The replica Rolex Explorer II 16559 is a copy of the vintage-style Explorer II, the fixed-bezel GMT watch Rolex designed for cave exploration and polar travel. In practice, most listings that use "16559" are pointing at the 16550 generation look: a 40 mm steel case, a 24-hour bezel, an orange GMT hand, and a black dial. No reference 16559 appears in Rolex's own Explorer II lineup, so treat that number as a seller's catalog label rather than a factory designation.
What the 16559 Reference Usually Means
Rolex has published the Explorer II under a handful of numbers over the decades, and the vintage ones buyers chase are the 1655, the 16550, and the longer-running 16570. When a shop or marketplace listing shows "16559," it is almost always an internal stock code, a typo, or a variant label used to separate one batch of copies from another. Before you buy, ask the seller which real reference the watch is patterned after. A straight answer tells you whether they know the product or are just relabeling a generic case.
Features That Define the Explorer II Look
Any credible Explorer II copy should carry the same visual signature as the original. Check these points against photos before you commit:
- Case size. Vintage-pattern versions sit around 40 mm. Newer 42 mm Explorer II copies exist too, so confirm which one you are getting.
- Fixed 24-hour bezel. It does not rotate. It is a steel ring with engraved numerals, not a dive bezel.
- Orange 24-hour hand. The arrow hand tracks a second time zone against the bezel scale.
- Date window. Positioned at 3 o'clock, usually with a cyclops magnifier on the crystal.
- Oyster bracelet. Three-piece links with a folding clasp and, on better builds, a proper extension.
Movement Options Inside Explorer II Copies
Movement choice drives most of the price difference between tiers. Entry builds typically run a basic Asian automatic with a GMT hand that is slaved to the hour hand rather than independently set. Mid-tier watches often use a modified Asian movement with a jump hour or true independent GMT setting. The top tier uses a clone-style movement built to mirror the geometry of the original, which allows the same crown positions and setting behavior.
If independent GMT setting matters to you, say so plainly when you ask a seller. A vague answer usually means the hand is decorative.
Case, Bezel, and Dial Details That Separate Tiers
Case finishing is where cheap copies fall apart. On a good Explorer II replica, the lugs should have crisp brushed surfaces with polished chamfers that catch light without looking greasy. The bezel engraving should be cut, not stamped or printed, and the numerals should read cleanly at arm's length.
On the dial, look at the hour markers. Applied markers with beveled edges and even lume fill read far better than flat printed dots. The orange hand should match the bezel accent closely, since mismatched oranges are one of the easiest tells.
Bracelet and Clasp Quality
A 16559 replica lives or dies by its bracelet. Solid links, tight tolerances at the end links, and a clasp that closes with a firm click matter more day to day than any dial detail. Hollow, rattling links are the fastest way to spot a low-tier build in person.
Water Resistance: What to Expect
Most Explorer II copies are rated for splash and rain resistance, not swimming. Gaskets on budget builds are often the weak point, and a screw-down crown does not guarantee a sealed case. Unless a seller states the watch was pressure tested, keep it away from pools and showers.
How to Compare Tiers Before Buying
- Ask for real photos and a short video of the watch running.
- Confirm the movement type and whether the GMT hand sets independently.
- Check case thickness against the reference it copies.
- Request a wrist shot so you can judge proportions.
- Read the return policy before paying.
Quick Answers
Is 16559 a real Rolex reference? No. Rolex's Explorer II line uses numbers such as 1655, 16550, 16570, 216570, and 226570.
Which Explorer II should a 16559 replica look like? Usually the 16550 era, with a 40 mm case and a black dial.
What is the biggest quality tell? Bezel engraving depth and bracelet link solidity. Both are easy to check in photos or in hand.