Developer Nanoga says that its technique uses photons, works on glass, ceramic and metal. What's more, faking the process apparently would be as difficult as counterfeiting the Swiss 50-franc note. "The outcome is a series of layers of atoms that is more than 10,000 times thinner than a hair and does not in any way alter the material's properties," according to a prepared statement. Here's more on the watermarking process:

"In a machine normally used to make LEDs, the substances are deposited onto the surface as a vapor. Using lithographic printing, certain areas are then activated in order to create the watermark. In a form of atomic gymnastics, the atoms that have been activated react when exposed to ultraviolet light, instantly revealing themselves to the human eye."

Nanoga says that the printing occurs on a nanoscopic scale and that the process is ready for licensing. Now it's up to the Swiss watch makers to buy in and help you determine a real McCoy from a fugazi.