One of Tudor’s most affordable models equipped with an in-house movement (the base model costs under CHF3,000), the Ranger is functional watch with a design based on the 1960s model of the same name.

Originally available only with a 39 mm case and black dial, the Ranger is now also available in a 36 mm that’s truer to the vintage original.

Also new is the unusual “dune white” dial. The pale dial with black markings is a subtle reference to historical sports models with similar dials often nicknamed “albino” by collectors.

Initial thoughts

The larger Ranger was facelifted in 2022, and though good value, it was a little chunky for the style. And the black dial was traditional, but also a bit plain. The smaller size and beige dial add a bit more vintage flair to the model, which should resonate in particular for those who appreciate such things.

The tweaks to the model won’t likely make it a watch with mainstream appeal like the Black Bay, but the Ranger remains a strong proposition at its price.

An explorer’s watch

The vintage Ranger was Tudor’s equivalent of the Rolex Explorer, and hence shares a similar design. This style has been ported over onto the modern remake.

The new “dune white” retains the same style, but with adjustments for the colour. So the hour markers are printed in black, with the luminous markers being dots on the edge of the dial instead.

The rest of the watch remains unchanged, except for the size. The steel case is entirely brushed, while the crystal is slightly domed.

The larger, 39 mm size continues in the collection, though it is now available in “dune white” as well.

The smaller size is essentially identical, though scaled down. It has a necessarily smaller movement, though performance is not compromised as the calibres in both the large and small models are part of the same family (basically the same movement in different sizes).

Both movements have a 70 hour power reserve, COSC certification, and a silicon hairspring, putting the Ranger amongst the highest-spec watches in its price range.

Key facts and price

Tudor Ranger
Ref. 79950 (39 mm)
Ref. 79930 (36 mm)

Diameter: 39 mm or 36 mm
Height: 12 mm or 11 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: MT5402 or MT5400
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 70 hours

Strap: Steel bracelet, or fabric strap

Availability: Now at Tudor retailers
Price: CHF2,875 for 36 mm on strap, rising to CHF3,275 for 39 mm on bracelet

For more, visit Tudorwatch.com.