Tudor Ranger Review

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rockmastermike
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Tudor Ranger Review

Post by rockmastermike » Sat Jun 27, 2015 3:05 pm

First and foremost: Big Thank You to Willy/Gristler for his graciousness by allowing me to borrow his Ranger.


I am fortunate to have this one on loan for a few days and even in that short time the Ranger's details have shown through. Most are familiar to some extent with the big picture features such as movement, size and background so I wanted to show a few smaller things that may have gone un-noticed.

Take it out of the box and immediately find it is heavier than one would think, it's a solid and well built watch - a tribute to it's adventurer purpose.

The supplied camo strap is a polarizing strap and it is thicker than many nato's out there and is woven by the same people that weave the robes for the Vatican. Whether you like it or not, you have to appreciate is construction. Note the vintage inspired Lug Holes - I'm happy right off the bat.

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A closer examination of the case reveals it's details:

The brushed bezel is polished on the outer perimeter. It's thin and not a dominate feature (like the aggressive crown) but is a nice highlight in the light.

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Speaking of the crown...It's beautifully decorated and it's wide with deep cuts making it very easy to grip. Also note the gap between the crown and case just like on the Black Bay.

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The crystal is slightly domed and sits a little above bezel. I love the "ridges" or "reflections" in the crystal as it begins to curve to the dome.

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The dial is not printed, it is painted. Also note the dial surface is matte go support it's tool watch heritage

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Vintage touches....the "patina" on the painted numbers and markers is perfect. Not too much yellowing like many "faux-tina" dials. It is a light cream and looks just vintage enough.

The second hand is not bright red, it is a muted red again a nod to it's vintage heritage.

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I've had the Ranger only on NATO and one leather strap but can tell this is super versatile watch.

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Last edited by rockmastermike on Sat Jun 27, 2015 4:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.

carlodwc

Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by carlodwc » Sat Jun 27, 2015 3:08 pm

Nice... I always liked those Explorer type watches, I guess they could be field watches, etc. thank you for sharing.

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tmw
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by tmw » Sat Jun 27, 2015 3:13 pm

Love this watch.
Stan, don’t you know the first law of physics? Anything that’s fun costs at least eight dollars”
-- Eric Cartman

“To absent friends, lost loves, old gods, and the season of mists; and may each and every one of us always give the devil his due.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman

I bought a cheap watch from a crazy man
Floating down canal
It doesn't use numbers or moving hands
It always just says now
Now you may be thinking that I was had
But this watch is never wrong
And If I have trouble the warranty said
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On

- Jimmy Buffett

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Panerai7
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by Panerai7 » Sat Jun 27, 2015 3:26 pm

I love that watch! If I knew a 100% that there won't be an in-house version I would buy it right now
Then again they'll probably f it up with 9 lines of text
Last edited by Panerai7 on Sat Jun 27, 2015 3:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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CGSshorty
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by CGSshorty » Sat Jun 27, 2015 3:26 pm

I was going to post a review, but I knew Mike would do it better. I also enjoyed having it on my wrist for a week. It's a great size that should solicit lost people, even those of us who usually prefer larger watches. In my opinion, you have to be careful with your strap choices because the smallish lugs can be overwhelmed by thick straps like my Drew canvas.
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dukerules
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by dukerules » Sat Jun 27, 2015 3:30 pm

Panerai7 wrote:I love that watch! If I knew a 100% that there won't be an in-house version I would buy it right now
Then again they'll probably f it up with 9 lines of text
+1

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hoppyjr
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by hoppyjr » Sat Jun 27, 2015 3:33 pm

tmw wrote:Love this watch.
I thought you bought one too???

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JP Chestnut
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by JP Chestnut » Sat Jun 27, 2015 4:00 pm

This is one of the few watches that I liked way more in person than I expected.

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rockmastermike
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by rockmastermike » Sat Jun 27, 2015 4:07 pm

1) Tudor should give Willy commission for letting Chris and I borrow this

2) In-House....as I understand they most likely will but not for a few years as there are a few models ahead of this one in line (Heritage Chrono, maybe?)

3) If/when I get one, it won't last long enough anyway to worry about a new movement

4) Yes, like many, I was not impressed by the first stock photos when it first was released last year, but later "real life" photos put it back on the radar, and then being fortunate enough to handle this in the metal really makes a (very positive) difference.

5) My original lukewarm perception is now a solidly impressed reality.
Last edited by rockmastermike on Sat Jun 27, 2015 4:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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dukerules
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Tudor Ranger Review

Post by dukerules » Sat Jun 27, 2015 4:10 pm

This is s great review. I've loved this watch since it was announced, but then I've loved just about every heritage line Tudor.

