A Legacy Since 1866
The Founder: John Jamie (1866–1889)
John Jamie arrived in Otago in the mid-1860s as a young watchmaker, bringing with him the tools and training of his trade from Scotland. Historical records show he was already working in Dunedin in 1866, and by July 1867 he had opened his first watchmaking business in Clutha Ferry (now Balclutha), operating from the old Bank of Otago building.
Initially specialising in watch repairs and timepieces, John quickly expanded his business to include jewellery as well. As towns grew throughout Otago during the gold rush era, he followed opportunity, relocating the business several times as new communities developed. The store moved through Clinton and Tapanui before eventually establishing itself in Gore during the mid-1880s.
Life in early colonial New Zealand was unpredictable, and small businesses often faced significant challenges. John experienced both successes and financial setbacks as he built his trade, but he remained dedicated to his craft and reputation as a skilled watchmaker.
John Jamie died in 1889 at just 46 years old, leaving behind a young family and a business that had already become part of the communities it served.
The Second Generation: Continuing the Family Trade
After John’s death, responsibility for the business fell to his wife Jane. With their son John Jamie (2nd) only eleven years old at the time, Jane ensured the store continued operating by appointing a manager to oversee the business until her son was old enough to take over.
At a time when women rarely played such roles in business, Jane’s determination ensured the family enterprise survived and allowed the next generation the opportunity to continue the trade.
As John Jamie (2nd) grew older he stepped into the business and continued building on his father’s work. For a period he went into business with his sister Annie Glen, and together they operated as John Jamie & Co., running stores in both Gore and Wyndham.
In 1919 the family made a significant move, relocating from Southland to Alexandra where they established a new store from scratch.
Family stories suggest the move may have been influenced by health concerns, as both John and his son had suffered from typhoid and the family believed the drier Central Otago climate would be better for recovery. While this has never been formally documented, the move proved pivotal and Alexandra has remained the home of the business ever since.
The Third Generation: War, Fire and Resilience
John Jamie (3rd) later joined the family business and eventually ran the store alongside his wife Joyce. Like many New Zealand families, their years in business were shaped by the challenges of the Second World War and the difficult economic years that followed.
Despite these pressures, the business continued to grow and remained an important part of Alexandra’s retail community. During different periods the Jamie family also operated stores in Roxburgh and Cromwell, expanding their presence across Central Otago.
In 1950 disaster struck when a major fire destroyed much of the premises. With limited insurance available at the time, the family was forced to sell a large portion of the building in order to rebuild. When the store reopened it was smaller, but more focused, concentrating on watches, jewellery and giftware.
Tragically John Jamie (3rd) died young in 1962 at the age of 49. Once again the responsibility of the business fell to a determined woman of the family.
