Television presenter Richard Hammond spotted wearing a Panerai

During a Top Gear studio session — identifiable by the signature green leather sofa and live audience — Richard Hammond was photographed relaxed at the presenter's desk, a substantial Panerai on his left wrist catching the studio lights. The watch's bold proportions and tachymetre-engraved bezel are unmistakable even in the low-contrast broadcast footage, making identification straightforward for any seasoned Panerai observer.

The watch is the Panerai Luminor Chrono Daylight, most consistent with reference PAM00196 — a 44mm stainless steel chronograph introduced in the mid-2000s and powered by the Valjoux 7750-based OP XII calibre. The dial presents a classic bi-compax layout with running seconds at 9 o'clock and a 30-minute counter at 3, both rendered in vintage-inspired off-white luminous paint. The external tachymetre scale runs on a bidirectional rotating bezel, a functional addition that reinforces the Luminor's tool-watch character. The crown-protecting bridge, Panerai's most iconic design signature since the 1950 Radiomir era, is clearly visible at 3 o'clock in the product image.

Collectors regard the Luminor Chrono Daylight as one of the more accessible entry points into Panerai's chronograph lineage — pre-dating the fully in-house P.9100 calibre era but offering genuine wrist presence and a historically grounded design. The 44mm case, brushed and polished in equal measure, wears large but never ostentatious, sitting well under a shirt cuff when the wearer has the wrist for it. Hammond, a compact figure, wears it with characteristic confidence.

Hammond's affinity for Panerai is well documented among watch-spotting communities. The Florentine brand's maritime heritage and masculine proportions align naturally with his persona — equal parts precision engineering and robust adventure. Panerai and Top Gear have long occupied adjacent cultural spaces, attracting audiences who appreciate mechanical things done well.

On today's grey market, a PAM00196 in good condition trades in the $3,500–$5,000 range depending on box, papers, and service history — a relative bargain for a steel Swiss chronograph with genuine provenance. Original retail sat around $6,900 at launch. For collectors drawn to the pre-SIHH Panerai era, this reference remains a quietly desirable piece.