TUDOR Ranger: the spirit of adventure since 1952

The TUDOR Ranger holds a unique place in the brand’s history. It was born in the field, in direct contact with cold, shocks, isolation and extreme environments. Its modern legend was written in 1952 during the British North Greenland Expedition, a British scientific mission that spent two years on the ice fields of Greenland. Thirty members of the expedition were equipped with Oyster Prince watches — TUDOR’s first automatic and water-resistant models — and recorded their performance daily according to a strict protocol. In these polar conditions, where the slightest error can become critical, these real-world tests laid the foundations of TUDOR’s philosophy: to create reliable, simple, robust watches capable of withstanding the unimaginable.

But the Ranger spirit reaches even further back in time. As early as 1929, Hans Wilsdorf registered the name “Ranger” to designate watches with an exploratory vocation, long before the model became an icon in its own right. In the 1960s, the Ranger style became firmly established and imposed an immediately recognisable aesthetic: large 3-6-9-12 Arabic numerals, a highly contrasted matte dial, distinctly shaped hands, absolute legibility and functional sobriety. Over the decades, the Ranger has appeared in many variations — manual or automatic, with or without a date, featuring either the rose or the shield logo, right up to the 1973 Ranger II with integrated bracelet — without ever betraying its original purpose: to be a true toolwatch.

Ice and sand: two legacies for one toolwatch

The identity of the modern Ranger draws from a dual inspiration. On one hand, its historical DNA comes from polar expeditions in Greenland. On the other, it now finds a new lineage in extreme desert environments. By committing to the Dakar — widely regarded as the toughest race in the world — TUDOR places its watches in a new territory of exploration: blistering heat, omnipresent dust, constant vibrations and repeated impacts. In these conditions, where mechanical endurance is crucial, the Ranger naturally finds its place: simple, legible, reliable and ready to face the immensity of the Rub' al Khali, the “Empty Quarter”, one of the most hostile deserts on the planet.

The Black Matte dials embody the polar heritage: dark, grained, efficient. The new Dune White dials, meanwhile, evoke Dakar rally dust and the dry light of the desert. The Ranger has never been so rich in its expression: it now unites two extremes of the world — ice and sand — while remaining true to the spirit that forged it.

36 mm or 39 mm: two sizes, one philosophy

Today, the Ranger is offered in two perfectly complementary diameters. The 36 mm version represents a more compact, more versatile approach. It channels the spirit of 1950s military and expedition watches: discreet, comfortable, extremely legible and capable of disappearing under a cuff until the precise moment it is needed.

The 39 mm version offers a slightly more assertive presence while remaining very understated. Its more open dial further enhances readability and makes it particularly well suited to modern everyday wear. It stands out as an ideal balance between tradition, robustness and comfort.

Dials designed for absolute clarity

Whatever the model, legibility remains the priority. The grainy, matte black dial without reflections is a direct nod to historical field watches. Beige painted markers and large Arabic numerals ensure maximum contrast by day and by night.

The Dune White dial offers a radically different yet equally functional approach: a lightly textured sand tone, printed black numerals, and discreet luminous dots positioned around the periphery. The result is bright, perfectly legible in all conditions and instantly recognisable.

The hands retain their signature design: the shovel-shaped hour hand, the angular minute hand and the seconds hand with a bordeaux-red tip, a detail that has become emblematic of the collection.

Manufacture movements: precision and endurance

The 36 mm Ranger (Calibre MT5400) and the 39 mm Ranger (Calibre MT5402) are both powered by Manufacture movements certified by COSC, yet regulated to even stricter tolerances set by TUDOR: –2 to +4 seconds per day on the fully assembled watch. The variable-inertia balance, held in place by a traversing bridge with double anchoring, ensures excellent resistance to shocks, while the silicon balance spring provides natural immunity to magnetic fields.

With around 70 hours of power reserve, Ranger calibres are described as “weekend-proof”: the watch can be set down on Friday evening and picked up again on Monday morning without any need for winding.

Steel or fabric: two personalities, one DNA

The Ranger is available either on a satin-brushed steel bracelet or on a fabric strap by Julien Faure. The fully brushed steel bracelet is in line with pure toolwatch tradition. Discreet, robust and coherent in its finish, it is equipped with the TUDOR T-fit system, a rapid-adjustment clasp that allows instant sizing without tools.

