Finding an authentic Tudor Range - how difficult?

[sydneysider]

I've recently become interested in the Tudor Ranger models (not Tudor Ranger II). There's a lot of conflicting "facts" online although two things that seem certain is the vast majority of examples are faked and that there is no such thing as a "red Ranger".

Keen to begin the hunt to locate an authentic Tudor Ranger but was hoping some more experienced hands could advise how difficult and long a search this could be?

[linesiders]

Rangers are really cool - love them, just wish they were a tad bigger.

Probably 9 fakes for ever real one, the easy part is most the fakes are Red.

Best is to probably post them here ;) and have us comment on them. Very specific things on the dial and hands to look out for

[sydneysider]

I've began reading up all the info I can find. There seems to be a lot of uncertainty on reference numbers owing to them not having allocated reference numbers during the earlier years of production.

I love the idea of having one on a bund strap, that should beef up the size a little on the wrist - same idea as what is available on the current Tudor Heritage Ranger.

Any thoughts on the current market value for an authentic example in good condition?

[Cortezthekiller]

I really wanted one a few years ago but was put off by all the fakes and my lack of knowledge regarding vintage overall. I would love to see pics of the original watches so I could know what to look for.

[harry in montreal]

Get a ranger II. There is usually 2 per year on eBay. A nice two toned one hit 2500. Totally a deal. The case is very very heavy and impressive. More than a sub of that vintage. Considering that a 1016 is worth double you can't go wrong. The regular rangers are exceedingly unusual in authentic shape. I wouldn't bother with one since it's a fairly inexpensive case and movement In a 9050. The value is the dial. And nearly all are bad.

[Cortezthekiller]

Interesting. I have been looking at Ranger 2s when they infrequently pop up. I'm into 70s funk, so it could end up being my first Tudor

[harry in montreal]

If you ever get a chance to put on a 9111 or a 9101 from that series of integrated bands, do it. They are super heavy and substantial. You must be careful inspecting the pins that tie the case to the band. I have owned a couple that had damage to the first link and it was splitting. It would have made the whole piece useless.

[sydneysider]

The Tudor Ranger II for me isn't that pretty, definitely only got eyes for the Ranger I. Sounding like I'm going to have to be very patient.

Any owners of a Ranger I on the board?

[sydneysider]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tudor-Prince...YAAOSwLpdW-duV

Here is an example of a refinished Prince Oysterdate currently on eBay (honest seller). What would be the telltale signs here aside the case back having an incorrect Ranger reference 9052 that this wasn't an authentic Ranger?

[jelliottz]

Originally Posted by sydneysider

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tudor-Prince...YAAOSwLpdW-duV

Here is an example of a refinished Prince Oysterdate currently on eBay (honest seller). What would be the telltale signs here aside the case back having an incorrect Ranger reference 9052 that this wasn't an authentic Ranger?

I'm not an expert, but there's a few things wrong on this one. Incorrect seconds hand, space between "Oyster" and "date", and that rotor looks wrong too.

[DECO665]

Great post here. I've really become interested in the vintage Rangers over the past few months.

Did Tudor ever make the Ranger I in 36mm or were they all manufactured in 34Mmm?

[sydneysider]

Originally Posted by jelliottz

I'm not an expert, but there's a few things wrong on this one. Incorrect seconds hand, space between "Oyster" and "date", and that rotor looks wrong too.

Thanks - I hadn't spotted the space. The seconds hands looks right right to me - i.e. it is a straight hand? What do you see wrong with the rotor?