Is there a Rolex Explorer II reference 16559?
No. Rolex has never produced an Explorer II with the reference number 16559. The number appears in replica listings because sellers mistype or reshape the digits of the genuine reference 16550, the first sapphire crystal Explorer II, built from roughly 1985 to 1989.
When a listing says "replica Rolex Explorer II 16559," the watch shipped is almost always modeled on the 16550 or its long-running successor, the 16570. Ask the seller which real reference the case, dial, and bezel are copied from before you pay.
Which Explorer II references do replicas actually copy?
Rolex has released five generations of the Explorer II, and replica makers concentrate on the two most recognizable shapes.
- 1655 (1971 to 1985): the original "Steve McQueen" orange 24-hour hand, no sapphire crystal, copies are rare.
- 16550 (1985 to 1989): 40 mm case, sapphire crystal, caliber 3085, black or white "Polar" dial.
- 16570 (1989 to 2011): the most copied version, caliber 3185, thin 40 mm case, 20 mm lugs.
- 216570 (2011 to 2021): 42 mm case, orange GMT hand, caliber 3187.
- 226570 (2021 to present): current 42 mm model with caliber 3285.
Most buyers searching for a 16559 end up with a 16570 style case, because that reference stayed in production for over two decades and parts are widely reproduced.
What should a replica Explorer II get right?
The Explorer II is a simple watch, so small errors are easy to spot on the wrist. Check the case profile first: 40 mm across for 16550 and 16570 copies, about 12.5 mm thick, with 20 mm lug spacing.
- Fixed 24-hour bezel with engraved numerals, not a rotating GMT bezel.
- Steel bezel finish matching the case brushing, with a polished bevel on the 16570 style.
- Date window at 3 o'clock with roughly 2.5x cyclops magnification.
- Dial text that lines up with the coronet and does not crowd the date.
- Correct hand stack order so the GMT hand sits below or above the hour hand as on the genuine watch.
Which movement should an Explorer II replica use?
The genuine 16550 and 16570 use Rolex calibers 3085 and 3185, both with an independently adjustable hour hand. A faithful replica should let you jump the hour hand without stopping the seconds, which many budget "office GMT" movements cannot do.
Common options are a modified ETA or Sellita 2836 GMT, a clone 3185 or 3186, or a decorated Asian GMT automatic. Ask which one is fitted, because service cost and long-term reliability differ sharply between them.
Common 16559 listing pitfalls
- Stock photos of a genuine watch instead of the actual replica.
- Stated 42 mm size on a listing that claims to be a 16570 copy.
- No mention of the movement, water resistance, or bracelet clasp type.
- Signed "Swiss Made" text on a dial that also carries wrong font weight.
A replica is not a genuine Rolex and will not be serviced by an official Rolex center. Independent watchmakers can usually handle clone ETA and 3185 style movements, which is a practical reason to confirm the movement before ordering.
FAQ
Is the 16559 a real Rolex number?
No. Rolex reference numbers for the Explorer II run 1655, 16550, 16570, 216570, and 226570. The 16559 is a typo or a dealer shorthand.
Does a replica Explorer II accept genuine parts?
Rarely. Case threads, crystal gaskets, and bracelet end links usually differ in tolerance, so genuine parts often do not fit without modification.
Should a replica Explorer II have a rotating bezel?
No. Every Explorer II has a fixed 24-hour bezel. A rotating bezel means the case is a GMT-Master copy, not an Explorer II.