King James I Pocket Watch Heads Bonhams Auction
A unique silver and gilt pocket watch made for King James I of England and VI of Scotland in 1613 by royal clockmaker David Ramsam is set to lead Bonhams’ Historical and Extraordinary Watches auction on 3 December, with an estimated hammer price of £250,000‑350,000 (approximately $333,000‑460,000). The timepiece features an engraved portrait of the king, intricate case decoration, and symbols representing Scotland, England, Ireland, and France, reflecting the monarch’s personal interest in horology and his role in uniting the crowns. After centuries of private ownership and long‑term loans to the British Museum and the V&A, the watch returns to the market, attracting collectors, curators, and enthusiasts of early mechanical innovation. Bonhams highlights the rarity of the piece, noting that only fourteen timepieces attributed to David Ramsam survive, and emphasizes its historical significance as a surviving example of early 17th‑century watchmaking. To commemorate the auction, the house has partnered with House of Hazelwood to create a bespoke 58‑year‑old whisky called “A Kings Measure,” inspired by James I’s reign and the watch’s detailed engraving, further underscoring the event’s blend of luxury, heritage, and craftsmanship.
Buying Time Analysis: This story highlights a rare 17th‑century royal pocket watch by David Ramsay, whose exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance make it a marquee piece expected to fetch up to £350,000 at Bonhams, underscoring its value to collectors and horological heritage.
