Brilliant...or boring? TUDOR Ranger 2022 hands on review

[@MrNickMulgrave]

I bought the Tudor Ranger 39mm on a bracelet as soon as it came out. As I am constantly traveling, the Ranger is low-key and uncomplicated. A perfect no-nonsense field watch I can wear everywhere I go.

[@Escapement24]

Congrats on the new acquisition Nick 👍 The Ranger isn't for me but that doesn't mean it's a bad watch - you're right in that it flies under the radar but could equally look at home if you're wearing a suit. I just wanted more from Tudor with this one personally. Tudor are supposed to be releasing another new model early next month and it's rumoured to be their biggest launch in 2 years - any thoughts on what it might be?

[@MrNickMulgrave]

@@Escapement24 If you want my completely uninformed opinion, I would say the return of the Tudor Oyster Prince in a variety of colors including the obligatory Tiffany Blue. 😂 Or maybe a GMT with Black Bay 58 dimensions in Green / Blue & Black with the new Ranger style bracelet.

[@Escapement24]

I'm wondering if an overhaul/successor to the Black Bay line - possibly based more closely on the Tudor Sub? 🙏

[@silvestrocrino3256]

@@Escapement24 ... they will never touch the Back Bay. It's how they eat. Whatever it is, it will compliment and not replace the Back Bay.

[@Escapement24]

I think you're probably right there buddy

[@russellseah2347]

Nothing boring or wrong with this release if you are familiar their vintage references like the 7995. The hands, dial are spot on.

[@jeremydahm2124]

Bought it. Soo good. Keeps incredible time. Chrystal and dial please at every glance. Love the bracelet. Dial and numeral color tones are perfect. Not fauxtina looking at all.

[@pbm8871]

I love it . Renders don’t do it justice in the metal looking at the piece in its proper proportions . On the wrist it is so beautifully balanced . Personally it really is something that is missing from my collection which has become a little to modern sports heavy ..a vintage inspired field watch that I can beat about is just the ticket . Good analysis enjoyed it .

[@edrader]

"great entry point into the tudor brand". no man. it's a great field watch

[@marlonr391]

It's a field watch, with an excellent bracelet yes they could have done this and that, then it becomes something else. Compare it with other field watches then decide. Its not a diver or a 1926

[@Escapement24]

I get it - if you want a 3 hand watch it's a decent option, as I said it's got a great movement, a good bracelet and it's a respected brand so like most Tudors it's value retention will be above average. I just think the link to the North Greenland Expedition is tenuous at best and I do feel the design of the dial falls a little short in its execution. It's not a bad watch, but it's not perfect either.

[@mrgee007]

Clearly for me I feel that this was made as an entry level watch into Tudor, and for that I think it's fine. Now, for people who already have a few Tudors, it's a bit one dimensional. I think they should have designed it with lume filled raised 3, 6, 9 & 12, just to elevate it a little as there's a lot of dial and not a lot going on in it

[@Escapement24]

Completely agree. I think the raised lume similar to the BB Pro would've been a really nice touch that would've brought some innovation to the Ranger and added more interest to the dial. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@stebesplace]

I’m pretty sure if those indices were white or the same tone and ceramic blocks as the black bay pro it would have been a smashing hit. I tried this on in person and was out off by the cheap feel of the bracelet and sharp lugs, plus the boring dial with a shade of green I didn’t care for. Bezel was lackluster as well.

[@kamelthorn]

Nice review. However the Tudor Ranger was actually brought to the market in the early sixties, after the Greenland expedition, using the data gleaned from the information obtained on the Tudor Prince! The Range reproduced in 2010, was a re issue of the 1960’s model, though with a lager case. The latest version is more akin to the 1960’s version in size.

[@Escapement24]

Thanks man. I guess that goes some way to explaining the connection between the North Greenland expedition and this new Ranger, though it still feels like a somewhat tenuous link! Either I need to brush up on my research or Tudor needs to be better at telling the story (possibly both!).