The fabric strap, on the other hand, is woven in France on 19th-century Jacquard looms. Soft, lightweight and breathable, it reinforces the nomadic, adventurous character of the Ranger. Its green tones, punctuated by a double central stripe in red and beige, directly evoke expedition gear.

The everyday toolwatch

The TUDOR Ranger is a watch designed to be worn intensively. Its satin-brushed case, domed sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and 100-metre water resistance make it a reliable instrument for everyday use. Understated yet assertive, robust yet comfortable, it represents exactly what a contemporary toolwatch should be: a durable, legible, precise companion, built to withstand both the demands of the field and those of daily life.

From the ice of Greenland to the scorching dunes of the Dakar, the Ranger always finds its place. An honest, functional, timeless watch: an instrument designed to last and accompany every moment.

FAQ – Everything you need to know about the TUDOR Ranger

Is the TUDOR Ranger a good watch for everyday wear?

Yes, the TUDOR Ranger is designed as a truly versatile toolwatch. Its fully satin-brushed steel case, Manufacture movement with COSC certification, exceptional legibility and comfort make it perfectly suited to daily use. It is robust, discreet, easy to wear and built to last.

What is the difference between the 36 mm and 39 mm TUDOR Ranger?

Both models share the same utilitarian spirit and a very similar aesthetic. The 36 mm is more compact and more discreet, ideal for versatile wear and slimmer wrists. The 39 mm has a slightly stronger wrist presence, a more open dial and proportions that recall historical expedition watches. The choice is mainly a matter of wrist size and preferred style.

Are the numerals on the Ranger’s dial luminescent?

On the black dial versions, the large Arabic numerals are coated with luminescent material for optimal readability in the dark. On the Dune White versions, the black numerals are not luminescent in order to preserve a more graphic, instrument-like aesthetic. Night-time legibility is provided by small luminous dots placed around the edge of the dial.

Which movement powers the TUDOR Ranger?

The Ranger is equipped with Manufacture movements: the MT5400 for the 36 mm version and the MT5402 for the 39 mm version. These calibres feature a variable-inertia balance, an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, offering precision beyond COSC standards.

Is the Ranger’s bracelet comfortable?

Yes. The fully satin-brushed steel bracelet is robust, well-balanced and fitted with the T-fit rapid adjustment system for precise sizing without tools. The Julien Faure fabric strap, woven in France on 19th-century Jacquard looms, is extremely supple, lightweight and breathable. Both options deliver excellent comfort for everyday wear.

Is the TUDOR Ranger suitable for sports and outdoor activities?

Absolutely. With 100-metre water resistance, a solid case, domed sapphire crystal and COSC-certified Manufacture movements, the Ranger is designed to accompany sports and outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, sailing, running or adventure travel. It is built for demanding environments, from polar cold to desert heat.

Is the Ranger a good alternative to the Rolex Explorer?

Yes, both historically and today, the Ranger is often seen as the most natural alternative to the Rolex Explorer. It shares the same spirit of exploration, extreme legibility and robustness, while offering a more accessible and distinctly utilitarian approach. The Ranger, however, has its own strong identity, shaped by its unique history and characteristic design codes.

Which TUDOR Ranger models are available at Lepage?

The current collection includes:
• the Ranger 36 mm black dial (on steel bracelet or fabric strap),
• the Ranger 36 mm “Dune White” (on steel bracelet or fabric strap),
• the Ranger 39 mm black dial (on steel bracelet or fabric strap),
• the Ranger 39 mm “Dune White” (on steel bracelet or fabric strap).
Each model preserves the historical DNA of the Ranger while offering different options in terms of style and wear.

Is the TUDOR Ranger a unisex watch?

Yes, very much so. Thanks to its 36 mm and 39 mm diameters and its understated, utilitarian aesthetic, the Ranger suits both men and women. Its compact format, clear dial and high level of comfort make it a naturally unisex watch.

Why is the TUDOR Ranger considered a “toolwatch”?

Because it was conceived first and foremost as a functional instrument: extreme legibility, proven robustness, purposeful design with no unnecessary ornament, reliable movement, technical bracelet and 100-metre water resistance. It is designed to accompany explorers, adventurers, professionals and outdoor enthusiasts in all situations.