On the Wrist, from off the Cuff: Rolex Explorer I (214270) vs. Tudor Ranger (79950), 39mm Comparison

[@michaelbyrne2138]

I have a Submariner and several Omega's which I love but I've recently bought a Ranger and despite all of the criticism about it's dial I found that it was that that drew my attention. It's plain and simple and that to me was the selling point that made me impulsively buy it and its now my daily go to watch. I have an Air King on order and when that arrives I still think that my Ranger will be the watch that I wear each day.... Well done to Tudor :)

[@rebel1052k]

Exactly the same, wanted a no frills, wear daily watch that can handle the outdoor lifestyle. The dial is so simplistic I absolutely love it. No fuss.

[@edrader]

love mine. got a great deal too

[@sashcraft009]

That’s the appeal to me as well. The simplicity is just bang on.

[@rebel1052k]

@@sashcraft009 You wont be dissapointed, it's an incredible watch.

[@jeremydahm2124]

The dial and glass make magic at all angles. I'm wearing on a Strap Tailor IWC style black strap and it looks very good.... But that bracelet is great as well.

[@happytravels2480]

I have the Explorer. Love it. That Tudor looks fantastic too. I don’t see the Ranger dial as boring. I see it as super clean, simple, and extremely legible!

[@djdunn]

I appreciate how you set the watches to the same time. Very satisfying.

[@jpoonyo6910]

Just got the new 39mm Tudor Ranger yesterday as BD gift from my wife. Love the brush steel and the simplicity. I wear my Pepsi Rolex GMT II daily for the last 25 years but the recent crimes in many cities gave me 2nd thoughts about daily wear. I started wearing my old 30 years old recently re-serviced Omega Speedy. This new Ranger gave me a new meaning to daily wear again. I loved the Rolex/Tudor family style and feel of watches. We bought a Tudor Black Bay for our son last year and thought it was beautifully crafted! I like it even more than the Submariner. Nice job Tudor!

[@roamy3605]

Yes I've read and looked online at the Ranger from when it first debuted 3 months ago. Some of the negative features about the dial were of concern for me as I really wanted to love it in this new size. Finally got to see one in person and I can say that the criticism is overblown. I liked this Ranger enough to buy it and I'm glad I did. Don't pass judgement too quickly before you have a chance to get a watch on your wrist. This Ranger just works!

[@Franchise8-8]

Couldn't agree more...I ended up pulling the trigger on one, precisely due to the understated nature of the watch. IMHO, that's the point!

[@roamy3605]

@@Franchise8-8 Good job Frank: I'm wearing the living beejeesus out of my Ranger. I have so many watches but this one is getting the wrist time. I also have a NOS Ranger 41 mm that I bought about a year ago. Sorry big boy, you're little brother is now the one getting my attention.

[@edrader]

way overblown. i even like the color of the lume tho tudor sacrificed lumenosity for color

[@satherton]

Cool comparison - I have the Ranger. It's a great watch. If I replace it it will be with a 39mm Explorer because it is tooly but can also be dressed up. I wish the Ranger just had applied indices to class it up a tiny bit. Bracelet and clasp are great, legibility is off the charts. Simple and solid watch.

[@cmenscher]

Nice comparison, I didn't detect an obvious Rolex bias unlike so many other reviews. What drives me nuts about comparisons with the Explorer is how, umm, "fancy" an Explorer looks over the Ranger. I realize its heritage, but all that polish, the applied shiny markers, and the mercedes hands just puts it at a level where you'd look kinda silly wearing it in actual rugged conditions. The Ranger's stark and practical look is its strength. The open space amplifies its readability. Tudor gets out of the way of touting its brand name and the watch's features, other than the simple model. I mean, does an adventurer really need to know that his watch is a "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified"? Or is this Rolex just being a bit full of itself? And imho the bracelet on the Ranger runs circles around the Explorer, particularly with the adjustable clasp. Full disclosure: I immediately fell in love with the Ranger and got the second one my AD received. I have desired an Explorer mostly for its simplistic look over other Rolexes, but always prefered the look of the classic 1016's. The Ranger evokes that style, and has the price and finishing that makes it totally acceptable to wear hiking, rafting, etc.