[@kamelthorn]

@@Escapement24 The actual link, maybe somewhat vague. Giving to the fact that Tudor like Rolex keep their cards close to their chest, in just about every aspect of their operation. Keep up the great videos.

[@jeremydahm2124]

I really like it. I've an exp39 and this is not a cheaper version or a "poor mans"..... Killer movement. Excellent bracelet. Value! I love the numerals, the tone of the print whether glowing or not, and the mat black. All brushed is the sweet icing on the understated vintage (without the price or maintenance) tool watch cake. I'm headed to try it on for myself. Tudors coolest offering if you ask me. Cheers.

[@Escapement24]

It's definitely a decent value proposition and has a lot going for it, and if you like the Explorer I can see why you'd like the Ranger with its more vintage looks. I just feel that the design of the dial could've been sharper and better proportioned, more like the Explorer, and I'd like to have seen some more innovation such as the 3D lume that Tudor used on the BB Pro. Let me know if you pick one up 👍

[@jeremydahm2124]

@@Escapement24 I'm so glad it looks nothing like an Explorer. I agree that the lume should be top shelf on a watch like this but very glad not to see fancifying applied indices. This is a basic looking tool watch with vintage character and a kickass movement. My BB41 ran better than my Explorer 39. Sold er. Too thick but......I'm probably going to wait for my AD I've bought with to get them but it's very likely going into the collection : )

[@NorthenSoul]

Looks far better on the NATO in my opinion

[@wastedtalentinc8007]

I have both this and a glitzy seamaster and the ranger gets 99% of my wrist time. It’s beauty is in its simplicity and fit for purpose. It’s a proper tool watch.

[@andywilliams4887]

I've had hands on with this piece and having applied markers and a stronger lume would lift it's overall appeal IMO. I have a couple of Tudors and this one just looks rather flat and one dimensional for me.

[@Escapement24]

Completely agree Andy, I think the dial is too simple and lacks proportion

[@alwaysgoclockwise6019]

Wrong. The design is from the very first Tudor Oyster Prince Ranger Reference 7995. 34mm sizing. The 41mm you are saying it is based from is also a heritage reissue. It is not a good re-issue as it is too big at 41mm from what it is inspired from which is the ref 7995.

[@Escapement24]

Thanks for the correction and yes I can see the similarities 👍 The link to the North Greenland Expedition still seems tanuous at best as it was the original Oyster Prince - not the 7995/0 - (according to Tudor's own press information) that went on that expedition 🤷

[@Vox-Populi]

The hour hand configuration is too weird for me, and the lume on the minute hand should extend to its point.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Another great production brother!

[@Escapement24]

Thanks man, really appreciate it 🙏🙏 though the lighting in that AD I filmed in wasn't great!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

@@Escapement24 you did great under the circumstances!

[@MPerry-ox9qb]

Personally, I love the watch overall. However, they should have polished the bezel, darkened the matte black and gave it white lume. That way the watch would be more versatile. Simply put a leather strap on it and it would look good with a suit. As it is it would be a great everyday watch, but not something that I’d want to wear with formal attire.

[@4120306]

So... make it look more like an Explorer. No thanks. Love this vintage look.

[@AbstractMan23]

Good point. Always thought it baffling why this watch looks nothing like the watch it’s supposed to be commemorating 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤔

[@Watchugoton]

I will add this to the collection within a year even though I have the previous 41mm ranger, that new bracelet is a beauty as I have it on the 54. Great video and I have just subscribed 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@Escapement24]

Thanks for the sub buddy (or should I say Diolch 😀) 🙏👍

[@robertlock6041]

Thanks for this Simon. When this was introduced I was really excited, but when I saw it at my AD recently I wasn't so keen. I felt that the dial proportions were all wrong. It's an opportunity missed in my view, because a little more time at the design stage could have made this watch so much better. It's an excellent watch, but when I look at the dial it seems just... so... strange! And yet the Wilsdorf group know how to do it. The Explorer is very well designed, whether or not you like it, and knowing the capabilities of the group I'm really disappointed with this.

