After having my eye on it for awhile, I was finally able to get a Tudor Ranger about a month ago. I’m absolutely loving it, and wanted to share some thoughts.
I’ve of course read all the back and forth on this watch on this site and others. To use a Bushism, I think it’s misunderestimated. I’ll even go so far as to say something that I’m sure will outrage many: this watch is the new 1016. Hear me out.
First, why I got the Ranger. I recently switched to working from home full time, and I was finding that I wanted a more rugged watch to wear when dealing with household chores and kids. For the last 6 years, my daily driver has been a Hamilton Intramatic Auto Chrono 68. I cannot express how much I love that watch. And despite not being COSC, it was running +0.8 sec/day. But a bulky chronograph is not ideal for horsing around with kids and knocking around the house.
So I set my mind to getting a new steel sports watch. I was willing to spend some cash, but nothing crazy. I wanted COSC-level time keeping, as I’d gotten spoiled by the Hamilton. My wife is sensitive to anything that looks flashy or expensive, so anything that says “Rolex” on it is out; and honestly I too wanted something understated. When I first saw the Ranger, I knew it fit the bill.
This thing is built like a tank, but also incredibly comfortable. Everything you’ve read about the bracelet is true. The links are not so thick as to make it bulky, and the T-fit clasp guarantees a perfect fit in every season. The brushed stainless steel means it’s not a blingy watch, despite all the metal. The polished hands under the domed sapphire give it just the slightest bit of sparkle to show that it was thoughtfully designed.
To me, this is the quintessential go anywhere, do anything watch. I’ve worn it with shorts and a t-shirt, and with a suit and tie. In some ways, it’s filling the role of a beater watch; from my description of what I was looking for, it kinda sounds like that’s what I was looking for. And I did consider finding something in the $1k range with an ETA or Sellita inside, but I just couldn’t bring myself to sacrifice the accuracy.
Which brings me to the other thing I love about this watch: it’s a total If You Know You Know watch. No one will recognize this except fellow watch nerds. It’s a total no frills, basic three-hander. But inside is a modern, highly engineered movement. Mine is running consistently at +2.4 sec/day. I’ll admit to being a little disappointed that it’s less accurate than my non-COSC Hamilton, but that one was a fluke and this is well within specs.
Some folks have complained about the painted-on indices and numerals, but again I didn’t want something flashy. This is a tool watch and it makes no apologies for it. And I have to say: look at it right next to the 1016, and try to tell me this isn’t the modern day version of that classic.
The case shape is the same, very similar crowns w/o a guard, both have a domed crystal, the slight yellow matches the patina on the 1016, the same minute markers, the same hour markers, the same minimal text in the same locations, the same font for the numerals, the same minute hand, the bulbous rattlesnake mirroring the Mercedes hour hand, the rectangular bulb on the Tudor seconds hand mimicking the dot on the 1016’s. The red tip on the Tudor seconds and the 12 instead of a an arrow are the only meaningful differences! I’m telling you, the Tudor Ranger is the Rolex Explorer 1016 of the 21st century. Change my mind.
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Love mine. I even have the older Heritage Ranger. I do know.
I like the watch but wish they made it in 36mm. The Explorer is great to me for being a powerful watch in an unassuming compact case.
Isn’t it based on the 1967 Tudor Oyster Prince Ranger 7995/0?
Unless you mean figuratively, then I suppose it fits the bill. However, I think the fear of watches being stolen is largely exaggerated. I wore my Explorer everyday for years and only 2 people noticed my watch in a non-enthusiast setting.
It’s a nice watch but it sounds like you’re really trying hard to justify this over the Rolex Explorer.
I thought about being an Explorer for years, but could never quite get myself there. The modern Explorer just doesn’t know what it is. Is it a sports watch? Sure, it’s stainless steel, but it’s way too highly polished and has tons of polished applied indices and numerals. Is it a dress watch? Could be! But the chunky numerals make that a weird fit. The 1016 was the best version of the Explorer, back when it was honest about what it was meant to me. The Ranger is the same thing, but with a modern movement (and at a fraction of the price of the vintage explorers).
Sounds like you wish you had an explorer tbh lol
The Ranger is pretty much the only Tudor I would consider owning but every time somebody posts someone like this I’m reminded that’s it’s not really Tudor’s watches I dislike, it’s the try-hard overcompensation that comes from Tudor owners.
Nah who cares honestly. If you like the watch, get it. That’s what it should be about. Not, getting one because everyone wants one or only knowing that brand or thinking it’s going to elevate your status or whatever.
Rolex owners who buy it because they love the piece are getting what they love. Others are the ones who go “omg Rolex is best. It’s epitome of luxury. It’ll show I made it. I have to want it. It looks so unique compared to the many better made ones…” are the ones that run people the wrong way so to speak but hey, it’s their money so, who cares anyway in the end. Unless they post here asking “should I get this Rolex…? “ and you know it’s because they have no idea bout other brands… then it helps to show them other options. Same with omega imo anyway for the speed or sea master. These two brands are the most over mentioned ones on this sub and the other for the more expensive brands.
Longines too but they have many different collections so it’s not exactly the same.
If you like that Tudor, get it. Doesn’t matter that people try to justify it or put it down or whatever.
Cant get past the butt plug hour hand, im sorry
But that’s the best part!
Have you tried not being a pervert?
What purpose would that serve?
It may not be the watch for me but I do appreciate when someone truly loves their watch
A terrific watch, understated, classic design cues —the perfect everyday watch… well done! And now I’m looking…😎😎
Nice watch but personally I’d want a date function on a GADA.
I have both a Ranger and an Explorer and the former gets worn much more. I just like it more.
