TUDOR timepieces embody a rich legacy, not only in their distinctive aesthetics but also in the precision and reliability of their engineering. With a deep-rooted heritage that continues to influence modern horology, it is only fitting to celebrate one of the brand’s most iconic and enduring collections: the TUDOR Ranger. This collection stands as a testament to TUDOR’s ability to seamlessly merge contemporary design with a profound respect for its historical roots.
The TUDOR Ranger exemplifies the brand's adventurous spirit, originally inspired by the rugged demands of exploration and built to endure the most challenging environments. In this article, we explore the world of the TUDOR ranger, the history behind the collection and compare how the TUDOR icon has developed over the years.
The Expedition that Inspired the TUDOR Ranger
In the 1950s, timepiece brands began to venture into new areas and push the boundaries of their watches with new, technical editions. Accompanied by the already growing diving editions of watches, other horological brands set out to create 'Explorer' timepieces to be used by those who treasure more in-land activities. However, TUDOR did not intend to create an ‘Explorer’ type watch, and instead, found that an original timepiece of theirs already had key components to becoming a strong watch for exploration.
The TUDOR Oyster Prince 7809 faced the harsh conditions of base-camp “North-ice” when 30 military and civilian scientists were sent to explore Greenland between 1952 and 1954. Throughout the expedition, these Oyster Prince timepieces were faced with high speed winds, long days and below freezing temperatures. Though these original watches did not hold the ranger inscription on their dials, they hosted the original sense of practicality, robustness and versatility that the Ranger collection is born from.
The Launch of the Official TUDOR Ranger
Though the TUDOR Ranger did not officially use its name until the 1960’s, TUDOR’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf, registered the Ranger name as early as 1929, just three years after registering the TUDOR trademark. That early registration did not immediately lead to a model with that name, but rather indicated a philosophy: watches fit for daring, for exploration.
A short few years after the success of the North Greenland expedition, the horological experts at TUDOR began innovating to create the TUDOR Ranger. A new, refined design, that was set to beat some of the most treacherous conditions that a person may face when exploring.
The TUDOR Rangers of Today
In celebration of 70 years since the North Greenland expedition, TUDOR launched three new references into the TUDOR Ranger collection. These references are a return to TUDOR’s ethos of combining heritage, utility, and modern watchmaking.
Refinement and Sophistication
The TUDOR Ranger M79950 pays homage to the brand’s legacy of robust tool watches. The series offers three distinctive strap variations, each paired with the same black dial design, allowing wearers to tailor the watch’s character to their lifestyle. The overall look of this collection pays homage to the early editions of the TUDOR Ranger, whilst balancing a sleek, modern look. It is the classic epitome of a refined timepiece with the horological ingenious of TUDOR power.
A Classic Striking Dial
The black dial presents a clean, highly legible aesthetic, defined by bold Arabic numerals at the cardinal points and luminous hour markers. The matte finish reduces glare, ensuring clarity in all lighting conditions, while the characteristic “Ranger” hands, coated with Grade A Swiss Super-LumiNova®, enhance visibility in low light, and also gives a vintage look to the numerals. The dial’s balance lies in its minimalism, underscoring TUDOR's philosophy of precision without unnecessary embellishment.
Encased in Robust Stainless Steel
The 39mm stainless-steel case exemplifies restrained tool-watch proportions, offering durability without compromising wearability. With satin-brushed surfaces and refined finishing, the case achieves a harmonious blend of robustness and elegance, perfect for day to evening events.
The smooth, fixed bezel frames the dial with purpose, while the screw-down crown, engraved with the TUDOR rose, ensures water resistance up to 100 metres, making it ideal for those in-land activities.
Versatile Straps
The versatility of the TUDOR Ranger also lies in the choice of three straps, each representing a different style or time, making it perfect for those who are on-the-go or enjoy tailoring their accessories.
Steel Bracelet
Crafted with TUDOR’s robust three-link construction, the bracelet features a folding clasp and the brand’s “T-fit” rapid adjustment system, allowing seamless on-the-go resizing.Hybrid Leather-and-Rubber Strap
Combining the classic character of leather with the durability of rubber, this strap balances heritage styling with modern practicality.Fabric Strap
A NATO-style option woven in France on traditional jacquard looms, the fabric strap offers a lightweight, casual alternative that enhances the watch’s utilitarian spirit.
The Beating Heart of the TUDOR Ranger
At its core, the Ranger M79950-0001 houses the TUDOR Manufacture Calibre MT5405, a self-winding mechanical movement certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). This calibre features a bidirectional rotor system, silicon balance spring, and a variable inertia balance for improved stability and precision. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it provides an impressive 70-hour power reserve, allowing the wearer to set it aside for a weekend without interruption. The movement encapsulates TUDOR’s commitment to reliability, precision, and performance, making the Ranger as technically proficient as it is visually compelling.
DARE With TUDOR at Michael Spiers
The constant push for innovation and modernity in all of TUDOR timepieces is a testament to their strength as a brand. The TUDOR Ranger collection signifies a simple yet strong presence across their collections, whilst also honouring the horological expertise of the timepiece components.
f you are interested in any of the TUDOR Ranger collection, or would like to discuss any other TUDOR related questions, our teams at Truro, Plymouth and Taunton look forward to speaking with you.
