The fake Rolex Explorer II 1655 V2 is a second-generation replica of the vintage "Orange Hand" reference, and the V2 tag normally signals that the maker fixed flaws found in the first release. The changes usually center on the bezel numerals, the shape of the 24-hour hand, and the case profile. V2 is a version marker used by replica workshops, not an official Rolex term, so the exact updates differ from maker to maker. Judge each watch on its own details rather than trusting the label alone.

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What the V2 Label Actually Means

Replica factories rarely publish changelogs. Instead, sellers and forums track revisions by comparing photos of new batches against older ones. A V2 of the Explorer II 1655 typically arrives after buyers point out specific misses on the V1, and the fixes tend to be small: a thicker bezel font, a repositioned crown guard, or a corrected hand stack. Because there is no central authority, one workshop's V2 can be another workshop's V1. Ask for current photos with a dated timestamp and compare them against the details below.

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The Real Reference 1655, in Brief

Rolex introduced the Explorer II reference 1655 in 1971 as a tool watch for cave explorers and people working in places where day and night blur. It used a fixed 24-hour bezel and an orange 24-hour hand, which is where the "Orange Hand" name comes from. Collectors later attached the "Steve McQueen" nickname to it, even though the actor is not documented wearing the reference. The genuine watch has a steel case in the 39 mm range, a plexiglass crystal, and a GMT-based automatic movement.

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Knowing the original matters because every replica is judged against it. A guide written without reference to the real watch tends to praise details that are simply wrong.

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Details That Separate a Strong V2 From a Weak One

Case and Bezel

The fixed bezel is the first thing most people notice. On a good example the 24-hour numerals are crisp, evenly spaced, and cut into the metal rather than printed on top. The lugs should taper the way the original does, with bevels that catch light along the edges. Weak replicas show softened lug tips and a bezel that sits too thick or too flat.

Dial, Hands and Lume

The orange 24-hour hand should have a defined arrow tip, not a blunt blob. On the hour and minute hands, check that the Mercedes-style section is symmetrical and that the lume fill sits level with the metal frame. Dial printing should be sharp under magnification, with consistent spacing between the text lines. Aged or "tropical" dial finishes vary, so compare against photos of the same dial variant.

Crystal and Crown

The original used a domed plexiglass crystal, so a replica with flat sapphire looks noticeably different from the side. The crown should sit close to the case with a clean tube, and winding should feel smooth rather than gritty.

Movement and Winding Feel

Replicas in this reference range usually run on a modified automatic GMT movement or a decorated Asian caliber. What matters in daily use is whether the GMT hand sets correctly, whether the date flips near midnight, and whether the rotor is quiet. Ask the seller to confirm how the 24-hour hand is adjusted.

Bracelet and End Links

End links should meet the case without visible gaps. Stamped clasps are common on budget builds, while better versions use milled clasps with firmer spring bars. Check the stretch on the bracelet if it is described as vintage-style.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Stock photos instead of current images of the actual watch
  • No answers about movement type or how the GMT hand sets
  • Bezel numerals that are printed rather than cut
  • A flat crystal on a reference that should have a domed one
  • Prices far below the rest of the market for the same version
  • Sellers who avoid questions about returns or inspection

Questions Worth Asking Before You Buy

  • Which factory produced this batch, and is it the V2 or a later revision?
  • Can you send photos of the bezel, caseback, and clasp under natural light?
  • What movement is inside, and how is the 24-hour hand adjusted?
  • What is the return window if the watch does not match the photos?

Legal and Practical Note

A replica is not a Rolex, and it should never be represented as one. Selling counterfeit trademarked goods is illegal in the United States, and shipments can be seized by customs. Many buyers treat these watches as novelty or study pieces, but the legal risk sits with the seller and, in some cases, the importer. If you own a replica, keep it clearly separate from any genuine watch you may sell later.

Bottom Line

The fake Rolex Explorer II 1655 V2 is worth considering only when the seller can document the revision and show real photos of the specific watch. Focus on the bezel, the orange hand, the domed crystal, and the movement behavior. Those four checks will tell you more than any version number printed in a listing.