Pocket watch associated with James VI and I

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This silver pocket watch is said to have been given by James VI to his favourite, Robert Ker, Earl of Somerset. It was made around 1615 by David Ramsay.

The pocket watch has dials showing hours, date, phases of the moon and signs of the Zodiac. The rich decoration includes representations of the Last Supper and Christ washing the disciples' feet, and portraits of King James and Queen Anne.

Robert Ker followed James to England in 1603, becoming a knight of the Garter and Lord High Treasurer in Scotland, before falling from favour in 1616. David Ramsay also followed James to London and was appointed Chief Clockmaker to the King.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-547-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NL 63
• Date: Around 1615
  c. 1615
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: David Ramsay Scotus, me fecit; royal arms; arms of Somerset
  Watch, pocket
  
• Dimensions: 100 mm open; 65 mm closed
  
• What: Watch, pocket
  
• Subject: Jewellery: clocks, watches (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Buchan Hepburn Relics
  David Ramsay (Watchmaker)
  James VI and I (Presenter)
  Robert Ker, 1st Earl of Somerset (Owner)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Silver pocket watch signed "David Ramsay Scotus, me fecit", traditionally given by James VI to one of his favourites, Robert Ker, first Earl of Somerset, c. 1615
  
• References:
• Translations:
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