The Best Rolex Explorer II Homages & Dupes
Affordable takes on the Explorer II's fixed 24-hour bezel and orange GMT hand — branded by the maker, never counterfeit.
The Explorer II is defined by its fixed 24-hour bezel and the bright orange GMT hand of the modern reference 226570 — a tool-watch look that's surprisingly under-served by homage makers. The genuinely strong options are few: Pagani Design and San Martin lead, with Steeldive and Parnis filling out the budget end. Some of these are true GMT-complication watches; others fake the orange hand without independent local-hour adjustment, so read the movement spec carefully. Each watch wears its own brand name and avoids Rolex trademarks — these are legitimate homages, not replicas. Expect steel cases, sapphire crystals and NH34/NH35 movements at a small fraction of Explorer II pricing, with the usual trade-offs in dial finishing.
Pagani Design PD-1682
The PD-1682 is the most recognizable Explorer II homage, pairing the white or black dial with the orange 24-hour hand and fixed bezel in a 40mm steel case with sapphire crystal. Confirm whether your version is a true GMT or a fixed 24-hour display before buying.
The best Explorer II homages
Pagani Design PD-1682
Medium matchPagani Design's Explorer II homage in a 40mm steel case with sapphire crystal, capturing the orange 24-hour hand and fixed bezel on a Seiko-based automatic. Excellent value, though check whether your unit offers true independent GMT adjustment.
More Pagani Design watches →No live listings right now — search "Pagani Design PD-1682" on the affordable sellers.
San Martin SN011-G2
Medium matchSan Martin builds the higher-quality interpretation here, with refined brushed-and-polished steel, sapphire and an NH-series automatic. The GMT-style layout echoes the Explorer II, though San Martin frames it as an inspired-by tool watch rather than a one-to-one clone.
More San Martin watches →No live listings right now — search "San Martin SN011-G2" on the affordable sellers.
Steeldive SD1992 GMT
Low matchA budget-friendly GMT-style diver from Steeldive with sapphire crystal and a steel case. It borrows the 24-hour-hand concept but reads as a Steeldive design rather than a faithful Explorer II reproduction.
More Steeldive watches →No live listings right now — search "Steeldive SD1992 GMT" on the affordable sellers.
Parnis Explorer II Homage
Low matchThe entry-level pick. Parnis approximates the white-dial, orange-hand look at a low price on a Miyota or Seiko-clone movement; construction and finishing are basic but the silhouette is there.
More Parnis watches →No live listings right now — search "Parnis Explorer II Homage" on the affordable sellers.
Homages are independent watches with their own (or no) branding — they are not counterfeit replicas and never carry Rolex markings.
Frequently asked questions
Which Explorer II homage looks the most like the real thing?
The Pagani Design PD-1682 is the most direct match, with the orange 24-hour hand, fixed bezel and 40mm proportions. San Martin's SN011-G2 is the higher-quality option but reads slightly more as its own design.
Do these have a working GMT function?
It varies. Some use a true GMT movement (like the Seiko NH34) with an independently adjustable 24-hour hand; others just add a fixed orange hand for looks. Check the movement spec — NH34 indicates a genuine GMT complication.
Are Explorer II homages legal?
Yes. Pagani Design, San Martin, Steeldive and Parnis all use their own branding and avoid Rolex trademarks. These are legitimate homages; only watches that fake the Rolex name and crown are counterfeit and illegal.
Why are there so few good Explorer II homages?
The Explorer II is a lower-volume, niche Rolex, so affordable makers prioritize the Submariner and GMT-Master II instead. That leaves a thin field — really only Pagani Design and San Martin produce convincing dedicated homages.
Steel bracelet or rubber strap?
The Explorer II is an Oyster-bracelet watch, so a brushed steel bracelet looks most authentic. Pagani Design and San Martin both ship on steel; you can always swap to a strap later for a more casual, lighter feel.