[@mattg9504]

My feelings exactly, even though I own that same Explorer, but have the Ranger on my list and have a feeling it will be my favourite of the 2. Also, the crown size on the Rolex is just ridiculously small for the watch, the Ranger gets it spot on!

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Lol you are clueless

[@flipperds7714]

I had the 39mm Explorer and have the new Ranger now. The Rolex is defiantly built with better tolerances (slightly) but it was too pretty for me to use as a daily toolwatch. The Ranger meanwhile is a very well made toolwatch at a fair price. Always enjoy your content…good job!

[@jodybruce5097]

great video, i like both but the Explorer is flashy. i think the Ranger can be a great under the radar daily wear

[@edrader]

that's the attraction for me. straight tool watch

[@oleg274]

Tudor is doing fantastic job. I prefer Ranger over the Explorer though

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

You have really bad taste

[@robertdean446]

I love the new Ranger 79950 dial. For me i was always put off by the Heritage Ranger 79910 full red second hand, smiley self winding text and Tudor Rose logo that seemed to make the watch feel less serious. Whereas the new Ranger looks more comparable to the Explorer as a tool watch. Some may argue that it has lost its unique ‘character’ but i appreciate these subtle changes.

[@jeremydahm2124]

I have am fortunate to have both and I have to add if you are serious about one, you shouldn't really consider the other as a sort or replacement. The wearing experience is so different. The style in person is very different. Have you not experienced the Exp39 consider this. It wears considerably larger than say a Khaki Field 38. The Exp39 style is way more Datejust dressy than under the radar tool watch. Chose it over the Rootbeer for a black tie event recently. Great with a Tux. The Ranger wears slightly larger still and is very under the radar, tool, cool. The Ranger is the strap change king. The Exp39 is too blingy to go off bracelet (for me anyway). The beauty of the Ranger is the way that glass plays with the dial. Looks amazing and very different from all angles. Wears nicely on my 17cm wrist but I'd welcome the 36 IF it comes.... (wanna bet). Love it.

[@shipmate3577]

I wish the Tudor Ranger was 1-2mm smaller. It would reduce the empty space on the dial.

[@ryanstafford8544]

Both beautiful. Rolex is a grail but that Tudor is knocking on the door. White markers on the Tudor would have made it that much more perfect.

[@panorama4526]

It‘s great the way it is.

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

I agree the lume color looks like someone took a leak on the dial and it dried. It looks absolutely horrible you can't beat white lume

[@Kami84]

If it had white markers I would buy it

[@lionel170]

White markers are boring. The yellow markers gives it some spice.

[@Milofchg]

Great comparison video, a first on KZbin. The Ranger looks bigger (dial) and it’s longer. The Rolex looks more compact, but for a 39mm. The Rolex wears big for an Explorer. For me it felt more like a 41mm. It was bulky like a Milgauss or Air King.

[@RedwoodAggie]

I absolutely agree that blocked lume like on the BB Pro would have been the smart move here. I also would have preferred white versus the shade they went with, but even the creamy color of the BB Pro would have been better. That's just a preference though, and I can't really knock what the Ranger offers at that price. It's a great value. I would love to see a Tudor Ranger 2 with that orange seconds hand and a date + block lume, or maybe call it a Ranger Pro! Alternately, I'd love to see them bring the Northface back with an orange or red motif instead of that yellow/green shade from before, shrunk down to 39mm and no power reserve. Heck, if they did everything else and left the power reserve, I'd still get one. Thanks for this comparison. The Ranger has crossed my mind, but I think I may get a Monta Triumph instead. It really impressed me on wrist and it seems to be the right balance of tool vs. dressy, plus also has a great clasp and a cheaper to service movement. Plus, I talked to the owners and they're really great guys.

