The Watch
In 1963, Wilsdorf released the Tudor Ranger reference 7695, providing a budget friendly alternative to the soon-to-be legendary Rolex Explorer 1016. The 7695, just like the Explorer was a non date model and consumers back in the 1960s appreciated the added date functionality, not having an iPhone screen to provide dates, so in 1965 the 7996 Ranger was born, the first generation of Tudor Ranger's with a date function.
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The 7996 had a very short production run, 1965-1966, so they are uncommon to find these days and even more so with a Rose dial.
This guy comes with its original Tudor Box, which, whilst is in good cosmetic order, the cardboard inside is worn after almost 60 years of being folded back. It also comes on the original 6635/60 stretch rivet bracelet with a date code for '66.
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View this ranger in a video: here
The Specs
Age: c.1966.
Serial Number: 547XXX
Reference: 7996.
Movement: Automatic with Date Wheel.
Calibre: ETA Calibre 2484.
Reference: 7996.
Movement: Automatic with Date Wheel.
Calibre: ETA Calibre 2484.
Timekeeping: Very Good.
Service History: Fully Serviced by John Senior, August 2023.
Dial: Original Rolex Factory Tritium Dial.
Service History: Fully Serviced by John Senior, August 2023.
Dial: Original Rolex Factory Tritium Dial.
Case: Stainless Steel by CR Spillman.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 34.4mm/37.2mm End to End: 40.1mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original Handset with desirable "Shovel" hour hand.
Crystal: Acrylic crystal with Cyclops.
Crystal: Acrylic crystal with Cyclops.
Crowns: Screw-down, steel winding crown, engraved with the Rolex Coronet.
Strap/Bracelet: Rolex 6635 Stretch Rivet Bracelet with 12 links. 60 end links.
Lug Width: 19mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- 1st Generation of Tudor Ranger Date.
- Shovel Hand.
-Gilt Minute Track.
- Excellent Condition.
- Original Bracelet and Box.
-Great Alternative to a Rolex Explorer.
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Nitty Gritty:
- Caseback markings a little worn.
- Excellent Condition.
- Original Bracelet and Box.
-Great Alternative to a Rolex Explorer.
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Nitty Gritty:
- Caseback markings a little worn.
- Some scratches to the case and bracelet.
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Overall the Tudor is in excellent condition for its age and nature.
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Overall the Tudor is in excellent condition for its age and nature.
The Case is in very nice order. Caseback a little worn.
Dial is very clean.
Crystal very good.
Bracelet stretches nicely.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist