In July 1952, a group of scientists and sailors embarked on a two-year research trip from Deptford, London to survey glacial and seismic activity in Greenland. On their wrists were Tudor’s Oyster Prince, the brand-new model from the Swiss sister brand of Rolex. The members of the British North Greenland Expedition were also asked to test out 30 of Tudor’s first-ever automatic waterproof timepieces under extreme circumstances. In the decades since, the Tudor Ranger has been a fan-favorite tool watch in the brand’s collection, essentially functioning as a more affordable version of Rolex’s iconic Explorer. And now, after a several-year hiatus, Tudor is finally bringing back the Ranger.
Today, Tudor marks 70 years since the launch of the British North Greenland Expedition, with a vintage-inspired Ranger that utilizes contemporary mechanics. Taking after the Ranger aesthetics established in the mid-1960s, the 39mm satin-brushed 316L steel case (a welcome 2mm decrease from the previous generation’s 41mm case) houses a manufacturer caliber MT5402 COSC-certified movement with 70 hours of power reserve and a silicon balance spring. The movement also boasts an impressive -2/+4 seconds variation per day, besting COSC standards and running closer to Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer demands.
The fixed and circular brushed steel bezel surrounds a domed sapphire crystal and domed dial in matte black with painted hour markers in Super-LumiNova, with 12, 3, 6, and 9 represented by old-school Arabics. All three hands, featuring the signature arrow-shaped Ranger look, are lumed as well. Three strap options are available for the tool watch: olive green Jacquard fabric with red and beige stripes, hybrid rubber and leather, and a 316L steel three-link bracelet with the brand’s T-fit adjustable clasp. The steel screw-down crown is impressed with the Tudor Rose logo as well.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect cheaper alternative to the Explorer’s inflated secondhand prices, then your moment has arrived. The brand-new Ranger is available on Tudor’s website starting from $2,725 on a strap.