[@MPerry-ox9qb]

Several years ago I decided to go with the Omega Railmaster over the 39mm Explorer. When the new Ranger came out I went to the AD to compare my Railmaster to the Ranger. I still prefer my Railmaster. However, I do prefer the clasp of the Explorer and Ranger over the butterfly clasp the Railmaster has. Also, if I only had one watch I’d have chosen the Explorer over the Railmaster because it’s more versatile in formal attire.

[@fishinbite]

Great review of both watches. The Ranger looks like the bevel is brushed not highly polished like the Explorer is that right and would that mean it will scratch up less for outdoor use?

[@underachievingwatchcollect1878]

I love my39nn Explorer-maybe a little bland but trust me it grows on you 😎!

[@michaelriera6277]

So true. The Explorer is choice!

[@Maia.loves_moons]

💯

[@kenrankin5814]

Great video! I like the look of the Ranger but there is some negative space on the dial. It would have been nice to see RANGER in red to match that splash of red on the seconds hand and perhaps 100m to balance it out.

[@omarion07]

It’s a boring dial and this is coming from a big Tudor fan who owns 2 Tudor watches. I feel little thought went into the design of the dial and it’s pricing kinda reflects that. It’s the cheapest “professional” Tudor with in-house movement. I wish it costed $500 more and looked a bit more interesting!

[@tacticaltruth8118]

For $9-10k, would you rather buy the vintage Explorer from the gray market or a new Rolex OP and new Tudor Ranger from an AD? Note, the Rolex OP and Explorer (40mm version) have the same movement. I would go with the latter.

[@bryanma2204]

Thinking bout getting the Ranger! What size are your wrists?

[@TC-td2jt]

Many thanks for this; it was the review I was waiting for!

[@Milofchg]

For those who don’t understand the basic boring Explorer. It suppose to be basic. Yes it’s boring but it’s still a Rolex and it doesn’t call for attention. That’s the point of the Explorer. It’s an everyday Rolex work watch, casual, tool, outdoor, sport, dress, do everything watch. You are more likely to get (noticed) or robbed over a G-Shock, Sub, or even a fashion shitter watch. No one will notice the Explorer is a Rolex in public or at work.

[@DM-rc4yu]

"It's boring but it's still a Rolex" is somehow supposed to be an argument for it, lol. There is nothing to "understand" or "get" here. It's a boring looking watch sold at premium price.

[@Milofchg]

@@DM-rc4yu Any watch sold over $1K is really premium boring, good value, crap, or trendy.... A watch is just an accessory and not so needed for most people. Once you wear a Submariner, or Date Just for a few weeks, then wear an Explorer. You will notice the simplicity, and no one will notice it's a Rolex. Which is a plus for me. Yes it's a boring basic watch, but it's a boring mid tier luxury basic watch. Most 3 hand time only watches are boring regardless of the brand.

[@edrader]

@@DM-rc4yu under the radar conspicuous consumption

[@MrHav1k]

You NEED to see the Ranger in person. Seeing them both up close actually turned me away from the Explorer and to the Ranger. Super underrated watch.

[@GunGlutton]

I don’t like the butt plug hour hand so got the new explorer 40 from my AD

[@JericVillaflores]

Love my Tudor Ranger, it’s utilitarian…less is more!

[@ramspencer5492]

I like the face and Henry Hand set. Also the lume.... The thickness is great. If I was designing the watch.... Here's what I'd change: I'd dress it up a little. Starting with a sandwich dial. If keep the rose.... And go with high polish just on the bezel. I'd also go with the rose. I'd probably go one mm smaller and make it a 38mm to slightly emphasize the retro aesthetic. A balance of dressy and sporty a perfect GADA watch. Add it is now, is slightly too utilitarian for my taste. Nice watch though.

[@MrZoomok]

It’s extremely hard to get Tudor Ranger 2022 model in Melbourne AUS. Luckily, I got the last one and it is perfect to my taste. Simple but luxurious. Not shining but humble. Slim but comfortable.

[@AverageBros]

Congrats!

[@chriscon8463]

I really like that bracelet & clasp on the Ranger. Do you know if it will fit on a BB58? If it does, I’d consider getting that bracelet for mine!

