The negativity around this piece is something that has shown up the sheep mentality of RU-vid watch reviewers en masse. Much as the watch has been called lazy I think the reviews have been lazy, it’s a perfectly well put together tool watch which is more Explorer than the modern Explorer - look at the respect something like the Sinn 556 gets and this piece batters that on every level but gets zero kudos. The bezel proportions and the exquisite matte finish is top draw, love the touch of red - the perfect tool watch.
Well said! I wouldn’t spend money on a modern explorer (outside of using it as trade bait) but this ranger is such a compelling value (especially on the secondary market) it’s hard to take any negative comments too seriously. As far as Sinn goes I’m a big fan of the 556 and have owned several, but ultimately it’s just trade bait for me…as it is for most people. There are 2 dozen for sale at any time…nice watch though.
Good review of the Ranger. I had wanted this watch for the last year until I finally acquired it this weekend. The larger dial tends to work better with my 63 year old eyes. A 40 mm Explorer would be in that same category. I’ve got several 36mm watches from the 70s and 80s, and I still wear them from time to time, but they are almost the size of ladies watches today.
Thank you very much. Good choice! I really like the Ranger and I think it offers remarkable value, style, and functionality. Regarding the Explorer my only question to Rolex is….why? On some level don’t you lose the design purity by constantly tweaking it?
As a 124270 Explorer owner, I disagree that it’s the watch you get when you “can’t get anything else”. I have a Sub and still prefer the Explorer most days as it’s more comfortable and discreet. And what’s with the hate on with brands offering multiple sizes? I actually applaud this - more options for more people is a good thing. The answer to your question of “who’s asking for the 40mm Explorer?” is: a lot of people 🤣🤣
Appreciate the comment! I owned the 39mm Explorer Mk1 (traded it awhile ago) and still own a 36mm 114270. Both are cool. As to the 40mm, sure why not the more the merrier. I’ll get that and maybe even the 42mm they will undoubtedly release a few years from now…
People that don’t have 5.5 inch wrists. I won’t wear a watch under 39mm personally, it just looks ridiculous on me. I don’t understand why this guy views everything through his own prism.
I’m not gonna lie… I do selfishly wish and had hoped (when I heard rumors of this new version) that Tudor had recreated the old “date” version, with magnifier, of this watch. Maybe add a blue/red “roulette” date wheel, just for a fun splash of color…take my $$. As always, thanks for another fantastic video!
Great watch. Honestly, on the wrist, it would easily be mistaken for an explorer across the room. Have you reviewed the current Explorer II? Some rumors on RU-vid saying it might be discontinued. Personally, I think it’s a great-looking watch. The Ranger is definitely a consideration now ! I don’t think I would be considering a beater lol. Just for kicks as far as the Explorer getting larger, I mean look at the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. At this point everything is getting bigger. 🤷♂️
Not yet! Haven’t had one and am kind of blah about Rolex lately. The Explorer (and Milgauss) series has always been niche and back burner stuff for collectors. They get changed up more often and discontinued then reintroduced. Nice entry point into a “Professional” Rolex but really hard to justify even MSRP for me at the moment.
I’m clamoring for a 40m Explorer! I’m looking for something that I can wear every day that doesn’t scream Rolex in your face. I certainly thought about getting the Ranger because I do want a simple field watch, but it just looks unpolished in comparison.
Agree with the comment that it’s comparatively “unpolished” both literally and figuratively. Time will tell if this is the final final final version of the Explorer I guess.
Agreed. I haven’t been able to understand the logic behind the different Explorer case sizes which have been recently released. Should just stick with 36mm. It’s a classic.
Can’t agree more. It’s just money grab of course. It costs basically nothing extra to make a watch in every single size with modern manufacturing tech so they just flood the shelves and hope something sticks. Of course what gets diluted is the design and “Explorer” brand integrity but nobody cares about that at corporate. I’m eagerly awaiting the 36,39,42,45mm Subs in the near future. /s
This is what the Explorer is supposed to be. A true knock around tool watch. The Explorer become so refined and expensive that it is now considered a dress watch by some.
