I didn’t think I’d find myself caring about a Tudor again. That’s not some dramatic collector’s pose—it’s just been hard to ignore how many Black Bay models I’ve cycled through, only to run into movement quirks or sizing that never quite sat right. At some point, the enthusiasm faded, and the brand became one of those I kept at arm’s length. Still respected it, but stopped hoping for more.
Then this happened: the Tudor Ranger, now in 36mm, with a creamy white “Dune” dial. Quietly released during Dubai Watch Week, it didn’t scream for attention—but for anyone who’s been waiting on a properly sized Ranger, it might be the one we’ve been hoping they’d eventually get around to making. And suddenly, I’m back to squinting at press shots, mentally swapping straps, and wondering how it might feel on wrist.
It’s not that the Tudor Ranger hasn’t crossed my mind before—it has, plenty of times. But the sizing never lined up. First the 41mm reissue in 2014, then the better-proportioned 39mm version in 2022. Close, but not quite. This one finally hits that vintage-aligned mark, and it changes the conversation entirely.
The Tudor Ranger has always been one of Tudor’s most straightforward tools—oversized numerals at the poles (12, 3, 6, 9), brushed 316L steel case, red-tipped seconds hand. This version sticks to that formula, but the white dial is a subtle shift in tone, literally and otherwise. The numerals themselves aren’t lumed, but lume plots sit beside them, keeping visibility intact while giving the dial a cleaner, more open feel.
It’s still powered by the MT5400, the same COSC-certified movement with a 70-hour power reserve we’ve seen in the 39mm model. And you get your choice of a fabric strap ($3,350) or a steel bracelet with Tudor’s T-fit clasp ($3,700), which honestly feels like the smarter pick given the adjustability it offers.
If you’re seeing a pattern here (36mm and 39mm variants, Explorer-style sizing echoes) that’s no coincidence. It’s a move that makes sense in both the Rolex and Tudor catalogs. But what matters more is how this specific Tudor Ranger might bring lapsed collectors like me back into the fold. I didn’t expect to feel that itch again, but here we are.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.