Ranger vs. Explorer (A battle that exists in my mind only)
Short Version: Keep the Ranger or upgrade to a Explorer 114270?
Long-winded version:
Hello fellow over-thinkers. It’s ya boy again, here with another earth shattering collecting conundrum.
I was lucky enough this year to get a Tudor Ranger in a trade. It’s great! Truly my favorite watch, so much so that I have reduced my collection down to about 5 watches, with the Ranger being my go-to.
It gives me everything that made me fall in love with the 1016 Explorer, it’s rugged, simple, well made, dependable…
BUUUUUT
Rolex looms (lumes?) large. There is a reality where I could sell the Ranger, shift a few other things around, and get an older Explorer 114270 without spiraling into debt. I’m a small wrister, and I can totally wear the 39mm ranger, but it becomes a little redundant compared to the smaller divers I wear. For a daily, it might be nice to have something smaller and choose to put on a bigger watch when I want.
Part of me LIKES that the Ranger *isn’t a Rolex. As much as a luxury watch could be, it’s the more punk rock choice (lol) but I won’t deny I’d like a Rolex in the collection.
What do you think - yes, yes, “wear what you want, 88MPH,” I know. But is the Explorer objectively “better” or are we just splitting hairs at this point? Will the relative blinginess of an Explorer nullify the rugged adventure companion story I’m getting from the Ranger? Is it foolish to trade-in a watch you already love for the promise of Brand Heritage? Is the Explorer the "basic" choice here?
Oh SIDE NOTE:
This deal MIGHT require me trading a watch I received as a gift. Bad form, perhaps, but I think it’s a greater crime to keep a watch I don’t really wear / enjoy, right?
Thanks, as always, for the late-night validation,
88MPH
(images via google)
No idea what day it is.
There’s no wrong answer here, do what feels right. I’m a big fan of the Explorer but don’t know that I’ll ever own one. Happy with Tudor and GS at the moment.
There’s no wrong answer here, do what feels right. I’m a big fan of the Explorer but don’t know that I’ll ever own one. Happy with Tudor and GS at the moment.
I love the idea of being "done" but I am slowly accepting that the hunting is part of it (otherwise I don't think a site like this would exist.)
I would stick with the Ranger. Why sell/trade what is your favourite in your collection for something you have no experience with? Both are incredible watches but I would stick with what I know.
I would stick with the Ranger. Why sell/trade what is your favourite in your collection for something you have no experience with? Both are incredible watches but I would stick with what I know.
Totally makes sense - though I don't know if I have the power to be that rational!
I love the idea of being "done" but I am slowly accepting that the hunting is part of it (otherwise I don't think a site like this would exist.)
Yup! I’ve actually hunted down watches and not bought them just because the hunt was more fun. Crazy thing about watches; you’re never done.
Tough call. I would keep the Ranger. While I live the Explorer, it's a little too flashy and shiny for me. Once I get over the hype and reflect, the Ranger speaks to me more. Good luck.
I would trade for the Explorer. I am not a fan of this Tudor.
Tough call. I would keep the Ranger. While I live the Explorer, it's a little too flashy and shiny for me. Once I get over the hype and reflect, the Ranger speaks to me more. Good luck.
I hear you
I would trade for the Explorer. I am not a fan of this Tudor.
Heard
The current Ranger is of a higher quality than old vintage Explorers (movement, bracelet, finishing) so if you want a better watch then stick to the Ranger or save for a contemporary Explorer
The current Ranger is of a higher quality than old vintage Explorers (movement, bracelet, finishing) so if you want a better watch then stick to the Ranger or save for a contemporary Explorer
Interesting! Still the sizing issue, but it’s cool to hear that about build quality.
It is like comparing a 2024 Audi A6 with a 1998 Porsche 911 😁
It is like comparing a 2024 Audi A6 with a 1998 Porsche 911 😁
That’s also a hard choice, tbh.
This Tudor was not on my radar the day it was released and pushed further down the list after I tried it on. I may not be the right person to ask.
I would trade it for an Explorer in a heartbeat.
Totally makes sense - though I don't know if I have the power to be that rational!
