
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Tudor Ranger (Ref. 9050/0), 1970
- Maker / attribution
- Tudor (maker)
- Date
- 1970
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- TDRRGR90500-2
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (TDRRGR90500-2)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1970 Tudor Ranger (Ref. 9050/0) (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number TDRRGR90500-2), this is a wristwatch by Tudor, made in Switzerland, dated 1970. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
The Rolex/Tudor relationship dates back to 1926 when Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex SA, wanted to create a more affordable wristwatch alternative that still maintained a high quality of craftsmanship. Tudor manufactured wristwatches adjacent to Rolex for many years, which featured more affordable non-inhouse Swiss movements, whilst still utilizing Rolex's case designs and manufacturing processes. Even though Tudor shares a lot of similarities with its older brother Rolex, Tudor's designs tended to differentiate from the Rolex formula to make for some uniquely cool timepieces in their own right. The Ranger is one of the more coveted Tudor watches amongst collectors. Known for being elusive, with only a very small number ever actually being made, Rangers are rarely seen for sale on the open market. The Ranger is often referred to as "Tudor's Explorer" and although there are similarities, such as the lumed Arabic numerals, but the Ranger comes across as a totally different watch that offers a completely different wearing experience. Especially the ref. 9050/0 which features the quick set date function at the 3 o'clock position. SPECS Stock # TDRRGR90500-2 Brand Tudor Style Ranger Model 9050/0 Serial 70XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Millimeters 34 Bracelet Rolex 7835 Oyster Bracelet W/ 361 End Pieces CASE & BRACELET The exceptional case retains very thick and symmetrical lugs that feature crisp edges and finishing throughout, while exhibiting nominal evidence of prior polishing and nominal wear. The smooth stainless steel bezel is in excellent condition overall, showing no notable wear and crisp edges. The case retains its original Rolex twin-lock crown. The caseback retains all of its factory engravings in deep and crisp condition. The original Rolex 7835 folded-link Oyster bracelet with 361 end pieces retains 12 links that exhibit minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7.25-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original matte black Ranger dial remains in virtually flawless condition, displaying no damage or notable age. The tritium lume plots have achieved a lovely creamy yellow patina with no degradation present under UV light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial patina perfectly and display no degradation under UV light inspection. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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