[@Escapement24]

I couldn't agree more and you've probably summed it up better than I did in the video. The dial design is just...off. it may be a conspiracy theory but I do wonder if this was deliberate so as to not make it more attractive than the current Explorer. Definitely an opportunity missed.

[@robertlock6041]

@@Escapement24 I'm not sure that this is deliberate Simon. Generally Tudor dials are pretty good, and give nothing away to the competition. This watch could have been so good, and yet... 😒

[@GarryHirst]

You mentioned inventing a back story to the watch Rolex wasn’t the first dive watch and omega isn’t the only space watch (notice I never said moon having not been )

[@AbstractMan23]

Tried it on, and somehow it felt very light and cheap. Bracelet edges were rather sharp and didn’t feel high quality. Hour hand colour was a different shade compared with the other Ranger in the display case. I have a Tudor from 2011 which is in a different league to the Ranger. Much more solid and higher quality. I wonder if they are cutting corners as they get more popular 🤔

[@Escapement24]

It's possible that they've cut some corners with the finishing to meet the price point on this one though I didn't notice any quality issues on the one I handled. Thankfully the Tudors I own all seem up to par, but they are all higher value models.

[@AbstractMan23]

@@Escapement24 let’s not forget this is a 2.4K watch so they shouldn’t really be cutting corners like that. Someone else on another video also mentioned the sharp bracelet edges. I’m baffled tbh and have never felt anything like it on any other Tudor. 🤔

[@cryptobee6062]

It’s a weird one. It looked nice when I tried it on but looking closer it looked and felt a lot cheaper compared to the finish on the bb58 for example…also think you nailed the point about looking for a heritage story to market an explorer alternative

[@Escapement24]

Interesting that you also noticed the finishing - I thought it wasn't great and not what I'd expected from Tudor. I didn't notice too much in the AD (my eyesight isn't what it used to be) but on the macro shots you can see the poor finishing on the endges of the hands.

[@cryptobee6062]

@@Escapement24 for me the immediate thing I noticed in person was the edges of the bracelet and also the bezel didn’t look too good. The brushing maybe just wasn’t as nice as I’d hope from Tudor. Like yourself, I’m a fan of the brand so it pains me to say these things. Refine that bracelet for other models though 🚀

[@Robert-vw3od]

I own the watch on the hybrid, I really like the watch and I think it looks like a field watch should. Simple uncomplicated. i’ve recently got the NATO strap it was given to me due to an issue with the keepers on the hybrid strap fraying. This is not a good NATO it looks very nice, but there is no way on earth I would be willing to pay for that NATO.

[@9er..]

Yeah man, there’s something off for me as well. Either way, with the Rolex/Tudor game in full swing, it’ll be cult classic in a few years. Great content!!!👊👊👊

[@Escapement24]

Thanks buddy 🙏 👍 Agree that they'll still sell a lot of these and the secondary values will remain strong, but it's a dial that only its mother could love! 😂

[@pablow26]

I got this piece as a gift from the company as I worked there for 20 years. Was hoping for a BB, so as I opened the box I was slightly dissapointed. Just a bit boring. Had a chance to change it, so went to the AD and switched it for a BB pro. Cost me €1000 extra out of my own pocket but best move ever. Definitely worth the extra money IMO. Although the ranger is a reliable, rugged watch with a great movement... It's just not exciting enough somehow. Flat and boring.

[@Escapement24]

I'd have probably done the same. The BB Pro is a great watch so you made a good choice IMO 👍

[@yashara1e]

They had to cheapen the watch to not eat the explorer market share Not counting the dial, heritage and slight difference in finishing, this watch is cheaper and better than explorer with much better clasp

[@Escapement24]

I think you make a very interesting point 🤔👍 Though the dial, heritage and finishing are all pretty significant factors in most ppl's decision making process.

