Hamilton Pan Europ Day-Date
September 2, 2018
Riding on the boom of the vintage watch market, Hamilton reissued their popular Pan Europ line and it was a great move and choice for the once American-owned brand (now is owned and under the Swatch group).
Released on both Automatic and Auto Chronograph movements, the iconic watch from Hamilton is still garnering buyers and lovers worldwide. Let's break it down and find out why this will be again a future cult-classic for watch fanatics all over.
Look and Feel
Hamilton released 2 color variations for the Pan Europ Day-Date. One in blue dial and another one in grey. Watch Daddy owned the more popular blue dial version so this will be the focus of the review.
One would associate the overall look and colors of the Pan Europ reissue with the vintage 60's and 70's watch industry. Certainly this would be Hamilton's intention as it as well riding the vintage watch market and craze.
The watch face has ample mixture of blue (aluminum bezel and dial) and white (hour/minute hands and chapter ring) with a tinge of red for the seconds hand that all adds up to a striking and attractive vintage diver facade.
Sitting on the stock Hamilton Nato strap
Sitting on the stock Hamilton Rally-Style Leather
Case size is about 42mm and lug width is at 22mm which would open it to a lot of aftermarket strap options. Similar to other Pan Europ owners out there, I found a bit of struggle replacing the strap as Hamilton used a curved spring bar that would need several attempts for first-time strap changers with the Pan Europ Day-Date.
The watch comes with 2 strap options, Nato (red, white, and blue) and the Rally-style black leather with red interior lining. We feel the Nato looks very much at home with the Pan Europ Day-Date. The Rally-style black leather band kinda looks off and not going with the overall colorful theme of the watch head.
Source: Here
Movement
Housed inside you fill find the 80-hour power reserve H-30 automatic movement from Hamilton. The H-30 is based from the ETA 2836 that is modified by Hamilton for their proprietary use.
Pricing
Retail price for the Pan Europ Day-Date is around $1,100 USD. However, you can find this watch all over the internet and other retailers for just around $700-$800 USD.
Certainly, if you are not picky to go for a used/second-hand watch, you will find them hovering around $550-$600 USD. This watch is very much available and affordable at this point in time.
Hamilton's H-30 Automatic Movement
With a blue Hirsch Leather Strap
Impact
The Pan Europ is a colorful and attractive watch. The watch brand has history but it still does not get much appreciation from watch snobs. WIS (Watch Idiot Savant) would acknowledge the timepiece but some would look into other watch options/choices for the money that they will spend.
If I do see another person wearing this, it tells me the following:
-
Fan of the 60's-70's vintage watch market and designs
-
Loves sporty and casual wear
-
Starting out with serious "Swiss Made" watch collection
-
Likes to be unique
Watch Daddy Rating
Pro's
-
Colorful and Attractive
-
80-Hour Power Reserve
-
Affordable at the second-hand market
Con's
-
Limited to just 50m of water resistance
-
Unusual curved spring bar
Worth Considering
Watch Daddy Picks
Hamilton Pan Europ Day-Date
Stainless steel case with a black leather strap. Come with an interchangeable nylon strap. Uni-directional rotating navy blue bezel. Navy blue dial with silver-tone hands and index hour markers. Automatic movement with an 80 hour power reserve. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Pull / push crown. Skeleton case back. Case diameter: 42 mm
Watch Daddy Alternatives
