A 400-Year-Old Royal Masterpiece: King James VI and I’s Personal Pocket Watch Headed to Bonhams London

You could soon keep time like a monarch. A rare, one-of-a-kind pocket watch commissioned for King James VI—who ruled Scotland from 1567 to 1625 and also governed England and Ireland as James I from 1603 to 1625—is heading to the auction block this winter at Bonhams London.

Crafted around 1613 by the esteemed royal clockmaker David Ramsay, this pre-balance spring verge watch represents a fascinating intersection of 17th-century mechanical innovation and the opulent decoration befitting a sovereign. As the terminology implies, the timepiece was engineered and manufactured long before the invention of the balance spring. Instead, it utilizes a traditional verge escapement paired with a fusee pulley system, a clever mechanical arrangement designed to equalize the release of power as the mainspring gradually uncoils.

The dial of the watch is a marvel of early horological engineering and artistic design. Against a finely engraved gilt background, a dazzling assortment of subdials and apertures display a wealth of information. The piece does not merely tell the time of day; it also indicates the day of the week alongside its respective ruling planet, the calendar date, the month, the current zodiac sign, and the accurate phase of the moon. It is a microcosm of the Renaissance universe, miniaturized to fit into the palm of a king’s hand.

The sophisticated mechanics are matched only by the extraordinary artistry of the exterior. Housed within a solid silver case decorated by the renowned Flemish engraver Gérard de Heck, the exterior panels feature intricate scenes drawn from Lucas Chapter X. The case is further embellished with the official royal coat of arms of King James I and the sovereign’s personal royal motto. Opening the watch reveals an inner cover bearing an exquisitely engraved portrait of the King himself, executed by the celebrated printmaker and artist Simon De Passe.

This historic artifact is exceptionally scarce. It stands as one of only three known surviving pocket watches that King James VI commissioned from Ramsay. The maker, a fellow Scot, entered royal service precisely around the time the monarch ascended to the English throne. Ramsay’s career flourished within the royal court, leading to his formal appointment as Clockmaker-Extraordinary in 1613, followed by his promotion to chief clockmaker in 1618. While Ramsay crafted three remarkably similar pocket watches for James VI during the early decades of the 1600s, the upcoming auction piece is distinctly distinguished by four specific heraldic emblems engraved along the edge of the case. These symbols represent the united kingdoms under the king’s rule: Scotland, England, Ireland, and France.

Jonathan Darracott, the global head of watches at Bonhams, emphasized the monumental importance of the impending sale in a formal statement. He noted that the auction house is absolutely delighted to present this extraordinary David Ramsay pocket watch, describing it as a remarkable survivor from the absolute earliest chapters of horological history. Darracott added that its exceptional craftsmanship, undeniable royal provenance, and profound historical significance place it squarely among the most compelling early timepieces ever to appear on the open market.

The journey of the watch through the centuries is as storied as its royal origins. Originally, the piece was presented by Queen Anne to her loyal maid-of-honour, Lady Elizabeth Russell. Centuries later, Lady Elizabeth married Peter Bowlby around 1750, and the watch subsequently passed down through generations of the family, ultimately resting with the present owner.

The public has had rare opportunities to view the timepiece over the decades, as it was placed on long-term loan to the British Museum beginning in 1961. It was later transferred on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), where it remained securely housed on exhibition until 2026.

Now, this monumental piece of British and Scottish history is preparing for its next chapter. It will go under the gavel at the upcoming Historical and Extraordinary Watches sale, scheduled to take place at the auction house’s London flagship location on New Bond Street on December 3. Industry experts and auction specialists anticipate that the royal timepiece will achieve a hammer price between 250,000 and 350,000 British pounds, translating to approximately $335,200 and $469,300 based on current foreign exchange rates.