Rolex 1655 Explorer II

[btmclemore]

My father recently gave me his Rolex. After inspecting the the watch, there was a model number of 1655 between the lugs at the twelve o'clock position. There was also a serial number of 2912729 or 2942729 (there is a question that the third digit could be a "4"). The face of the watch says, "Explorer II".

After researching the watch online, the serial numbers are said to be issued during 1969 or 1970. However, I've read the Explorer II was introduced in 1971.

Questions...

1. The orange hand is no longer on the 24 hour hand. The hand is fully functional, but it simply a black/gray hand with no orange. Is the hand able to be replaced without damaging the watch's value?

2, The band is not a genuine rolex band. Where would one find a rolex band that would be either a 1971 band, or a real Rolex band that would fit the watch?

3. Is it unusual for the serial number to show a date off 1969 or 1970 with the Explorer II was introduced in 1971 or 1972?

Any infomation is appreciated.

Thanks,