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1954Selmer
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by 1954Selmer » Sat Jun 27, 2015 4:25 pm

Thank you for putting it out! Great stuff Bro. Thank you. My next purchase will be a Tudor. The North Flag or the Ranger.
Damn. I forgot my daughter loves the Tudor Blue Chrono.
.

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Jeep99dad
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by Jeep99dad » Sat Jun 27, 2015 4:54 pm

Awesome. Thanks for the review, Mike :thumbsup:
I was on the fence initially but trying it on at the AD did reveal its one of those watch you have to handle and strap on to appreciate.
I want one :excited:
Merde Alors! Et Vive Les Francais! :)

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smalls
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by smalls » Sat Jun 27, 2015 5:01 pm

Solid write up Mike and a great watch. Still wish they would have fitted the end links on the bracelet version.

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rockmastermike
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by rockmastermike » Sat Jun 27, 2015 5:08 pm

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

Maybe Willy can speak to the bracelet, or any other owners....

trying to figure out which one in the box is leaving to make room for one of these

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JP Chestnut
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by JP Chestnut » Sat Jun 27, 2015 5:10 pm

smalls wrote:Solid write up Mike and a great watch. Still wish they would have fitted the end links on the bracelet version.
This would be a 100% strap only watch for me.

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CGSshorty
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by CGSshorty » Sat Jun 27, 2015 5:14 pm

JP Chestnut wrote:
smalls wrote:Solid write up Mike and a great watch. Still wish they would have fitted the end links on the bracelet version.
This would be a 100% strap only watch for me.
This is the correct answer. The Kobold canvas strap is absolutely perfect for the Ranger.
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Panerai7
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by Panerai7 » Sat Jun 27, 2015 5:18 pm

JP Chestnut wrote:
smalls wrote:Solid write up Mike and a great watch. Still wish they would have fitted the end links on the bracelet version.
This would be a 100% strap only watch for me.
+1
The bracelet on this watch was an afterthought. For me it would probably live on a grey and/or black timefactors nato most of the time

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rockmastermike
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by rockmastermike » Sat Jun 27, 2015 5:46 pm

CGSshorty wrote:
JP Chestnut wrote:
smalls wrote:Solid write up Mike and a great watch. Still wish they would have fitted the end links on the bracelet version.
This would be a 100% strap only watch for me.
This is the correct answer. The Kobold canvas strap is absolutely perfect for the Ranger.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1435450403.420955.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1435450422.939769.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1435450444.893929.jpg
These are fantastic options :thumbsup:

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hoppyjr
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by hoppyjr » Sat Jun 27, 2015 6:04 pm

One word; NATO

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smalls
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by smalls » Sat Jun 27, 2015 6:04 pm

Those combos look fantastic! Is it similiar to your Railmaster Mike? Or much larger wearing.

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dukerules
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by dukerules » Sat Jun 27, 2015 6:18 pm

This really is the best field watch out there in 2015.

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rockmastermike
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by rockmastermike » Sat Jun 27, 2015 6:43 pm

smalls wrote:Those combos look fantastic! Is it similiar to your Railmaster Mike? Or much larger wearing.
Matt, funny, there is a thread on WUS asking about the same comparison.
Yes, both have minimal bezels (no timing markers) the Railmaster is a little smaller diameter and the marking in the dial are more compacted in so not much negative space. The Ranger is 41mm and a little more open-ness on the dial, both of which make the Ranger look and wear bigger.

But, as Chris mentioned, the Ranger has thin lugs that tame the size on the wrist very well. Both are equal in comfort so it's a matter of wrist shape/size/comfort level for each. I am very happy going between the two with 0 issue whatsoever.
dukerules wrote:This really is the best field watch out there in 2015.
The leader in the clubhouse in the Field Watch space.

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gristler
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by gristler » Sat Jun 27, 2015 6:46 pm

smalls wrote:Those combos look fantastic! Is it similiar to your Railmaster Mike? Or much larger wearing.
Matt I have never tried a Railmaster but the a ranger should wear smaller.

Note: I really can't comment on the bracelet as I removed it as soon as I got the watch to put her on a nato.
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BBK357
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by BBK357 » Sat Jun 27, 2015 7:05 pm

Great review mike. Love your pics.
And one thing is for sure- Willy is a great guy!
DEATH FROM ABOVE
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deepcdvr
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Re: Tudor Ranger Review

Post by deepcdvr » Sat Jun 27, 2015 7:08 pm

Great review and your pictures rock!
VR/
Paul

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