Staff from an independent watch brand in Christchurch receive quite a surprise last week when they saw the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi wearing one of their products during his official visit to the UK.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had flown to the UK on Thursday December 10 to meet Prime Minister Boris Johnson to discuss a trade deal and the future relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the UK.

However, when watching the official visit by the Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces on the news on Thursday evening, Charlotte Matthews, marketing executive at Nite Watches, spotted the familiar timepiece.

She said: “When I was eating my tea, I heard on BBC news that Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had flown to the UK to meet Boris Johnson and as I looked up, I could see very clearly that that the Prince was wearing one of our watches - our MX10 model to be exact.

“We knew he had the watch for some time, but we couldn’t believe it when we saw he had chosen to wear it to visit the Prime Minister and the Prince of Wales.

“The fact that someone from the royal family in the UAE is wearing one of our watches for such a momentous occasion and important meeting is remarkable.

“For someone of his status to be supporting such a small British brand like us, especially in the current economic climate is a welcome surprise to say the least.”

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, whose net worth is believed to be in excess of $15bn, also met Charles, Prince of Wales as part of his trip before travelling to Downing Street to hold discussions with the British PM about developing deeper ties between UAE and UK.

Nite is an independent privately owned business located in the Silver Business Park on Airfield Way, Christchurch, comprising of six employees plus the owner Roger Green.

The watch company was born back in 2003 by entrepreneur Roger Green after being impressed by the performance of Tritium illumination and realising that there was a gap in the market.

Charlotte Matthews added: “We’re small but perfectly formed with the mission to create outstanding watches to be worn with pride.

“The MX10 model that the Prince is wearing costs £275 so considering he is from extraordinary wealth is remarkable.

“With his military background and attendance at Sandhurst we believe he may have become an owner of our products due to their military heritage; most notably when we supplied to the SAS in 2006.

“At the end of the day, we don’t mind how he got it, we’re just glad he does.”