A fake Rolex Explorer II 1655 V10 is a high-end replica of the vintage Rolex Explorer II reference 1655. The "V10" tag marks the tenth revision from a specific replica maker. This guide explains how to evaluate one before you buy.
fake rolex explorer ii 1655 v8
What Is a Fake Rolex Explorer II 1655 V10?
The fake Rolex Explorer II 1655 V10 is a replica of the vintage Rolex Explorer II reference 1655, often called the "Steve McQueen" Explorer. The V10 label indicates the tenth iteration of a specific replica factory's production run. This version aims to correct flaws found in earlier batches, such as the orange 24-hour hand, the bezel font, and the case profile. If you are considering this replica, you should know it is not a genuine Rolex. It is a counterfeit watch made to resemble the original.
Fake Rolex Explorer II 1655 V8: Meaning and Legal Reality
Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of the genuine Rolex 1655: fixed steel bezel, orange 24-hour hand, black dial, and 39mm case.
- Familiarity with common replica flaws: wrong hand stack, incorrect date wheel font, and mismatched lume.
- A magnifying loupe or macro lens for inspection.
How to Evaluate a Fake Rolex Explorer II 1655 V10
- Check the case shape. The genuine 1655 has a 39mm case with drilled lugs and a specific bezel profile. The V10 replica should match these dimensions. Measure the case width and lug-to-lug distance.
- Inspect the bezel. The fixed steel bezel on the 1655 has engraved 24-hour markings. On the V10, the font should be sharp and the engravings deep. Look for any misalignment or shallow cuts.
- Examine the dial. The dial should be matte black with white luminous hour markers and an orange 24-hour hand. The V10 version improves the orange color to match the genuine "rail dial" or "Mark II" variants. Check that the lume plots are round and applied without gaps.
- Verify the hand stack. The genuine 1655 has the 24-hour hand below the hour and minute hands. Many replicas get this wrong. On the V10, the hand stack should be correct: 24-hour hand at the bottom, then hour, minute, and seconds on top.
- Test the movement. The V10 uses a modified ETA 2836 or a clone 1570 movement. Wind the watch and set the time. The GMT function should jump the 24-hour hand independently. Check for smooth sweeping seconds.
- Assess the date wheel. The date should change at midnight with a crisp snap. The font on the date wheel should match the genuine open 6 and 9. The V10 uses a date wheel with correct overlays.
- Check the crystal. The genuine 1655 has a plexiglass crystal with a slight dome. The V10 replica may use sapphire or plexi. If plexi, it should have a similar profile and no laser-etched coronet at 6 o'clock.
- Inspect the bracelet. The genuine 1655 came on a folded Oyster bracelet with 20mm end links. The V10 replica should have a bracelet that matches the case finish and has correct stamping on the clasp.
- Look at the case back. The 1655 has a plain case back with no engravings. The V10 should have a similar smooth back. Some replicas engrave fake reference numbers, which is incorrect.
- Weigh the watch. A genuine 1655 weighs about 100 grams with bracelet. The V10 replica should feel substantial but may be lighter due to different materials. Compare the weight to known specs.
Common Flaws in V10 Replicas
Even the V10 version has flaws. The most common issues include a thicker case profile, a bezel font that is too bold, and a date wheel that is off-center. Some batches have a mismatched lume color between the hands and dial. Ask for detailed photos before buying.
Final Thoughts
The fake Rolex Explorer II 1655 V10 is one of the better replicas available, but it is not perfect. Use the steps above to evaluate any example you consider. Remember that owning a counterfeit watch is illegal in some countries. This guide is for informational purposes only.