[@thekingdomjester]

It does indeed fit the bb58 . Oddly the bb58 faux rivoted bracelet doesn't fit the ranger

[@chriscon8463]

@@thekingdomjester Thanks! Although for my wallet’s sake, I probably didn’t need to hear that. That’s weird about the fit!

[@EnLsLoveLiveLife]

Great video. Side by side, I can see that they are two different watches!

[@bobdegutis302]

When you show the explorer first, and then the ranger, the ranger seems very plain. The more elaborate indices and additional writing on the explorer dial look good. But when I look at both faces quickly to scan the time, the simple face of the ranger and larger pointed hour hand win. And somehow the yellowish color of the markers play into this.

[@miniapplesun]

Thanks for showing both watches without moving them or holding them for a while. That was nice. Thanks for synchronizing the watches. I just don't see the value in the Tudor. It looks like a 1k watch to me.

[@Senorbarnez]

When you think about it, they're both 1k watches really: Both stainless (Rolex 904 vs 316 steel in Tudor, but really what's the difference?), both sapphire crystal, both steel bracelet, both fairly rugged basic work horse movements. The Rolex has applied markers in white gold vs printed in the Ranger. So there's not really that much that sets them apart. You're really just paying the Rolex for their marketing in the Explorer.

[@miniapplesun]

@@Senorbarnez I guess my point is that the Rolex at least looks the part of a luxury watch, even if it's not. I think a better comparison to the Tudor would be the Sinn 556A, which has just as much claim to that dial design, is more affordable, tougher, and looks better in my opinion.

[@bambam3360]

I own both these watches and use Tudor through the week and wear Rolex at weekend. Both great watches but Tudor does keep better time as last time I monitored it gained 1second in 6 day.

[@specialkfouryou]

The tudors design looks a little clunky next to the Explorer, I am biased because it is my favorite watch, just so comfortable and not as in your face as most Rolex sport watches. The Tudor looks great, lume color and dial are a little off but looks like a killer watch. Now all they need to do is shrink the Pepsi down to 38, a bit thinner and their line up will be crushing it!

[@WatchDanReviews]

Great video, Mark! I’ve been shopping for an Explorer lately but after looking closer the Ranger, I’m just gonna “settle” for the Tudor at this point. My big reasoning is I want a nice watch that isn’t too flashy I can wear around the neighborhood, in the pool and out ‘n about without attracting too much attention. I do love the explorer but it’s definitely blingier than the Ranger. And considering they’re so similar otherwise, at $2,400 brand new used, I just couldn’t find anything better! Not gonna stop me from “submitting my interest” in the explorer soon at the AD so that I can pick it up a couple years from now 😂

[@hugejohnson5011]

Nice watches, but rarely do I hear you explain anything about the movements. With the Rolex, as with all Rolex models, the movement is pure mechanical pornography to a motorhead like myself. The design work, the materials, the machining, etc., are all beautiful, and is a substantial part of the cost of a watch like that. Yet, I haven't noticed you mentioning the actual workings of a watch at all. I know that I would like to learn about the movements when you're showing us fancy models like these. I didn't even notice if you mentioned the Tudor movement, and if it was one of their own manufacture or something else. Nice lume shots anyway. Keep the reviews coming!

[@AverageBros]

Rolex are not known for their movements, not a lot to look at decoration wise and nothing class leading in terms of tech specs either. While many consider the Tudor movements in house, it's probably more correctly referred to as In Group. At or under $10K the most impressive movements are coming out of Omega and Grand Seiko.

[@hugejohnson5011]

@@AverageBros I agree with you on the Grand Seiko movements for sure. I guess that I just come at it from an angle of an old motorhead. I like what is inside of my bike motors, and making them go like a SOB., and some of my buddies were always into the paint and chrome. I sometimes weep because I can't afford to have a few uncased movements on display, just to ogle! Cheers!

[@morganstrapco]

I bought the San Martin Ranger. Looks better imo and the dimension are better as well.

[@kenrankin5814]

I haven't seen any reviews yet for the SM Ranger but the pics look fantastic. I've had their Explorer homage for a year and love it, looking forward to their version of the Ranger.

