Hamilton Pan Europ 2014 edition: Calibre H-30 Day-Date

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The Hamilton Pan Europ of 2014 features the new Calibre H-30 automatic movement with 80 hours of power reserve when fully wound. Photo: © Hamilton

The Hamilton Pan Europ of 2014 features the new Calibre H-30 automatic movement with 80 hours of power reserve when fully wound. Photo: © Hamilton

Among the interesting highlights at this year’s annual BaselWorld watch fair for Hamilton fans will be the Pan Europ. Hamilton’s 2014 Pan Europ is a sure-winner for those who like vintage timepieces or those who enjoy collecting the brand’s historically-inspired watches.

The 2014 Pan Europ is inspired by the original of 1971 which housed the Calibre 11 automatic movement. The Calibre 11 was one of the world’s first automatic chronograph movements and it made its debut in 1969.

At first glance, the blue dial version of Hamilton’s Pan Europ of 2014 can be easily confused with its Pan Europ chronograph, another historically-inspired timepiece launched in 2011 which also features a rich-blue dial.

However, look closer and you’d discover that the Pan Europ (2014 version) is a three-hand watch and not a chronograph. Moreover, it comes with a day-date display at the three o’clock position whereas it is a date display at six o’clock for the Pan Europ chronograph of 2011.

In addition to the central continuous seconds hand in red, the Pan Europ three-hand watch also has what is described as “fiery red” minute tracks between one to fifteen on the dial (and not on the bezel).

With its 42mm diameter case, the 2014 Pan Europ is slighter smaller in size as compared to the Pan Europ chronograph which is 45mm in diameter.

Though the 2014 Pan Europ is powered by a new movement, the Calibre H-30 automatic with 80 hours of power reserve once fully-wound, you will not see this stated on the dial. [On the 2011 Pan Europ chronograph, it states: “Pan Europ” with “Calibre H31” underneath. The Calibre H31 has 60 hours of power reserve.]

The 2014 Pan Europ is available with a striking and sporty blue-white-red fabric strap (NATO strap). What will also strike many is the pricing where it is said that the version with the fabric strap will be around US$1,100 / SGD1,400 or MYR3,650 (Malaysian Ringgit).

Another article on timewerke.com that may be of interest: Hamilton Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition: Radar “locked-on”

 

Baume & Mercier Clifton Two-Tone timepieces: to watch lovers

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The 41mm Baume & Mercier Clifton Two-Tone 10140 (left) for gentlemen and the 30mm Clifton Two-Tone 10152 (right) for ladies. Both versions have an 18K red gold bezel and bracelet links combined with a case and bracelet made of steel. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. 2014 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, Geneva

The 41mm Baume & Mercier Clifton Two-Tone 10140 (left) for gentlemen and the 30mm Clifton Two-Tone 10152 (right) for ladies. Both versions have an 18K red gold bezel and bracelet links combined with a case and bracelet made of steel. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. 2014 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, Geneva

Looking for “couple” watches? One option to consider will be Baume & Mercier’s Clifton Two-Tone automatic timepieces.

Their Clifton Two-Tone timepieces come in two sizes: in a 41mm diameter steel case housing the Sellita SW260-1 automatic movement (the Clifton 10140) and the smaller version which is powered by the ETA 2671 automatic movement (Clifton 10152).

This way, the larger model is for gentlemen while the smaller 30mm diameter piece is obviously for the fairer sex.

The larger Clifton Two-Tone has a subsidiary continuous sweep seconds counter while the smaller version has a central continuous sweep seconds hand.

The “two-tone” name arises because an 18K red gold bezel is combined with a stainless steel case; similarly for the links in 18K red gold combined with stainless steel ones.

Interestingly, Baume & Mercier used the gold and silver combination for its pocket watches only a few years after it was established. Note: Baume & Mercier was founded back in 1830.

Not only do the two Clifton Two-Tone timepieces complement each other, they are a “perfect” match.

Take a closer look at their “wedding photo” above. Both watches tell the same time, which is nine past ten and 35 seconds. Even the date matches in the date displays, which is the fortuitous “8”. Hence, the “perfect” match as seen in the photo.

These “couple” watches, the two Two-Tone timepieces, make a good gift to watch lovers, literally. The two watches do not only tell time but “watches” over the lovers.

The two Clifton Two-Tone timepieces make good gifts not only for Valentine’s Day but any day of the year.

One significant day that is approaching for “gifting” to your loved one is 1 March 2014 because, as was highlighted by The Straits Times, a Singapore daily, the numerals “1-3-14” when read out in Mandarin, can sound like yi sheng yi shi which means “a lifetime of love”.

If well cared for, the two Clifton Two-Tones can last more than one lifetime, making them even more symbolic as they can then be taken to represent “eternal love”.

Another Baume & Mercier article on timewerke.com that may be of interest: Baume & Mercier Clifton 1892 Flying Tourbillon: Around 10.