[@yashara1e]

@@Escapement24 agree, but this one is much cheaper which makes it a better tool everyday watch with better clasp I think if the dial was better many people would have chosen this over explorer

[@Escapement24]

I think you're probably right about that and it explains why they went for a vintage look with a dial that isn't as sharp as it ought to be IMO. Reminds me of how Porsche de-tuned some of the more recent versions of the Boxster because it was out-pacing the 911 in tests due it's better centre of gravity.

[@jb-hw9if]

It is a little tenuous that Tudor used the expedition start date to coincide with the Ranger release date. The new Ranger is a reference to the 1965 model 7995 btw. It's a tool watch, no intention to be otherwise (with certain elements being polished enhancing legibility), it's job is to be robust, accurate and legible. Assessing it's function; then it's a great watch. If anyone reviews it, review it from a field/expedition watch perspective. If you don't like it, don't review it, especially handling it for a short while in a shop environment only, hardly field experience. A commenter mentioned the lume paint as green, it isn't, the paint is cream, if the lume has been charged you may catch some green of the lume itself (as you would with tons of other watches) but the paint isn't green. It's quite a different case from the black Bay Pro, the BBP is certainly taller and just slightly bigger (39.5 compared to the Ranger's true 39). There's some contagious toxic KZbin nonsense going around.

[@Escapement24]

I hear the 'tool watch' argument but that doesn't mean that a tool watch can't be aesthetically pleasing, with balance and finesse to the design. There are plenty of examples of this. I agree that it's a solid movement for the price and I think I made the point about it being a decent value proposition. As far as only reviewing things I like, well how could I give an unbiased opinion of anything if I took that approach? I do agree with your point about only handling it for a short amount of time. I only spent about an hour with the watch, that's true, but when reviewing the macro footage when editing the video I then noticed other things about the watch - such as the poorly finished hands and issues with the printing on the dial - that I hadn't noticed when the watch was in hand. If I'd spent a week with the watch I fear I'd have noticed things like this and my review would've been harsher as a result. Each to their own and if you like it then I'm pleased for you. I'm not right and you're not wrong in your opinions, and vice versa, but as much as I like my Tudors this ones not for me.

[@jb-hw9if]

@@Escapement24 For sure, different opinions. Pretty much any Tudor won't be finished like a Rolex but the Ranger certainly isn't poor. Just out of interest, how many other watches did FH at Cribs let you video? I was in there myself last Sunday.

[@Escapement24]

Completely agree. Rolex finishing is far superior, but likewise I've seen brands like Christopher Ward have much higher levels of finishing than this for half the price - but I guess they haven't got Tudor's advertising spend to budget for! I only had time to film these Rangers and the BB58 925, but the team there are great and very accommodating. I've bought 2 of my Tudors from them and found the service to be excellent in each case.

[@jb-hw9if]

@@Escapement24 I found the Ranger to be superb, in its presentation I'm referring to (I'm not just simply saying I like it). I can compare against hands on experience with the BBP and a comparable Rolex. The Ranger is a more gentlemanly, elegant watch. Something so liberating about it, not one for generation narcissist, the social media 'experts', flexing and repetition is saturating. And there'll always be a fault somewhere, even from Rolex, and there'll always be gems too. I ordered a C Ward; the sticker on the outer box was correct, the watch inside was incorrect and the warranty card was for a different watch again. C Ward push to be a watchmaker (i know they've acquired a movement manufacturer and i think are now trying to develop in store presence) but they are a far cry away really, the watch they did send was running at +12s/day. Obviously it went back for a refund, it wasn't cheap and that service was below standard. ADs, service, accuracy and modern standard of power reserve and robustness does count.

[@subzero9460]

superb no nonsense field watch with perfect proportions

[@altamashkhateeb6824]

I am on the waitlist for it

[@jb-hw9if]

It's a beautiful watch.

