The Most Underrated Modern Tudor Watches

Tudor has come into its own since 2010, forging a distinct identity separate from Rolex. This is largely due to the two-headed monster they created in 2012 with the Black Bay and Pelagos. The dive watch duo, one heritage-inspired, one modern, has since spawned entire collections making up the bulk of Tudor’s catalog.

In recent years, Tudor has made waves with partnered collaborations such as the Pelagos FXD Alinghi Red Bull Racing and surprise releases like the Black Bay Chrono Blue and Pelagos FXD GMT. These splashy releases take up most of the spotlight – and rightfully so – but behind them sit watches that, while once celebrated and beloved, now exist as somewhat underrated choices in Tudor’s modern catalog.

Tudor Ranger: A No-Nonsense Classic

Image Source: Monochrome Watches

The 39mm Tudor Ranger, released in 2022, is a faithful interpretation of no-date Rangers past (ref. 7965, 7995, 7984, 7991, 90020, 90200). The simple field watch has oversized lumed Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9, providing high legibility even in the dark. The bracelet is a big selling point here; the non-riveted steel bracelet features a T-Fit clasp, allowing for quick, tool-free micro-adjustments.

If you like your T-Fit clasp but prefer a rubber strap, we have you covered: check out Everest's Curved End Deployant strap for the 2022 Tudor Ranger.

Curved-End Rubber Strap For Tudor Ranger

The Ranger’s roots stretch back to the 1920s, a period when it was tied to exploration and adventure. While today’s version honors the past, it (obviously) includes modern updates, such as the caliber MT5402 with a 70-hour power reserve (same as the Black Bay 58), excellent brushed steel finishing, tight tolerances, etc.

While the Tudor Ranger is by no means an “unknown” watch – we’re talking about Tudor here – I think it’s fair to say that it flies under the radar compared to some of the brand’s other offerings. I highly recommend visiting a Tudor boutique to try this one on – the proportions and finishing are spectacular on wrist.

Tudor Black Bay Pro: A Travel Watch With Character

Image Source: Hodinkee

The Black Bay Pro, also released in 2022, now finds itself in the shadow of its slimmer GMT siblings: the Black Bay 58 GMT and Pelagos FXD GMT “Zulu Time.” Yes, at 14.6mm, the Black Bay Pro is thicker than most would prefer, but I encourage you to try on the watch if you haven’t already. If you’re like me, you’ll find that it wears surprisingly well and, thanks to its Explorer II design inspiration, scratches a certain vintage itch.

I can’t get enough of this watch’s matte black dial, off-white lume plots, and yellow-orange 24-hour hand. I wouldn’t change a thing about this color/texture configuration: something I can’t say for the FXD GMT or Black Bay 58 GMT.

Tudor Black Bay Pro on Everest Universal Rubber Strap

Aesthetics aside, the Black Bay Pro is a great travel watch thanks to its independently adjustable local hour hand. The COSC-certified caliber MT5652 inside features 70 hours of power reserve. This watch isn’t even three years old; the mechanics and build quality are exceptional at this price point. Much like the Ranger, the Black Bay Pro isn’t a “sleeper” – I see these in public as much as I do at RedBar meetups. However, with Tudor’s recent GMT offerings, the Black Bay Pro has taken somewhat of a back seat within enthusiast circles. I highly recommend giving this watch a try if you haven’t already.

The Original Tudor Pelagos: Still Great 13 Years Later

Image Source: Isochrono

Released in 2012, the original Tudor Pelagos broke new ground as a decidedly modern dive watch from the Rolex/Tudor family. With its titanium construction, helium escape valve, and 500-meter water resistance, the Pelagos unapologetically looks ahead rather than behind, embracing the latest technology while maintaining the spirit and craft of Swiss watchmaking.

Image Source: Tudor

The star of the show here (to me), and something you won’t find on any other Tudor, is the clasp. As I explained in a recent article, the clasp features “three fixed adjustment points and a fourth spring-loaded setting that expands and contracts automatically. This self-adjusting or ‘floating’ clasp acts as the watch’s diver’s extension, allowing you to stretch the bracelet over a wetsuit. Better yet, the dual-spring-loaded clasp contracts as your wrist circumference shrinks under the pressure of diving. This solution perfectly aligns with the Pelagos’ mission statement. It's an ultra-modern diving-focused approach that removes manual input from the equation entirely.” I don’t doubt that Tudor will refresh this clasp at some point, likely on a core Pelagos refresh, but for now, you’ll only find it on the original Pelagos and Pelagos LHD.

Image Source: Ace Watch

Clasp aside, I love the look of this watch. The blocky lume plots pop against the crisp matte dial and bezel (especially with the cutout rehaut), the dark hue of brushed titanium gives it a super utilitarian vibe, and it looks great on any number of straps. While you’ve definitely heard of this watch, and probably tried one on or owned one at some point, I see it as underrated relative to the rest of Tudor’s current catalog.

Conclusion

In the crowded, ever-expanding realm of modern Tudor releases, it's easy to overlook core models that no longer dominate your Instagram timeline. Yet, the Ranger, Black Bay Pro, and original Pelagos embody Tudor's core strengths: reliability, functionality, and purposeful design. I encourage you not to overlook these watches due to age, thickness, or any other singular nitpick. Go out and try these watches on for yourself, come to your own conclusions, and find what’s best for you. 

Do you own any of these watches? Let us know in the comments below and, if you’re looking for a strap for your Tudor watch, check out our selection of curved-end (integrated) straps for various Tudor models (Ranger included).