Tudor Ranger 7966/0
Reminiscent of a Rolex Explorer 1016, the Tudor Ranger 7966/0 was introduced in 1966 as a derivative of the brand’s original Oyster with its trademark shield logo and a single line of the word “Ranger” above the 6.
Reminiscent of a Rolex Explorer 1016, the Tudor Ranger 7966/0 was introduced in 1966 as a derivative of the brand’s original Oyster with its trademark shield logo and a single line of the word “Ranger” above the 6.
Reminiscent of a Rolex Explorer 1016, the Tudor Ranger 7966/0 was introduced in 1966 as a derivative of the brand’s original Oyster with its trademark shield logo and a single line of the word “Ranger” above the 6.
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This is the Tudor Ranger 7966/0. Once regarded as an affordable but inferior alternative to its parent company, Rolex, Tudor has made strides to come into its own in modern times. Originally formed by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf in 1926 after acquiring the rights to the brand, the goal was to producing watches with mass-market affordability. By installing cost-effective third-party movements within cases and parts produced by Rolex, the brand’s offering remained affordable with no compromise on quality. Indeed, until the Tudor Submariner was discontinued in 1999 and effectively replaced by the Tudor Black Bay, the offerings between the two brands remained highly similar in both form and function.
At first glance, the Tudor Ranger is highly reminiscent of the Rolex Explorer reference 1016 in a smaller case size with a similar dial layout. First introduced as a manually-wound Oyster without a date as the reference 7965, the evolution of the Ranger then spawned several other variants containing individual characteristics that would serve to differentiate the references. Introduced in 1966, the offered 7966/0 was produced for approximately 3 years. Armed with the dependable Tudor cal. 2484 movement based on the ETA 2452 with a date function, the reference is defined by the brand’s trademark shield logo below the 12 and a single line of the word “Ranger” above the 6. Interestingly, this particular 7966/0 also features the roulette date wheel with alternating red and black numbers which was discontinued in later serials.
A nondescript and unassuming toolwatch, it may come as a surprise that the Tudor Ranger has the dubious honour of being one of the most faked or “frankensteined” vintage watches since accurate literature of the many references remain few and far between. While the Rolex Explorer 1016 commands a higher value and is deservedly more popular, a correct and good example of the Tudor Ranger remains much harder to come by. Beneath the slight 34mm case and its obvious similarities to its more famous counterpart, the Tudor Ranger remains a fascinating representative of the brand’s history and evolution.
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This Tudor Ranger 7966/0 is in very good vintage condition. Both engravings are still clear between the lugs and the dial is clean with no flaws. The case remains in very good condition for its age with thick lugs and all engravings still crisp on the caseback. The watch retains its original 7835 bracelet with 261 endlinks and has signs of wear consistent with its age with hairlines especially on the clasp. The bracelet will fit a wrist of up to 7.5”. The crystal has some light crazing and a new Rolex crystal will be provided and can be changed upon request. The serial corresponds to a production date of approximately 1967. The watch does not come with its original box or papers and is in full working order.
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Brand Tudor
Model Ranger
Reference 7966/0
Case 34
Movement Automatic
Case material Stainless Steel
Bracelet material Stainless Steel
Year circa 1967
Condition Brand Tudor
Model Ranger
Reference 7966/0
Case 34
Movement Automatic
Case material Stainless Steel
Bracelet material Stainless Steel
Year circa 1967
Condition Very Good
Accessories Watch Only
Limited No. Discontinued.
Accessories Watch Only
Limited No