[@collector1946]

Super review great film

[@Escapement24]

Thanks buddy 🙏👍

[@danrobinson2888]

Good video, very honest review. The new Ranger is pretty meh and uninspiring. I struggle to see how its different to the existing Black Bay 36 / 41 without the diving bezel. Almost like they wanted a 39mm variant and thought they'd spice it up as a New Ranger.

[@Escapement24]

Cheers Dan, glad you enjoyed the video. It's definitely one that won't be making its way in to my collection.

[@randyreynolds1045]

It’s actually a great watch❤

[@watch_beginer2056]

I have the longines spirit 40mm blue. I rate that more than this Tudor, and I am generally a fan of Tudor. Find this release extremely boring

[@Escapement24]

Thanks for watching and interesting that you also find this new Ranger a bit boring. It seems to be popular with a lot of Tudor fans judging by comments I see on the forums, but personally I'd have liked to see something more interesting from the brand with this release.

[@mrgee007]

All day long, the Longines Spirit knocks the new ranger into the weeds

[@michaelN425]

I looked at the longines spirit as a possible alternative to the Ranger. In the end it just didn’t feel “toolly” enough. To shiny and thought the stars cheapened the look.

[@flyingrocket3879]

The worst thing about Rolex Tudor is they make the same timepieces again and again. The best thing about Rolex Tudor is they make the same timepieces again and again. 😂

[@Escapement24]

Couldn't have put it better myself 😂

[@timmanning5357]

The earlier 2010-20 Ranger looks way more stylish.

[@kiwimark3875]

That's way too big for.you IMO. 36mm might fit better?

[@Escapement24]

Almost everything could probably be considered as too big for my fly-like wrists 😂 but after 20+ years in the hobby I'm used to wearing bigger watches.

[@AllanCorpuzMD]

This would have been best at 36mm

[@Michael-uf1hz]

Anyone that called the hour hand a butt plug has their head in the gutter, I thought arrowhead or spade head eight off the bat. I mean it's a field watch after all. Whatever you do in your free time leave it to yourself lol.

[@davidspin5353]

I saw it in person, once you go Rolex the Tudor is just kinda cheap.

[@leeharding8306]

58 part’s bin Rolex Explorer homage🤦🏻‍♂️ looks even more boring in the flesh. The nato strap version didn’t even fit around my medium size wrist. The Ranger text looks lost on the dial too. Rolex is clearly pushing Tudor even more down the retro Rolex homage route rather than fixing the terrible thickness problem on most models. Theirs reports of the BB Pro having the date window problems too. The 58 is Tudor’s masterpiece but other than that I’m done with Tudor. I’ve sold all mine already.

[@Escapement24]

I also saw a video recently about a date wheel problem on the BB Pro, which is a bit concerning as a Pro owner. Like you I feel that the Ranger is pretty underwhelming and I'd like to see some more innovation from Tudor in the way they've shown us they can do with models like the Black Bay Ceramic (and the BB Pro to a lesser extent). There's supposed to be a big new release coming in September that is rumoured to be one that will break the internet. I hope that's true.

[@ATIWatchReviews]

Its basically too boring for me. Its needs further depth and colour and not enough going on the dial

[@nycmaverick]

Not boring at all....

[@dannyg6592]

It is both boring and a budget Explorer. Boring as it has a dull appearance, too much negative space on the dial, an odd font, painted instead of raised indices and a strange lume color. Budget Explorer as it is less than half the price of an Explorer, with an excellent movement - a decent choice for those wanting a 39mm Explorer. It has the same case as the steel BB58 (except for the bezel and brushed sides). The Ranger bracelet fits the BB58 perfectly. I own a BB58, which I much prefer over the Ranger. I will wait for my AD to get me a 36mm Explorer rather than buying a Ranger.

[@Escapement24]

Completely agree on the negative space, font and lume. Likewise if I were in the market for a time-only watch the Explorer would be my preference too 👍

[@wika1984]

The ranger looks like a sinn 556a with a "can I copy your homework" meme.

[@Escapement24]

😂

[@giusepperocchi2979]

Except the Ranger design dates back to when the 556 didn’t exist.

