A remarkable piece of British royal history is heading to auction, offering collectors the rare opportunity to own a pocket watch once commissioned by King James VI of Scotland and I of England. The extraordinary 17th-century timepiece, crafted by royal clockmaker David Ramsay, will be offered at Bonhams in London this December, with an estimated price of up to $469,000.
Created around 1613, the one-of-a-kind watch is an impressive example of early horological engineering, combining intricate mechanical craftsmanship with elaborate royal ornamentation. Built before the invention of the balance spring, the timepiece operates using a verge escapement and fusée pulley mechanism, which helps regulate the release of energy as the mainspring unwinds.
Its functions extend well beyond conventional timekeeping. The finely engraved gilt dial features an intricate arrangement of subdials and apertures displaying the time, day of the week, corresponding ruling planet, date, month, zodiac sign, and phases of the moon.
The solid silver case was decorated by renowned Flemish engraver Gérard de Heck.Bonhams
The watch’s exterior is equally exceptional. Its solid silver case was decorated by renowned Flemish engraver Gérard de Heck, who incorporated elaborate scenes inspired by Luke Chapter 10, alongside King James I’s royal coat of arms and motto. Inside the cover is an engraved portrait of the monarch by artist Simon De Passe.
The timepiece holds particular historical importance as one of just three surviving pocket watches known to have been commissioned by James VI from Ramsay. The Scottish clockmaker entered royal service around the time the king ascended to the English throne. He was appointed Clockmaker-Extraordinary in 1613 and later became chief clockmaker in 1618.
The movement bears Ramsay’s signature and the Latin for “Scotland made me.”Bonhams
This particular example is distinguished by four emblems engraved along the edge of its case, representing Scotland, England, Ireland, and France, the kingdoms associated with James’s reign.
Jonathan Darracott, Bonhams’ global head of watches, described the piece as an extraordinary survivor from the earliest period of horology. He noted that its exceptional workmanship, royal provenance, and historical significance make it one of the most noteworthy early timepieces to appear at auction.
Its ownership history adds another fascinating dimension. The watch was presented by Queen Anne to her maid of honour, Lady Elizabeth Russell, who married Peter Bowlby around 1750. It subsequently remained in the family for generations before eventually passing to its current owner.
Over the years, the historic watch has also been entrusted to two of Britain’s leading cultural institutions. It was placed on long-term loan to the British Museum in 1961 before later being transferred to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), where it remained until 2026.
The royal timepiece will be offered at Bonhams’ Historical and Extraordinary Watches sale on December 3, 2026, at the auction house’s flagship location on New Bond Street in London.
Estimated to sell for between £250,000 and £350,000, or approximately $335,200 to $469,300, the watch represents a rare intersection of royal heritage, early mechanical innovation, and fine decorative artistry.
For collectors, this is more than an opportunity to acquire an exceptionally rare antique watch. It is a chance to own a tangible piece of 17th-century royal history, preserved through more than four centuries.