[@chelious1973]

They should add a little more polish on the Tudor. A little too brushed for me. But it does look very good.

[@Kami84]

I wish the indices were white and that it said chronometer under the ranger name.

[@BoozewithNick]

Nice that Tudor finally made a watch without that awful snowflake hour hand. The Ranger is a nice, sharp-looking watch. Cool numeral font, nice handset. The brushed slab sides have the Explorer beat by a mile. I’ve obviously never handled an Explorer, but I have to imagine that 904L with a polish on it is a scratch magnet. Feel free to correct me if you have experience with the watch (or with a Wise). Will Tudor a Ranger in 41mm someday? Probably not, given that down-sized watches are “cool” again. Anyway, nice review.

[@MarkDanger777]

Now rolex have to make more watches without the awful Mercedes hour hands

[@interianesq]

To me, the Ranger would be perfect if the hands were brushed, and it stated "Chronometer Officially Certified" under "Ranger".

[@mattg9504]

Yes, I always felt the same about the hands too, would just suit the rest of the watch much more nicely. However, Ive still to find the perfect watch, but the Ranger seems to come closest of all.

[@scottrockett6382]

Ranger Pro or Ranger II is a great idea! Female end links on the Ranger are 💯

[@georgetown8986]

I don't like yellowish/greenish marker lume on any watch. I prefer bright white markers.

[@Billeh556]

Great review and comparison!

[@matgorelsp]

The Tudor for me the dial is clean which i like.

[@cqc2238]

I own both of these. The Tudor is the better value. T Fit is > easy link. Keeps better time than the 214270. Ranger is a strap monster.

[@simplecookingwithjobay4356]

For me both watches are great. It's simple. The only big difference when buy this is the price. Rolex is more expensive then tudor. 904L for rolex vs 316L for tudor.

[@porschephile2k3]

This is a great video, I've been waiting for somebody to do this. I didn't realize how the new Ranger looks like a slab right next to the Explorer. I would personally get the Explorer over the Ranger if they were still available. It just looks like a classy but tough, versatile time-keeper. The rereleased Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic is the closest to look like it with polished surfaces to flank the brushed case. Although most folks would probably opt for the Ranger because of availability and the look being the definition of what a tool watch (with mostly brushed surfaces) should be. The Tudor definitely edges the Rolex out on the T-fit clasp though, plus this is a vintage "re-issue" done right, although I wouldn't mind it being modernized like the Explorer. I hope you get a Railmaster LE on the channel at some point, Mark.

[@warrenrhinerson6373]

Interesting tib bit, the Rolex explorer model 1016 was personally owned by a former MI6 agent turned author named Ian Fleming. Fleming is most famous for being the created of James Bond, and later wrote the children’s book chitty chitty bang bang. This lead to the very common misconception that the explorer was the watch James Bond was originally supposed to wear. In reality James Bond was intended to wear the Rolex oyster, atleast according to a description Fleming himself gave to the first artist to draw Flemings characters.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Congratulations, you know how to use google

[@ET-cj8jo]

The hour hand of the Rolex is too short. I read they corrected that later.

[@Bear_Arms]

The Explorer wins this match up. I prefer the Explorer to the Ranger, but I prefer the Pelagos 39 to the Submariner. I love that the Pelagos is made from titanium. Tudor should release a titanium version of the Ranger. Titanium bracelets are so much more comfortable.

[@edteach3r]

These are not my favourite style of watches, but the Ranger looks very ordinary next to the Rolex. The dial of the Rolex is well-balanced, and the Tudor could have been so, so much better if they retained the dial layout of the Heritage Ranger. Nonetheless, it is not worth being mugged for either. Thanks for the video.

[@pryanik3741]

Tudor has a more beautiful dial and hands. It has a bit of retro and it looks more harmonious. The hour hand is very beautiful, the ends of the case look cool. He needs a 36mm size and overlay markers!

[@russellseah2347]

The "boring" commentators know nothing about the Ranger heritage.

