Story Highlight
– Pocket watch for King James I expected to fetch £350,000.
– Created in 1613 by royal clockmaker David Ramsay.
– Features intricate engravings and royal symbolism throughout.
– Previously owned by Queen Anne, loaned to British Museum.
– Bonhams offers bespoke whisky ‘A Kings Measure’ for auction.
Full Story
An exquisite pocket watch, crafted for King James I of England and VI of Scotland, is anticipated to reach a price of up to £350,000 at Bonhams’ upcoming Historical and Extraordinary Watches auction, scheduled for 3 December.
Produced in approximately 1613 by esteemed clockmaker David Ramsay, the silver and gilt watch showcases an engraved likeness of King James by Simon De Passe, complemented by elaborate decorations on the case by Gérard de Heck. The timepiece is expected to sell for between £250,000 and £350,000.
This watch is one of only three surviving pieces made during the same period and is particularly notable for its blend of early mechanical advancements, elaborate engraving, and royal emblems. Its outer covers illustrate scenes from the biblical passage of Lucas Chapter X, while the case prominently features the royal coat of arms and the motto of James I, ‘Beati Pacifici,’ which translates to ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’
The interior lid displays the King’s portrait, and the edge of the case includes symbols representing Scotland, England, Ireland, and France, reflecting the territories under his reign. Originally gifted by Queen Anne to her Maid-of-Honour, Lady Elizabeth Russell, the watch was later inherited by her family, before being loaned to the British Museum in 1961. In 1974, it was transferred to the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it will remain until 2026.
Jonathan Darracott, Global Head of Watches at Bonhams, remarked: “We are delighted to present this extraordinary David Ramsay pocket watch, a remarkable survivor from the earliest history of horology.” He further noted the watch’s unique significance, stating, “With its extraordinary rarity and importance, we expect it to attract connoisseurs, curators and collectors of fine horology and historical landmarks from around the world.”
James VI ascended to the English throne in 1603, becoming James I and uniting the crowns of both England and Scotland. A notable enthusiast of timekeeping, he appointed David Ramsay as Royal Clockmaker. Ramsay was promoted to Chief Clockmaker in 1618 and became the inaugural Master of the Clockmakers’ Company by 1632, with only 14 of his timepieces known to exist today.
In conjunction with the auction, Bonhams has collaborated with House of Hazelwood to produce a limited edition 58-year-old whisky named ‘A Kings Measure.’ This unique spirit is inspired by the era of James I and the elaborate craftsmanship of the pocket watch, with its presentation box echoing the artistry of early 17th-century timekeeping.
