Hamilton Pan-Europ 3 hand
Not a grail but a version of a watch I've admired for about half a century. (OMG. Is this design and I really that old?) Hamilton resurrected the Pan-Europ a year or two ago in the form of a 3 hand sport watch rather than its original chronograph version.
It's a beautiful timepiece (imo) with a dial more in keeping with a Farer's color palette than with most Hamiltons. Extremely accurate, my example remains within a single second of a GMT reference over 24 hours. I've yet to test the claim of a full 80 hour power reserve but based on its performance over 60 hours, or so, I suspect it's an accurate claim..
The Pan-Europ isn't perfect, of course. Though the first 15 red minute/second markers and the bezel suggest a dive watch, it's not. No screw down crown and a minimal 50 meters of water pressure resistance. The included straps are a leather rally version and a fabric NATO. Neither especially useful for a dive watch. If the Pan-Europ has a sport reference, it's to auto racing.
Finally, I've been puzzled for years about the odd spelling of "Europ." And since acquiring the watch I've searched without success for an explanation.
Originally from Oklahoma. Left for college and never returned. A teaching career took me to several universities. Eventually moved to the Bay Area and then to the Pacific Northwest where I've been for...
Enjoy your watch in that beautiful location. Nice background!
Thanks for the comment. We live on a small island in the Puget Sound connected by a bridge to the mainland. Or as we describe it, a bit of heaven. P.S. I, too, have a beautiful wife who urges me to spend money on watches. 😜
I really love the design on this one. I see so many photos of Hamilton Khakis every day, so seeing the brand name recognised for some of their other amazing pieces is refreshing. Enjoy it, it's a stunner! 10/10
There’s a lot to love about the Hamilton Pan-Europ. I run mine on the Nato strap but the leather strap is super comfortable too. I’ve had this for a couple of years now and it’s never out of place.
There’s a lot to love about the Hamilton Pan-Europ. I run mine on the Nato strap but the leather strap is super comfortable too. I’ve had this for a couple of years now and it’s never out of place.
Comments about the difficulty of fitting the NATO on the Pan-Europ prevented me from trying it until I was more familiar with the watch. But I'll give it a shot soon. And you're right about how comfortable the leather strap is. Excellent photo BTW.
I absolutely love the design of this watch! every time @AussieWatchGuy post's his it makes me drool!
Comments about the difficulty of fitting the NATO on the Pan-Europ prevented me from trying it until I was more familiar with the watch. But I'll give it a shot soon. And you're right about how comfortable the leather strap is. Excellent photo BTW.
I’d actually forgotten about the strap change. It was a little fiddly as the spring bar is curved but if you have a steady hand you’ll be ok. Alternatively just swap them for straight spring bars and it should be nice and quick.
Thanks for the reassurance. I'll stick with the leather band for the moment but will try the NATO after a while.