Hamilton Pan Europ - The Bold Retro Sportswatch

Among Hamilton's watches, the Pan Europ is a unique watch. I mean, just take a look at it and you'll understand what I mean.

It's a sports watch that have unique retro styling on it. From the outset, you'll notice the case shape, hands and markers all are evidences of a retry styled watch.

There's two versions: blue and gray dial but I have to say the blue version looks much more beautiful and fun than the boring gray version.

The design is something that you don't see much nowadays. Well, that's because this latest Pan Europ watch was a remake of the 1970s Pan Europ by Hamilton (that explains the retro styling).

Even then, this latest Pan Europ was modernized by Hamilton to incorporate subtle styling change to reflect the millennial's taste. And from what I can see, it's a successful endeavor!

Hamilton is generous enough to supply two sets of straps with this watch: a leather strap and a nato strap.

As you can see, the Nato straps looks more suitable on the watch, perhaps due to the matching blue colors on both of it. But then, the racing leather strap looks cool too!

In terms of the technicality, this Hamilton Pan Europ has a case size of 42 mm diameter. As it's not too big, it's still wearable by those with smaller wrists.

On top of the watch, there's a sapphire crystal that will protect it from any scratches.

The stainless steel watch also has water resistance, albeit only 50 m. This is the only part of the watch that not only me, but many fans were confused of.

I mean, how hard is it to put at least 100 m water resistance on a watch ??

I seriously don't think it's because of cost cutting - the total package of the watch including its design, fit & finish and the two straps don't show that it's a budget watch.

Honestly, Hamilton should do better in this regard. Putting a 50 m water resistance on a sports watch is just unacceptable. Heck, even some of my dressier Seiko 5s have 100 m water resistance for Christ's sake!

Leaving the water resistance issue behind, the internal parts of the Pan Europ is something to be rejoiced at.

Inside the watch, there's the H-30 automatic movement ticking inside it. While Hamilton labels the movement as its own (H-30), I'm pretty sure the base movement is taken from ETA and Swatch's effort.

What gave it away is the huge 80 hours power reserve the movement offers. I've seen this kind of power reserve in some Tissots, so it's highly likely it's from the same base movement.

Irregardless, having an 80 hours power reserve is definitely a huge step up from the typical 40-50 hours power reserve that the typical ETAs or Seikos can give.

It means that the watch can go on for more than 3 days without having to wind it or use it.

As someone that have a few automatics in his collection, the 80 hours makes it possible for me to take off the watch for 3 days to wear other watches, and then pick it up again WITHOUT having to set its time. Now that's a great innovation!

Coming to its price, the Hamilton Pan Europ has an MSRP tag of $1,000 but it's usually pop up on online stores for around $800 to $900 a piece. I'd recommend Amazon.com if you want to get the watch as the site usually will give quite a good discount on it.

In fact, based on this website, the Hamilton Pan Europ is one of the best automatic watches that can be had for less than $1,000 currently.

So what do you think about the watch? Drop your comments on it below. Till next time!