An admittedly utilitarian watch, the Tudor Oysterdate Ranger is refined and free from excess like a lot of other Tudor models. Launched in the 1960s, it features the manual-wind movement and boasts a stainless steel Rolex case and Rolex Oyster bracelet along with a Rolex winding cronw . Svelte by today’s proportions, the Oysterdate Ranger was sold as an entry-level cousin to the Rolex Explorer, with its 2mm smaller 34mm case and ETA cal. 2824 movement allowing its retail price to be that bit more palatable, all while still using Rolex parts for its stainless steel construction. Sporting a black dial with a date function that the Rolex Explorer lacks, this ref. 7966/0 is a stunning example of mid-century utilitarianism at its finest.

The watch is in overall very good condition. The steel case is very good, showing signs of a previous polish and some light surface scuffs. The bezel has some light scratches, as does the case back, which has reasonably well-defined engravings. The dial is in excellent condition, with original lume still intact, but it is relatively flat in texture and could have been cleaned at some point. The hands show some oxidation and were relumed. There are scuffs on the acrylic crystal. The watch is fitted with a Rolex folded link Oyster bracelet with moderate play between the links and some surface scratches, along with wear to the coronet on the clasp. The bracelet currently fits a 7” wrist and has 13 links

Produced from the 1960s until the 1980s, the Ranger played an important role in the development of Tudor's reputation as a robust sports watchmaker - a reputation that has stuck with Tudor well into the modern day.