A Rolex Explorer II copy is a replica of one of three references: 16570, 216570, or 226570. Top-tier copies use a 42mm steel case, a fixed 24-hour bezel, and a clone of the Rolex caliber 3285 or 3187. Prices run from about $80 to about $800 across tiers. No copy is made by Rolex. Rolex has never licensed the name.

Explorer 2 Fake Rolex Guide: Which Explorer II Replica to Pick

Genuine References Copies Track

  • 16570: built 1989 to 2011. 40mm case, 20mm lugs, caliber 3185 then 3186. Black or white dial.
  • 216570: built from 2011. 42mm case, 21mm lugs, caliber 3187. Orange 24-hour hand. Larger hour markers.
  • 226570: built from 2021. 42mm case, caliber 3285, 70-hour power reserve, 100m water resistance.

All three share one function: a 24-hour hand reads against a fixed steel bezel with engraved numerals. The bezel does not rotate. This separates the Explorer II from the GMT-Master II.

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Movement Tiers

Movement choice separates tiers more than any other part.

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  • Entry: A2836 or DG3804 with a GMT module. Crown positions differ from the genuine.
  • Mid: SA3186 or VR3186. Crown positions match the 16570.
  • Top: SH3187 or VR3285 clones. Crown positions match the 216570 and 226570.

Factory names change by seller and batch. If a listing does not name the movement, treat the claim as unverified. Ask for a photo of the caseback removed.

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Bezel, Dial, and Date

Engraving depth on the bezel is the first tell in photos. Genuine numerals sit deep with black fill. Shallow laser cuts show flat edges under side light.

  • Date window: about 2.5x magnification through the cyclops on the genuine.
  • Date font: open 4 and 6 shapes on 226570 copies.
  • Lume: Chromalight blue on the genuine. Rolex states a glow of about 8 hours.
  • White dial copies often miss the matte finish and the black date wheel print.

Case and Bracelet Checks

  • Lug width: 21mm on 216570 and 226570, 20mm on 16570.
  • Solid end link fit at the lugs. Gaps show in the side profile.
  • Crown guard shape. Genuine guards taper into the case mid-line.
  • Clasp: Oysterlock with a 5mm Easylink extension on the genuine.

Water Resistance

The genuine rates at 100m. Copies leave the factory without a pressure test in most cases. Gaskets can sit dry. Do not swim with a copy until a shop runs a pressure test and confirms the result.

Price Bands in the US Market

  • $80 to $150: entry build, low-grade sapphire, 21,600 bph.
  • $250 to $450: 316L or 904L steel, sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
  • $450 to $800: 904L steel, clone movement, matched dial and hand set.

Values shift with batch supply. Treat these as ranges, not fixed prices.

Photo Checklist Before Buying

  1. Request the movement name and a caseback photo.
  2. Check hand stack order. From the dial up on the genuine: 24-hour hand, hour hand, minute hand, seconds hand.
  3. Measure the cyclops against the date window.
  4. Request a pressure test printout.
  5. Compare crown guards to a genuine side profile.