Yeah I think it’s such a great watch. One thing that’s important for a field or tool watch is affordability. It makes no sense that an Explorer is an $8000+ “field watch”…that’s a luxury watch plain and simple.
Good rant. Entertaining and I get what you’re saying - on the fence between an explorer and ranger but seems the Ranger has so many pro’s especially $$$ and less pretence!
lol, thanks. they’re both great watches but especially right now the $$$ is a big consideration for everyone; the market for watches is soft so there are some bargains to be had if you’re patient
How does the Tudor T-Fit bracelet comfort compare to your Grand Seiko? Because I would put the comfort of the GS oyster-style bracelet as good as Rolex' own. And because their 9F quartz watches comes in around the same price, it is remarkable how much luxury one gets for the price. As for comparison to the Explorer, I think the Ranger looks better in many ways. Because despite its heritage, the Ranger has a universal and timeless look. Whereas the Explorer uses squashed arabic numerals for a squished dial look that looks like a particular time and place from the past... Like velvet Elvis portraits and dark smoky rooms. I don't mean to dismiss the Explorer outright, but when you put these two side-by-side, my eyes like the Ranger style more.
You can dismiss the Explorer all you want but NOBODY DISMISSES THE KING! 🕺🏽🥹 lol, kidding! (😐) okay…look I get it, you’re a GS fan…I guess I am too since I end up trading for so many lol; look the bracelet just isn’t very good! It lacks even basic functionality you can find on a Christopher Ward (which is light years better in terms of value) It’s like 90% of the cost of the watch goes into the head and what’s leftover goes into the braceelet. It’s hard to size, doesn’t microadjust, and woe be the poor person that can’t get the clasp to center bc if so you’re out of luck. Both of these watches have settled into an appropriate price range around $2000. They are pretty good at that price, but much more and I’m out.
1000% agree. Seeing the drop in prices of every Tudor on the secondary market you’d be making a mistake passing up this one just because it isn’t “hyped”.
Some of us like plain good honest time pieces. You can have the goofy Batman , Pepsi Rolex crap. Bling is for people trying to compensate for some shortcomings 😅
Appreciate the comment and the working man ethos you’re projecting. I try really hard to appreciate all different kinds of watches and price is just one variable, if you make it the main one then you really whiff the point. Check out some of my other vids featuring watches with the regular Joe aesthetic to which ironically we all aspire.🫱🏼🫲🏽
What about that sbgn027?? Are you making a review soon?. I have my eyes on it but there is few information out there, hard to find where to try it on before here in California.
@@soundsoserious Yeah I later did further search and realised it's the original version.All Tudor need to do is to change the old movement and that would be selling out I think.The logo looked so much better from the original watch
I agree with your sentiment about the 40mm explorer I. It was kind of funny seeing all the pundits going on about how magical and amazing it was. I also dont get the 42mm explorer 2. Why oversize a watch you're supposed to be taking on adventures? So you've got your light weight tent, sitting on your minimalist chair making a coffee in a jetboil looking down at this giant steel fashion jewelry piece on your arm. Rolex sizing can be a bit weird but everyone eats it up either way.
Lol, very well stated. The entire Explorer line has been a mish-mash of random designs since the beginning but more-so now than ever before. I feel bad for people that bought the 36 Explorer and now are wondering how the 40 effects (affects?) them now. I neglected to include the two-tone 36 Explorer…comically stupid. Yep, the days of Rolex doing no wrong have long since passed. Hopefully they can bring some sense to their ever ballooning series of watches at some point.
I think they have some good features and the price is very good. The total package falls a bit short for me personally but others give them very high marks. Ultimately I need to examine one in the metal and on the wrist to give an informed opinion; however unequivocally it’s a heck of a lotta watch for the money.
I’d say that Rolex has basically rendered the modern Explorer ineffectual. Too many pointless revisions not to mention the idiotic two-tone have dramatically decreased values. Unless you really love it I’d stay far away. I have a 114270 for sentimental reasons but I never wear it. Too small and dainty. The Ranger makes more sense than any version of the modern Explorer. It’s not trying to be anything other than a well priced steel sport watch.
I couldnt understand all the hate and boring tag when this was released. What was everyone expecting? Damn...Droolex keeps rolling out the same boring stuff every year too.
