Tudor debuts new, Goldilocks 36mm size for the Ranger + a ‘Dune White’ dial option that’s sure to excite vintage lovers (live pics)
Jamie Weiss- Tudor introduces a smaller 36mm diameter for the Ranger, making it Tudor’s most affordable watch with a manufacture movement.
- At the same time, a new ‘Dune White’ dial option joins the range, which heavily evokes the rare and extremely coveted Rolex Explorer ‘Albino’.
- The Dune White dial is available in both 36mm and 39mm sizes, with all dial colours and diameters available with either a jacquard fabric strap or a three-link bracelet with T-Fit.
The Tudor Ranger is already an extremely versatile, eminently wearable watch. It’s almost the Platonic ideal of a field watch: extremely legible, refined but with no frills, an approachable 39mm diameter, and the product of over 70 years of heritage, inspired by the Tudors worn by members of the British North Greenland Expedition in the 1950s. Some would say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Not Tudor, though. The Shield has now added a 36mm option to the Tudor range, further expanding its versatility and appeal.
It’s 3mm smaller, but also 1mm thinner, and is now officially Tudor’s most affordable watch with a manufacture movement. Specifically, it’s powered by the manufacture calibre MT5400, which, despite its smaller size, shares identical specs to the MT5402 that powers the 39mm model: a weekend-proof 70-hour power reserve, COSC certification, a variable inertia balance and a silicon balance spring. Water resistance also remains the same at 100 metres, secured via a screw-down crown emblazoned with the Tudor rose.
Having had the chance to get it on my wrist and compare it to the 39mm model (as well as the 41mm previous-generation Heritage Ranger), it wears absolutely beautifully – even for someone with 19cm wrists like myself. You can have it on either a green jacquard strap with red and beige stripes and a pin buckle, or on Tudor’s superb tapered three-link bracelet with T-Fit. Note: the hybrid leather/rubber strap has now left the Ranger range.
The even bigger news, however, is that both the 36mm and 39mm Rangers now have a new dial colour. It’s called “Dune White”: Tudor explains that it’s inspired by the sand dunes of Saudi Arabia that the intrepid competitors of the Dakar Rally traverse. However, I think it also draws obvious inspiration from the rare and extremely coveted Rolex Explorer ‘Albino’. Only a few Albino Explorers have ever surfaced, mostly ref. 6610s with only one ref. 1016 having made its way to auction – so this is no doubt going to excite clued-in collectors.
Tudor Ranger pricing and availability
The Tudor Ranger, in both 36 and 39mm diameters and in both black and Dune White dials, is now available from Tudor retailers. Price: A$4,840 (fabric), A$5,340 (bracelet)
| Brand | Tudor |
| Model | Ranger |
| Reference Number | M79930 (36mm) M79950 (39mm) |
| Case Dimensions | 36mm (D) x 11mm (T) 39mm (D) x 12mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Matte black or Dune White |
| Lug Width | 19mm (36mm) 20mm (39mm) |
| Strap | Green/beige/red jacquard fabric NATO-style strap, pin buckle Three-link tapered steel bracelet, folding clasp with T-Fit |
| Movement | Manufacture Calibre MT5400 (36mm) or MT5402 (39mm), Kenissi-produced, automatic, COSC-certified |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | A$4,840 (fabric) A$5,340 (bracelet) |