A Royal Timepiece: King James VI Pocket Watch For Sale After 300-Years
A remarkable piece of horological history, dating back to 1613, is set to take centre stage at Bonhams’ December auction, with an estimated value of between £250,000 to £350,000.
There are watches that tell the time, and then there are those that tell a story. Few can claim a history quite as extraordinary as a unique pocket watch commissioned for King James I of England and VI of Scotland, which is expected to become the star attraction at Bonhams’ Historical and Extraordinary Watches auction on 3 December.
Created around 1613 by David Ramsay, the Scottish-born Royal Clockmaker, this exceptional silver and gilt timepiece represents a fascinating chapter in the early development of mechanical watchmaking. Estimated at £250,000–350,000, it combines remarkable craftsmanship, royal provenance and an extraordinary connection to British history.
The watch is distinguished by its beautifully engraved portrait of King James I, created by Simon De Passe, while the intricate decoration of the case is attributed to Gérard de Heck. Its exterior covers depict scenes from Chapter X of the Gospel of Luke, complemented by the royal coat of arms and James I’s motto, Beati Pacifici – ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’.
Inside, the portrait of the monarch provides a striking focal point, while the case edge features emblems representing Scotland, England, Ireland and France, reflecting the territories associated with his reign.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the watch carries an equally compelling personal history. It was presented by Queen Anne to her Maid-of-Honour, Lady Elizabeth Russell, who subsequently married Peter Bowlby around 1750. The timepiece remained within the family for generations before being placed on long-term loan to the British Museum in 1961. In 1974, it moved to the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it remained until 2026.
One of only three known surviving examples commissioned at the same time, its rarity places it among the most important surviving timepieces from the early seventeenth century.
Jonathan Darracott, Global Head of Watches at Bonhams, describes the watch as an extraordinary survivor from the earliest history of horology, anticipating considerable interest from collectors, curators and enthusiasts around the world.
Its significance is further enhanced by the story of its maker. Following James VI’s accession to the English throne in 1603, Ramsay was appointed Royal Clockmaker. He subsequently became Chief Clockmaker in 1618 and, in 1632, the first Master of the Clockmakers’ Company. Today, only 14 timepieces attributed to Ramsay are known to survive, making any example of his work an important historical discovery.
Adding another distinctive dimension to the sale, Bonhams has partnered with House of Hazelwood to create A King’s Measure, a bespoke 58-year-old whisky inspired by the reign of James I and the watch’s intricate decoration. Available exclusively through the auction house, the one-of-a-kind presentation reflects the craftsmanship and heritage associated with this remarkable historical object.
More than four centuries after its creation, this extraordinary pocket watch continues to connect royalty, craftsmanship and the evolution of horology. Its forthcoming appearance at Bonhams offers collectors a rare opportunity to encounter an object whose importance extends well beyond its estimated value – a true piece of timekeeping history.
N.B. All images are Credit: Saltire News