Watch Paparazzi

Royal Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi spotted wearing Panerai

At a gathering befitting his status as Crown Prince of the Ajman Emirate, Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi was photographed wearing what is arguably one of the most historically significant Panerai references of the past decade — the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronze, reference PAM00671. The sighting is notable not only for the wearer's profile but for the watch itself, which represents a genuine inflection point in modern watchmaking.

Released in 2015 as a limited edition of 1,000 pieces, the PAM00671 was the Swiss-Italian manufacture's first bronze-cased wristwatch, effectively launching an entire genre of patinating tool watches that every major maison subsequently chased. The 47mm cushion case is crafted from a proprietary bronze alloy — richer in copper than standard marine bronze — designed to develop a unique patina on each individual piece. The unidirectional rotating bezel in matching bronze surrounds a deep blue sunburst dial with applied gold-toned indices and sword hands. Panerai's signature crown-protecting lever bridge sits prominently at nine o'clock, a nod to the brand's roots supplying dive instruments to the Italian Navy. The movement is the in-house calibre P.9000, an automatic with a 72-hour power reserve visible through the sapphire caseback. Water resistance is rated to 300 metres.

Among collectors, the PAM00671 occupies near-legendary status. It catalysed the bronze watch movement at industry level — within three years, Breitling, IWC, Zenith, and Bell & Ross had all released bronze references. Being limited to 1,000 examples means surviving unworn specimens are increasingly scarce, and the combination of bronze patina originality with an early low serial number commands meaningful premiums on the secondary market.

Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, known for refined taste across equestrian pursuits, architecture, and horology, choosing this reference over Panerai's more conventional titanium or steel offerings speaks volumes. The PAM00671 is not a conspicuous luxury statement — it is a collector's watch, one that rewards knowledge rather than brand recognition alone.

On the grey market, clean examples of the PAM00671 have steadily appreciated since discontinuation, trading comfortably above original retail. The original list price was approximately €14,000 at European boutiques. Today, secondary market transactions for well-preserved examples — particularly those with box and papers and minimal patina development — regularly exceed $18,000 USD, with exceptional specimens pushing higher. For a limited Panerai referencing a genuine design milestone, the trajectory seems unlikely to reverse.