James Oatley

Bob Oatley’s heritage goes back to the early days of the convict settlement in Sydney. Bob is a fifth generation Australian – a direct descendant of James Oatley, who was born in Warwickshire, England in 1770, the same year that Captain Cook discovered the east coast of Australia. James Oatley grew up to become a clockmaker but along the way was a little errant in his ways - he was found guilty of stealing bed linen. Unfortunately for him at the time – but you could say, fortunately for Bob and the family – his punishment was a life sentence, which meant being transported to Australia. He arrived in Sydney in 1815 just 27 years after the first fleet had sailed into Sydney Harbour. James Oatley’s talents as a clockmaker were quickly recognised in the colony and he soon became its most highly regarded clock and watch maker. Officially pardoned in 1821 he was appointed Keeper of the Town Hall Clock by Governor Macquarie and commissioned to install the still functioning turret clock in the pediment of the Hyde Park Barracks on Macquarie Street. As part of his remuneration he received a number of land grants from Governor Brisbane, including a 300-acre lot that is now the southern Sydney suburb of Oatley. His lovely Long Case Clocks were purchased by prosperous and prominent colonial citizens, with fewer than two dozen still in existence. They trade on the antique market today for up to $500,000, but only rarely appear. Bob Oatley has crafted JAMES OATLEY TIC TOK as a tribute to his great great grandfather – five wines that reflect this proud Australian family’s passion for achieving the highest quality in the pursuit of excellence.

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