Tudor Unveils The 36mm Ranger And Adds A Dune White Dial To The Lineup

Seemingly out of nowhere, Tudor surprised us with a new series of Ranger models this week. The brand introduced a smaller 36mm version of its explorer-style watch alongside the existing 39mm model. Additionally, the brand introduces a new Dune White dial that completely changes the look of this popular watch. Let’s take a closer look at the new lineup, which now consists of four versions rather than just the one introduced in 2022.

Just reading that the current-generation Tudor Ranger debuted over three years ago makes you realize how quickly time flies. Ever since its introduction, the Ranger has become a dedicated group of fans’ favorite field watch from Tudor. Back in 2022, the reason Tudor brought back the Ranger was tied to the 70th anniversary of the British North Greenland Expedition, as Nacho explained in his introductory article. I suggest reading that to create more context for why the Ranger is such a relevant watch for Tudor. You will quickly find out that there is a lot more to the story than it being Tudor’s version of the legendary Rolex Explorer ref. 1610.

The story of the new 36mm Tudor Ranger

For this article, I will focus on the story of the new watches rather than looking back. But one thing to look back on is the introduction of the current Ranger. After the 39mm Ranger was unveiled, people praised it for reviving a popular watch style and tying it to Tudor’s history. However, a practical question also arose: why did Tudor not introduce a smaller version of the Ranger? Nacho touched upon the subject in his article, but it would have made sense to release a smaller size from the outset.

Either way, that whole discussion is now resolved because Tudor has introduced the new 36mm Ranger. This means it’s now more suitable for people with smaller wrists, those who prefer smaller watches, or fans who want the Ranger to be closer in size to its vintage predecessors. Whatever the reason may be, it is here. We might have waited for it for three years, but it was worth it because it looks good!

The details of the new 36mm Tudor Ranger

Let’s compare the two sizes to get an idea. The new, smaller Tudor Ranger features a 36mm stainless steel case with an 11mm thickness, a 19mm lug spacing, and a 100m depth rating. For comparison, the 39mm model has a 12mm profile and a 20mm lug spacing. The reductions in thickness and strap/bracelet width make sense, as you would expect the Tudor designers to focus on maintaining proper proportions.

What remains is the recognizable dial design, featuring the 3, 6, 9, and 12 numerals, along with rectangular indexes for the remaining hours. The lumed numerals sit on the inside of a 60-minute/second track. Hovering over the domed dial is the characteristic Tudor Ranger handset. It features a shovel-shaped hour hand, a sword-style minute hand, and a thin seconds hand with a red tip. That little pinch of color adds just the right bit of character.

A new Dune White dial variation for the Tudor Ranger

But that’s just one of the two dials. Tudor decided to introduce a new Dune White option for the Ranger. This story of the new dial color is tied to Tudor’s partnership with the Dakar rally. This new beige dial has the same design as the black version with some minor differences. Black numerals and hour markers provide optimal contrast with this beige dial.

The differences come in with the minute/second track. As you can see, Tudor uses beige lume dots every five minutes, ensuring that you can read the time in the dark. Additionally, the hands are executed in black and filled with beige lume. I’m a sucker for a good desert-style dial, so it probably comes as no surprise that I love this new dial variation, which is also available for the 39mm model.

A smaller movement inside the 36mm Tudor Ranger

When we compare the 36mm model to the 39mm one, we also notice a difference in the calibers. For the 36mm Ranger, the brand uses its caliber MT5400, the same movement in the Black Bay 54 and 58, whereas the 39mm Ranger houses the MT5402. The technical base of both movements is the same, but the MT5400 is smaller. These two Kenissi-produced calibers are both COSC-certified chronometers, operate at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and provide a generous 70-hour power reserve.

Lastly, all four size/dial variants are available on either an Oyster-style bracelet or a green fabric strap with red and beige stripes and a steel buckle. As I mentioned earlier, there are now four available models, but technically, that is incorrect. All the strap and bracelet options bring the total amount of Ranger references to eight. The 36mm versions with either dial cost €3,160 on a strap and €3,490 on a bracelet. The larger 39mm models are slightly more expensive at €3,260 on a strap and €3,590 on a bracelet.

Final thoughts on the new Tudor Ranger introductions

All in all, Tudor made a great decision to introduce the smaller 36mm version of the Ranger. Just looking at the images of the two sizes side by side, I prefer the smaller option. Its dial design looks more balanced. If there’s one issue I’ve always had with the 39mm Ranger, it’s the unusual visual balance of the relatively slim bezel and very large dial. As a result of the latter, the numerals also looked too big for my taste. With the 36mm models, the proportions look perfect. The reduction brings a natural balance and finesse to the smaller Tudor Rangers, and I like it a lot!

I also love the addition of the new Dune White dial. It’s just an excellent color that fits this field watch perfectly. As I already mentioned, I love a good desert-style watch, and this is precisely that. Having said that, I do prefer the black-dial 36mm version the best out of all of them. On the bracelet, that new addition to the lineup looks awesome. It makes me curious to learn more about them through a hands-on experience.

Kudos to Tudor for expanding the Ranger lineup with multiple great options. Knowing that the Tudor Ranger is one of the brand’s more affordable models, now available in a size that many watch fans have been waiting for, we anticipate it will be a massive hit. Finally, in a slightly quieter year for Tudor, this logical expansion of the catalog might be the secret to great commercial success.