I know what you mean 😆
I’m happy to not be in that situation 😂😂
Dang, lol. An informed response that says "get both" haha. I'll give that some thought. Aside from the financial aspect, I really try to have a lean, mean collection with no overlap. But I'm going to think about what you're saying and whether that would work for me. What scenarios do you find yourself wearing the Explorer in?
I wear it mostly when its fall/winter and im for sure longsleeved or wearing gloves. Also i often wear whichever speaks to me most of the two, no matter what im about to do. So often its simply "an explorer kind of day" instead of an ranger one. I think the rolex can easily also be dressed up and be worn formally, where the ranger would stand out like a tractor in a drive in cinema 😂
Oh forgot to mention, I own a 114270 from 2006 and I love it; but if there were an alternate reality where tudor released a 36mm ranger I more than likely may have gotten that instead
We can hope!
Did you get the Ranger because you really actually wanted the Rolex? You can lie to me, but don’t lie to yourself 😅get what you want. I’m not a fan of either, really. But I know the feeling of settling. Don’t settle if you can swing it. But also be careful when buying older watches. Consider service history, since it ain’t cheap to send it to Rolex, especially if parts need to be swapped 😖
Okay fine I'll just buy a Speedmaster, you're right. 😜
Well yes that would answer all your problems 😂😂
Did you get the Ranger because you really actually wanted the Rolex? You can lie to me, but don’t lie to yourself 😅get what you want. I’m not a fan of either, really. But I know the feeling of settling. Don’t settle if you can swing it. But also be careful when buying older watches. Consider service history, since it ain’t cheap to send it to Rolex, especially if parts need to be swapped 😖
I was drawn to the Ranger because it evokes the 1016 (which is I would say a pretty different watch than the modern Explorer) and the opportunity presented itself. I wouldn't call it settling, it's different, which I guess is what this conversation is circling.
I was drawn to the Ranger because it evokes the 1016 (which is I would say a pretty different watch than the modern Explorer) and the opportunity presented itself. I wouldn't call it settling, it's different, which I guess is what this conversation is circling.
Ah, then this makes it a hard decision then!! Both have their unique personalities. If you had both, would you wear both? I’m not saying buy both, but I’m also not saying don’t buy both 😅
Ah, then this makes it a hard decision then!! Both have their unique personalities. If you had both, would you wear both? I’m not saying buy both, but I’m also not saying don’t buy both 😅
It's a good question. I have to consider it.
I own a 1986 Sub and the modern Ranger. The modern Ranger is objectively a better watch than my vintage sub. It keeps practically perfect time (-3 a week), feels great on the wrist, looks good on every strap, and I’m not worried about using the heck out of it. That said, the older explorers have a lot of class and style, so there really is no wrong choice. But for me, the Ranger is the best under the radar tool/field watch going. Plus you don’t have to worry about hiding that you are wearing a Rolex, if that kinda thing bothers you.
I own a 1986 Sub and the modern Ranger. The modern Ranger is objectively a better watch than my vintage sub. It keeps practically perfect time (-3 a week), feels great on the wrist, looks good on every strap, and I’m not worried about using the heck out of it. That said, the older explorers have a lot of class and style, so there really is no wrong choice. But for me, the Ranger is the best under the radar tool/field watch going. Plus you don’t have to worry about hiding that you are wearing a Rolex, if that kinda thing bothers you.
That’s cool to hear!
BB36 is a gorgeous watch. I almost got one myself. I like that it can kind of tick boxes for people who want an Explorer AND people who want a Sub.
Yeah I’ve called it the Rolex/Tudor greatest hits album haha. Submariner dial, snowflake handset, shrunk down black bay case, oyster(ish) bracelet and a cheap to maintain ETA movement.
Definitely love my TR
I would love to find a good Tudor quality leather strap for my Ranger. Any suggestions?
I would love to find a good Tudor quality leather strap for my Ranger. Any suggestions?
Not a clue, haven't taken it off the bracelet!
I would keep the Ranger. The Explorer is an amazing watch, but I think the Ranger is what the Explorer used to be (and pretends to be now). It will
Become clearer in the years to come, IMO. The Explorer wasn’t immediately a legend.
I would keep the Ranger. The Explorer is an amazing watch, but I think the Ranger is what the Explorer used to be (and pretends to be now). It will
Become clearer in the years to come, IMO. The Explorer wasn’t immediately a legend.
That's what I've done - so far so good!