I wanted to like the Ranger, but it just doesn't do it for me

I agree with you 100%. That and the off -white lume just turns me off.

yes I’m exactly the same. Both the vintage and the new explorer 1 36 do it for me but not the ranger. Must be in the details and the larger size.

Lorier Falcon for me.

Another microbrand option is the Dryden Heartlander. KC based micro. I have the more Ranger looking black dial but there is other colors.

I realize these aren't "luxury". But both Dryden and Lorier are solid watches, priced well, and can be had now WITHOUT having to put up with the BS disguised as a "superlative" buying experience at an AD....😬🤏🏻🫣😁.

Well I cant afford either the Ranger or the Explorer, however I have bought the Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic at the start of the year. I wasn't a big fan of faux patina so I went with the the green marker version. I absolutely love it, great set of dimensions and it sit beautifully on my wrist (7") I ordered mine with the beads of rice bracelet however its a bit too blingy for me so swapped it for a leather strap.

But if you are looking for a closer interpretation of the Explorer you could consider the 369 dial version.

Oooh I like that

Tudor in general and the Ranger in particular do nothing for me. I do however like the Explorer, but for the money the Lorier Falcon is such a looker and a solid watch. The GADA category of watches is getting crowded with many solid offerings, many coming from micros and independents.

Agree. For what it is, The Ranger is too big and too expensive.

The Explorer is sort of in a league of its own because it's a Luxury Meat And Potatoes watch. So, for me, the question was to ask - what elements do I really respond to?

If I specifically wanted to spend a chunk of money and feel like I was buying "Luxury" I would go for the Black Bay 36 or save for the Explorer. BUT - the conclusion I came to was that I don't want to spend that kind of money on a tool watch, because knowing how much it cost would prevent me from using it the way it's meant to be used.

Right now I have a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 38 and a Lorier Neptune sIV. Both fill that spot for me and if either of them get scuffed up it's not going to mean my car gets repossessed. That's my journey!

I like that style and this particular watch would see office duty.

Looks a bit like a Hamilton knock off.

Another good point I didn't mention. I didn't see the lume but have seen similar comments to yours.

I do like other field watches but I'm looking in the $3000-$5000 range for this particular purchase.

Everyone has their taste. We like the watches we like and there's never anything wrong with that.

Yes, I may consider pre owned. The new 40mm is over $10K in the grey market. I'm seeing some 39mm models around $7K. The 36mm is too small for me.

So the question is do I want to stretch from $5K to $7K. I'm not quite there right now.

I'm just going to throw this into the mix.......and its a tool watch!! 😍😍👌 BALL ENGINEER III

I haven't looked at Ball. Do they have a no date Engineer III?

Not sure tbh, ive only recently discovered them myself. There's quite a range of models to choose from though. 😉👍

I'll look into it. Thanks! 👍

numbers are weirdly off. hour hand is not right.

as I put it in another post a Cabot Watch Company, CWC MK2 Diver

If possible, try and grab one of these Railmasters while you still can. Now discontinued, but very underrated.

Or their Mellor and/or G10 models.

For that matter the Marathon Officer edition with original NOS Benrus movements are pretty 👌🏻.

Use whatever is left over to buy another watch?

Try a SINN 556 A RS