[@viktor.egelund]

The Explorer has 5 lines of text. Too much noise for me. Rolex could easily remove the superfluous chronometer sentence.

[@bushpig6837]

I wish the Ranger actually felt like 39mm. In reality it feels like at least a 41mm.

[@AverageBros]

nah, it doesn't wear that large. it might look bigger in pictures but in the metal it does feel like a 39mm, just with flat empty dial.

[@kitlai768]

Both v desirable only difference is the Ranger is still retailing @ ADs and at a much more affordable price yet offers similar wearer satisfaction.

[@deliberatelycasualasmr8256]

“Am alternative to the Rolex bland” - perfectly stated.

[@bigjes]

Well we’ll, the explorer 1 is the winner, but the ranger is cute , I would rather go to war with my bb58 or p39

[@pavelrazamazov2672]

The explorer dial is much more pleasant looking.

[@DoodleHats]

yeah the explorer is a legendary watch but the ranger actually looks like a watch I want to play in the mud with

[@edrader]

porsche, Lamborghini, ferrari.....wow how about subaru crosstrek. sounds like you really want a rolex. get that out of your system and one day a watch like the ranger will make you very happy

[@kbeightyseven]

Edmond hillary wore a Smiths not a rolex

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

The iwc mark 18 looks better than both of these imo

[@dinamiena6186]

And loosing 50% of purchase value next day … no thank you !

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

@@dinamiena6186 you don't lose 50%, last time I checked the mark 18 was over £3k on the pre owned market, that's less than 25% of retail. I buy watches to wear and enjoy.

[@kristofferostergren4617]

Well said. You are paying a lot for the brand. And the looks of cours. Still its nice to have a rolex! I dont.

[@defender1006]

I like the 'Explorer, a classic design, much admired and copied?! However I love the 'Ranger, it's a bit different from anything else that I can think of, but I know what you mean about it not quite having 'that certain something' to do it for you, well for me and could be a bit controversial, but the hands should be a 'Snow Flake' set, for me that's Tudors 'stamp/trade mark', like it or loath it?!

[@cliffordgriffith818]

Super - luminova

[@evh4611]

Own m both. Love m both

[@kbeightyseven]

If they used applied indexes, or even whiter markers they would have an amazing watch, why put faux patina on a new watch, it's stupid

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I don't care for either of the hand's on these watches

[@matlindell5022]

Definitely not right up my alley ☹️

[@GunGlutton]

Butt plug hour hand 😂

[@eagles4757]

The tolerances are great lmfao never heard that before all my ROLEX,OMEGA AND HELL MY CASIO GSHOCK REAL TIGHT TOLERANCES WHAT A TERRIBLE DESCRIPTION!

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

These two watches are literally leagues apart

[@gwapogreg5837]

Tudor makes better watches to compete with the Rolex explorer than the Ranger.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

lol the ranger looks like the odd brother.

[@aubreyhaines7282]

Boring hahahaha there are both marvelous watches. What is there not to like 👌 know your history facts 😀

[@jimt7292]

Rolex all day every day, I'll pass on the Tudor

[@eagles4757]

Suprising how close lol The ugliest ROLEX AND TUDOR,I would probaly choose the Tudor over the Explorer with these models but you would still have to hold gun to my head.

[@Emaratilfy]

Two of the most boring watches. Wouldn't even have it in my collection as a 3rd, 4th or 9th option. I'll take a SARB017/Alpanist over these two any day. I would even pick microbrands like RZE, Nodus or the like over these two....

[@Milofchg]

Alpanist LMFAO!!!! Looks ok but shitter movement

[@Emaratilfy]

@@Milofchg I'm not talking about movemens. A watch is more than its movement. Sit down.

[@gislisnbjornsson690]

I have both - the Ranger and Alpinist. Love my Alpinist but in reality the Ranger is much much much nicer/better

[@Emaratilfy]

@@gislisnbjornsson690 the Ranger would also be my pick between the Explorer and the Ranger. The Explorer is just so...meh.

[@thanayotjurekret3913]

🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫

[@bigbodykarate6403]

That ranger is GARBAGE