The Case and Bezel: Precision and Materials

• Materials: Genuine Rolex Submariners are crafted from premium materials like 904L Oystersteel (or precious metals like gold and platinum in certain models). Feel the weight of the watch – genuine Rolexes have a substantial, solid feel due to the density of these materials. Fakes often use cheaper, lighter metals.
• Finishing: Rolex is known for its flawless finishing. The case should have consistent brushing and polishing, with crisp lines and edges. Fake Rolexes often exhibit inconsistencies, rough edges, or uneven finishing.
• Bezel Action: The unidirectional rotating bezel on a Submariner should have precise, crisp clicks with no back play. It should rotate smoothly and firmly. Fake bezels often feel loose, gritty, or have imprecise clicks.
• Bezel Insert: Rolex uses high-quality ceramic (Cerachrom) for modern Submariner bezel inserts, known for their scratch resistance and vibrant color. Older models used aluminum. The markings should be deeply engraved and precisely filled with platinum or gold (depending on the model). Fakes may use inferior materials, faded colors, or poorly applied markings.
• Caseback: The caseback of a Rolex Submariner is typically plain and undecorated, made of solid metal. Avoid watches with exhibition casebacks (unless it's a very rare, heavily modified aftermarket piece – highly unlikely to be encountered). Engravings on the caseback should be crisp and precise, if present (some vintage models have engravings).

The Dial and Hands: Legibility and Detail

• Dial Printing: Rolex dials are renowned for their crisp, precise printing. The text should be sharp, evenly spaced, and perfectly aligned. Look closely for any smudging, bleeding, or unevenness in the font. Fake dials often exhibit blurry or poorly printed text.
• Lume Application: The luminous markers and hands on a Submariner should be evenly applied and glow brightly and consistently in the dark. Rolex uses high-quality Chromalight lume (blue glow) or Super-LumiNova (green glow). Fakes may have weak, uneven, or poorly applied lume.
• Hand Alignment: The hands should be perfectly aligned and move smoothly across the dial. Check that the seconds hand hits each second marker precisely. Misaligned or stuttering hands are red flags.
• Coronet (Crown Logo): The Rolex coronet on the dial should be perfectly formed, symmetrical, and precisely positioned. Examine the five points of the crown – they should be distinct and well-defined. Fake coronets often appear misshapen, uneven, or poorly executed.

The Cyclops Lens and Date Window: Magnification and Clarity

• Cyclops Magnification: The Cyclops lens over the date window is a signature Rolex feature. It should magnify the date exactly 2.5 times (on most models). Fake Rolexes often have weak or incorrect magnification, making the date appear smaller or distorted.
• Date Font: The date font should be crisp, clear, and consistent with Rolex's typeface. Check for the correct font style and spacing. Fake date fonts often appear too thick, too thin, or poorly printed.
• Cyclops Alignment: The Cyclops lens should be perfectly centered over the date window. Misaligned cyclops are a common flaw in fakes.
• Anti-Reflective Coating (AR): Modern Rolex Submariners often have an anti-reflective coating under the Cyclops lens, enhancing legibility. Check for this subtle blueish hue.

The Bracelet and Clasp: Solid Construction and Security

• Solid End Links (SEL): Genuine Rolex Submariners feature solid end links where the bracelet connects to the case. These should fit seamlessly and securely. Fakes often use hollow or poorly fitting end links.
• Solid Links: Each link in a genuine Rolex Oyster bracelet is solid and substantial. Fakes often use hollow links, making the bracelet feel lighter and cheaper.
• Weight: The bracelet should contribute to the overall substantial weight of the watch. A lightweight bracelet is a major red flag.
• Finishing: The bracelet should have the same high-quality brushing and polishing as the case, with consistent finishing throughout.
• Clasp Mechanism: The Rolex Oysterlock clasp is robust and secure, with a satisfying click when closed. It should be made of solid metal and feature precise engravings of the Rolex crown and logo. Fake clasps often feel flimsy, have weak closures, and exhibit poor engravings.
• Clasp Code and Engravings: Genuine Rolex clasps have specific codes and engravings on the inside. Research the correct codes for the specific Submariner model and year. Fake engravings are often shallow, uneven, or misspelled.

The Movement: The Heart of the Watch (If Possible to Check)

While opening the caseback is generally not recommended without professional expertise, the movement is the ultimate indicator of authenticity. Genuine Rolex movements are incredibly precise, robust, and beautifully finished.

• Smooth Sweep: Genuine Rolex automatic movements have a smooth, sweeping seconds hand due to their high beat rate. Fake Rolexes often use quartz movements or lower-quality automatic movements with a ticking seconds hand or a less smooth sweep.
• Sound: A genuine Rolex movement is virtually silent. If you hear a noticeable ticking sound, especially a loud one, it's a strong indication of a fake.
• Movement Markings and Finish: If you can safely examine the movement (e.g., through a trusted watchmaker), genuine Rolex movements are meticulously finished and marked with Rolex engravings, caliber numbers, and serial numbers. Fake movements are often crudely finished and lack these markings.

Note: Never attempt to open the caseback yourself unless you are a trained watchmaker. You risk damaging the watch. If you are unsure, seek professional authentication.

Serial and Model Numbers: Unique Identifiers

• Location: On modern Rolex Submariners, the serial number is engraved on the rehaut (the inner bezel ring) at the 6 o'clock position, visible when looking at the dial. The model number is typically engraved between the lugs at the 12 o'clock position (you may need to remove the bracelet to see it clearly). Vintage models may have serial and model numbers engraved on the caseback or between the lugs.
• Engraving Quality: Rolex engravings are laser-etched and incredibly precise, with thin, deep, and consistent lines. Fake engravings are often shallow, uneven, or appear crudely stamped.
• Consistency and Database Checks: Use online Rolex serial number databases to verify the production year of the watch and cross-reference it with the model and features. Be aware that these databases are not foolproof and can be manipulated.
• Matching Numbers: In some cases, the serial number on the watch should match the serial number on the original Rolex warranty card or paperwork. However, relying solely on paperwork is risky, as fake papers are also prevalent.