A replica Rolex Explorer II 1655 is a third-party watch that copies the look of a 1971 Rolex sports reference. It is not made, sold, or serviced by Rolex, it carries no Rolex warranty, and in the United States selling counterfeit branded watches is illegal under trademark law. Buyers in this market get a look-alike product with real legal and quality trade-offs, not a substitute for the genuine watch.

What is the Rolex Explorer II 1655?

The Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 is a stainless steel sports watch that Rolex introduced in 1971 for cave explorers and people who work without daylight. It has a 40 mm case, a fixed 24-hour bezel, and an orange 24-hour hand that separates day from night at a glance. Its hour hand does not set independently, so it is not a GMT-Master in a different case.

What movement does the 1655 use?

Early 1655 watches run the caliber 1575, a 26-jewel automatic with a non-quickset date. Rolex fitted an acrylic crystal and never added a sapphire crystal to this reference. Production ran from 1971 to 1985, when the 16550 took its place.

Why is it called the Steve McQueen?

Collectors and Italian dealers attached the "Steve McQueen" nickname to the 1655, but the actor never wore this reference on screen. He wore a Submariner in the 1971 film Le Mans. The nickname spread through the auction market and stuck to the reference anyway.

What does "first copy" mean for an Explorer II 1655?

A first copy or replica Explorer II 1655 is a watch built by an unlicensed manufacturer that imitates the original design. Sellers use terms like first copy, 1:1, and clone to describe how closely the watch follows the original, but none of those terms are standardized or verified. No replica carries original Rolex parts, original Rolex tooling, or a Rolex service record.

Is it legal to buy or sell a replica Rolex in the US?

Selling a watch with a counterfeit Rolex trademark is illegal in the United States under the Lanham Act, and criminal penalties can apply. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize counterfeit trademarked goods at the border, and importing them can lead to fines and forfeiture.

Personal use is a different question from resale, but the item is still infringing and has no legal resale path. You cannot take it to Rolex for service, and you cannot describe it as a Rolex when you sell it.

How do first copy 1655 watches differ from the original?

• Movement: originals use a Rolex caliber 1575; replicas use third-party automatics, and many add a quickset date the original never had.
• Case: both measure about 40 mm, but crown guards, lug profile, and caseback engraving diverge on close inspection.
• Dial and hands: the orange 24-hour hand, lume tone, and text weight rarely match period-correct Rolex parts.
• Bezel: the original fixed 24-hour bezel is steel with crisp engraving; replica inserts show softer fonts and uneven spacing.
• Crystal: the 1655 used acrylic; many replicas ship with sapphire, which changes the profile and the reflections.

What should a buyer check before paying for a first copy watch?

Get the case material, movement type, water resistance claim, and return window in writing before payment. Confirm in the listing text that the watch is a replica and not a genuine Rolex, because a seller who hides that fact can cross into outright fraud. Save the listing copy and the payment record.

Treat any water resistance number as a marketing claim. A replica listed at 100 m has not been pressure tested by the seller. Skip swimming and showering unless an independent watchmaker has tested the gaskets and seals.

How do you avoid being sold a replica 1655 as a genuine watch?

Auction houses and authorized dealers verify movement serials, caseback stamps, and dial details that replicas do not match. A genuine 1655 trades well into five figures, so an offer far below that number signals a fake watch or a fake part. Have any vintage Rolex inspected by a qualified watchmaker before money changes hands.

FAQ

Do replica watches hold value?

No. Replica and first copy watches have almost no resale market, and a used replica sells for a small fraction of its original price.

Can Rolex service a replica Explorer II?

No. Rolex service centers work on genuine watches only and will decline a replica. Some independent watchmakers can service the third-party movement inside, subject to parts availability.

Is the Explorer II 1655 a good investment?

Genuine 1655 watches have gained value over time, but that market rewards original dials, unpolished cases, and full documentation. A replica captures none of that value.