visible in the sheen and weight of the metal. Mechanical movements remain the best way to determine authenticity. Genuine caliber 3135 or 3235 movements have a smooth and sweeping motion of the second hand at 28,800 vibrations an hour. A non-genuine watch will have a 'ticking sound' or stuttering. The serial number should also be engraved on the inner rehaut of the watch at 6 o’clock. It must match the minute marks perfectly and it needs to be clean. Professionals can ensure the quality of their collection by focusing on technical details.