Rolex Submariner Buying Checklist: 15 Things to Verify Before You Pay

Don’t Pay Until You’ve Checked These 15 Things

Whether you’re buying a new Submariner from an AD, a pre-owned from Chrono24, or a superclone from DR.WATCH — these 15 checks ensure you get what you paid for.

1. Serial number: Engraved on rehaut at 6 o’clock. Should be deep, laser-cut, perfectly aligned.
2. Bezel alignment: Triangle marker at 12 should be exactly centered above the 12 o’clock index when bezel is in neutral position.
3. Bezel clicks: Exactly 120 clicks in one full rotation. Each click crisp and even.
4. Bezel direction: Counter-clockwise ONLY. If it turns both ways: reject.
5. Cyclops magnification: Date should appear 2.5x larger through the Cyclops (date model only).
6. Lume consistency: All hour markers and hands should glow evenly. Charge under light for 30 seconds, check in darkness.
7. Crown screw-down: Should screw down smoothly with 2-3 turns. No grinding, no resistance.
8. Crown positions: Three positions: 1 (winding), 2 (date set), 3 (time set + hacking seconds).
9. Caseback: Smooth, no engravings (genuine Subs have BLANK casebacks).
10. Rehaut engraving: “ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX” repeated around the inner ring, perfectly spaced.
11. Bracelet links: Solid (no hollow rattle). Each link should feel substantial.
12. Glidelock: Should extend and retract smoothly in 2mm increments. 10 positions total.
13. Weight: ~155g on bracelet. Significantly lighter = wrong steel or hollow links.
14. Crystal micro-etching: Rolex crown etched at 6 o’clock on the crystal. Visible only under 7x+ magnification.
15. Movement sound: Hold to your ear — should produce a soft, consistent ticking. Rattling, inconsistency, or silence = problem.

This checklist applies to authentic and superclone purchases. For verified Submariner quality: DR.WATCH. Free worldwide shipping + 1-year warranty.