For 2014, there are two strap options available for the Hamilton Pan Europ. Fans of the original Hamilton Pan Europ Chronograph limited edition from a few years ago recall the delight at which collectors sought out the reasonably-price watch, and just as eagerly replaced the cheap-looking faux crocodile strap with something else. For 2014, the Hamilton Pan Europ watches come with a black leather “port hole” strap or a matching NATO-style textile strap. While the black leather straps are OK, you are really missing out if you get one of these without the NATO strap.
Not only to do the blue and red or gray and red NATO straps match the look of the cases much more, but they are much more comfortable and attractive. Hamilton wasn’t kidding that these straps are quite impressive. Allow me to explain how. It starts with the synthetic fabric itself. Unlike most very stiff NATO straps, this one is very soft and flexible, allowing for a much more comfortable fit than most similar looking straps.
Another upgrade in the strap is the hardware. This means the metal pieces in the strap, such as the loops and the buckle. Hamilton went out of their way to ensure that the hardware in their NATO straps are much better than most out there – especially better than the third-party generic ones people mostly buy online. Last, I really like that these don’t have your typical super long length straps that require the “bend and tuck” that makes your watch strap look like it has a tumor.
Hamilton not only has shorter straps, but they are capped with a metal piece to ensure the strap does not fray or come apart. For a watch at this price, these are straps which are really impressive, and if more NATO straps were offered like this, I think the colorful nylon strap thing could be more than just a fleeting phase. There will be four versions of the Hamilton Pan Europ watch for 2014. That includes the blue dial on the NATO strap (ref. H35405941) and on the black leather strap (ref. H35405741). Or the gray dial version on the NATO strap (ref. H35415981) or the black leather strap (ref. H35415781). Retail price for each is $1,095. hamiltonwatch.com
