Tudor Ranger 39mm, good Explorer alternative?

The new Ranger follows in the no-date lineage of 1960s vintage Tudor Rangers. The 39mm wide, 12mm thick case brings the model into a more modern and wearable dimension than the 34mm vintage models. The grained, matte-black, domed dial has the Ranger's iconic 3-6-9-12 hour markers painted in a slightly yellow-green-hued Super-LumiNova, which some people seem to dislike. We think that the new Ranger is a fantastic everyday watch. It's a real strap monster (thankfully the lug width is 20mm), and it looks fantastic on a bund strap! Plus, it's a great and much cheaper alternative to Rolex Explorer.

What are your thoughts on the new Ranger? Do you think it's a good alternative to the Explorer, which one do you prefer? Are you planning to get one? 

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I am planning on getting one as a matter of fact. I want to get through Christmas first but I may not hold out that long. I love the simplicity of it, the domed crystal and matte dial, I have tried one on and I think it’s the one for me. 

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Not going to buy one, but I think most Tudors deserve better than a "Rolex Alternative" designation.

Does look cool on that bund!

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Still haven't seen one in person yet. I would like to cause the reviews on this watch have been kinda mixed. Lots of reviewers say it's dull and boring. I like what I see but hopefully I get to check one out soon. 

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I haven‘t jumped on board yet, but I’m very much a fan of the new Tudor lineup. They’ve pushed Rolex interest even farther down for me. I see them as a competitive choice not an alternative choice. 

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I don't understand the appeal of either watch, so I haven't been bothered to find out what the difference is beyond brand logo. Surely there is some difference. I just don't see it in my casual observation. They look like the same thing to me. I absolutely don't plan on getting either.

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I love the new ranger.  It looks and wears fantastic on wrist.  It's far superior (in my eyes) to any modern Rolex Explorer.

That said, I can't see myself buying one any time soon.  I've got a couple of Baby Alpinists and the 1959 Alpinist reissue, so I can't justify wearing the Tudor over what I currently own.  It's just not different enough for me to spend the money.  The watch fund isn't unlimited and I have other pieces on the radar...

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I really like the Tudor Ranger.  I do wish it had raised hour markers, other than that it ticks all the boxes.  I have my request in with my AD for a Rolex Explorer(for a while now)but who knows maybe this one would do it for me. I like the size better than the new Explorer.  The Ranger is a good looker, and I think I would be very happy with it.

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its a great watch and Id like to have one. 

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It's not a good alternative to the Explorer...as it is today. However, it is a good alternative if you like a 1016 but could never afford one. In fact, it's superior in many ways e.g. movement, build quality and clasp. It's just a little bigger. And I personally don't see that as a bad thing. Don't get me wrong, I'd take a 1016 over my Ranger but I'd ideally keep both as they offer different things. (Bring on the haters 😔)

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I love my Ranger.  Was fortunate to get it a week after it was released and I wear it often, typically over the weekends and for Tudor Tuesday's :-) .  I've never liked the Explorer personally.  In general, I don't love the look of the Mercedes handset.  I also prefer the all matte finish of the dial, case, and bracelet on the Ranger.  I never worry about it when I am wearing it, and it's super comfortable.  

Also, love that bund!  Is that one you all make?  If so, please share some info :-) 

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BigIona

I love my Ranger.  Was fortunate to get it a week after it was released and I wear it often, typically over the weekends and for Tudor Tuesday's :-) .  I've never liked the Explorer personally.  In general, I don't love the look of the Mercedes handset.  I also prefer the all matte finish of the dial, case, and bracelet on the Ranger.  I never worry about it when I am wearing it, and it's super comfortable.  

Also, love that bund!  Is that one you all make?  If so, please share some info :-) 

Thank you! 🙌 Yeah, me make a lot of custom bund straps, we can make pretty much anything you want 😄 It seems that the bund straps got popular again in recent years. 

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Recently, I was reminded again of the importance of size. 39 mm is the perfect size for my wrist. I'll check out any quality watch in that size. 

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For me a 556 A !

Cheers

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I’m on the waiting list. Hoping it will be a great everyday wear. 

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It is a great looking watch. I think it goes best on a strap. I had been looking for a new field watch for a long time and finally pulled the trigger on the Ranger after considering many different options Unfortunately, I had to send mine back for warranty service almost immediately after purchase because the watch kept stopping. My AD said another customer returned the watch with the same problems. There are apparently QC issues with these. I have no idea when I will get mine back. I would not buy this watch on the gray market since it has an in-house movement that might not work. Make sure you buy from an AD so you get the warranty. You may need it!

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just here to say I love that Bund strap!

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I don't know. It lacks something.
Just like those countless flieger-style watches that all look the same, from laco to iwc.
I'd rather get the Tudor North Flag instead.

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I have an Explorer 39mm and the Ranger and I must admit, that the Ranger has an amazing value compared to the Explorer and it’s price. I had the Explorer first and I honestly think I wouldn‘t have bought it if the Ranger was available back then. I really like it 

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I tried one on when they first came out as I really liked the design especially the no date which I wish was on more watches ,but I just couldn't buy one I found it too small,so I've gone for a vintage explorer,I know it's only 1 mm different but I felt it made all the difference 

Tried one in person and was more impressed than I thought I'd be. Best described as the little black dress or blue blazer of watches. Can be worn formally or casually. Swap out straps to change it's look and feel.

This watch is not a statement piece. It's definitely no Royal Oak, Nautilus, Daytona or even (dare I say) Explorer. It blends in with whatever look you're going for. And I would say, it probably pulls it off better than an Explorer, due to the fact that there are very little polished surfaces - it completes a look without drawing attention to itself. 

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For me it's not an Explorer alternative, as it is much more tool watch, kinda field. Other quality, other finishing… it's simply on another range. An under-radar watch, which is great for me. 

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I have about a month on the wrist with my Ranger. I still love it. Still stare at it like an idiot all the time. I like the simplicity of the dial and the mostly brushed surface makes a perfect daily. I banged my watch into all sorts of things already and just have minimal scrapes. It does not matter to most people, but the antimagnetic properties of the watch and case have worked great for my side job, which I am around some magnetic fields. In one month I have only gained about 40 seconds. Which would probably be even better if I didn't wear another watch on weekends. Great watch imho.