[@wika1984]

@@giusepperocchi2979 im not talking about the typical 3,6,9, and 12. I'm talking about design. What happened to tudor's curved text and red second hand that made the ranger so different than the explorer? They removed them to appear more ulitarian like the explorer, except it now looks like the sinn 556a that has had that minimalist design for much longer. What next, theyll remove "ranger" and look like the sinn 856?

[@giusepperocchi2979]

@@wika1984 It seems you're obsessed with Sinn. Maybe you could take a look at the Tudor 7955 or 9050, both from the '60s, to see where the inspiration for the new Ranger cames from.

[@wika1984]

@@giusepperocchi2979 I'm looking at all the old rangers. Do you know what I see? Rolex. It is a Rolex, just change the name and didnt use the same movement. What rolex did was tell you everything that was in the watch. It told you what case it was right below Rolex and it told you what movement it used right on the dial. Take away that design that Rolex left for tudor but now no longer does anything Rolex, they replace the case shape with just "geneve" incase you forgot where the watch came from since they might have a factory somewhere else. That's always bugged me about how Tudor changed things when they came back. So, you're telling me they took the worst parts of the previous tudor ranger designs and placed it on this modern tudor. The straight text 60s had a date in a Rolex case and it told you it was a Rolex case. The curved one had different color palette making it innovated. Now they fuse together and instead of making a new Tudor, it's a sinn 556.

[@jimlittle5769]

'TUDOR Ranger 2022. Boring, or a budget ROLEX Explorer?' Yes.

[@Escapement24]

Is that a "yes" on both counts? 😂

[@jimlittle5769]

@@Escapement24 Yes, and I'd add, the Explorer I, also boring. All of this, obviously, my opinion. The Explorer II, however, awesome watch.

[@Escapement24]

Can't argue with you on any of those points 👍

[@kiruill93]

You need to work on your sound

[@Escapement24]

Yeah actually you're not wrong and I've improved the audio quality a lot since this video. Check out some of my more recent ones 👍

[@MrRoden96]

Couldn't watch this video with my headphones on. The noise gate/ noise reduction you are using is way too aggressive and makes the end of sentences and small pauses sound very unnatural or like a record skipping

[@Escapement24]

Hi Oliver. Thanks for the feedback. I've just invested in an audio recorder and better mic to improve the audio on future videos. Bear with me 👍

[@MrRoden96]

@@Escapement24 Hi mate. Good stuff, sorry just read that back and it came off a bit harsh.

[@Escapement24]

No offence taken 👍 Audio has been a big learning curve but I think the new setup will be a big improvement and mean less audio editing and NR 🤞

[@RampusChannel]

Please stop using a noisegate on your microphone.

[@Escapement24]

Yeah I agree the audio wasn't great on these earlier videos, but I've since invested in a better set up. Things are much improved these days but the room I record in has a lot of echo/reverb, so I have to do a little tweaking in post to tone this down.

[@xoxoxoxo5224]

I didn't watch the video, but it's a boring watch. Just wear a Breitling. SuperOcean. Vintage. Class. Shiny. Rubber band = casual. Nice.

[@briandorsey6437]

I’ll def take the Ranger all day…

[@justinsaunders4068]

Budget watch, not being bothered to make a nine and just turning the six upside down is something only the cheapest printers would do with typeface.

[@hfuffvnjvnijd8989]

weird review with personal opinions.

[@xchazz86]

horrible design

[@KeithBeacham]

Boring

[@larrycannon166]

The audio is goofy. When you stop talking, it sounds like the audio turns off. Your audio system is operating just like the way newer cars are set up. The engine runs until you come to a stop sign, then it turns off. That's what your audio is acting like. Annoying.

[@Escapement24]

Hey Larry. Can't dispute what you're saying buddy. I had major issues with background noise and echo in the room and struggled to sort it. But I have now managed to find the right set up so give some of my more recent videos a go.