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ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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#1 |
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Canada
Watch: Rolex Deep sea
Posts: 238
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Roman dial numbers ?????
Here's a quick question...
Most watches with a roman dial have the IIII symbol at the 4 o'clock position. I always thought that the number 4 was represented by the roman symbol IV. Then why the use the symbol IIII ? A lot of Patek watches have the IIII symbol some Patek have the IV symbol ???? Is there a standard for roman numbers ? ![]() |
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#2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Real Name: Mikey Uí Néill
Location: Olden Texas
Watch: 14060M & 16570
Posts: 1,941
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Once more...
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#3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: Jib
Location: SJ, California
Watch: sun dial
Posts: 8,189
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The theory is that IIII is more balanced/ symmetrical than IV.
__________________
F 14000 AirKing black F 16710 GMT Pepsi F 16570 Explorer II white T 16600 SD D 16610 LV "fine quality is remembered long after the pain of spending money" -Steve Mulholland |
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#4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Real Name: Dave
Location: Sydney
Watch: 118239
Posts: 413
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Most clocks and watches feature a 4 as IIII, it is a tradition and there are many theories as to why this is. A lot of people cite the symmetry aspect. But yes, technically it should be IV.
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The world is safe again... but for how long? Current: TAG Heuer 2000 Classic, Kobold Phantom Tactical Chronograph, Rolex Submariner 16610, Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph A13320 (Crowe Edition), Rolex Day-Date 118239 |
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#5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 5
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I think IIII is supposed to balance the dial. the IIII is 180 degrees removed from VIII on the other side of the dial. There is also some historical issue where IV was not used in ancient times but I don't know the story on that.
By the way I only own watches with arabic dials. Roman dials don't appeal to me at all. I wonder if others have a single preference Roman or Arabic or do you mix them in your collection? regards steppy |
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#6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Real Name: Dave
Location: Sydney
Watch: 118239
Posts: 413
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I'm the exact opposite, I much prefer Roman to Arabic - I have Arabic on my TAG Heuer and I have Roman on my Datejust, I think the DJ looks a thousand times better.
__________________
The world is safe again... but for how long? Current: TAG Heuer 2000 Classic, Kobold Phantom Tactical Chronograph, Rolex Submariner 16610, Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph A13320 (Crowe Edition), Rolex Day-Date 118239 |
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#7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: John
Location: Seattle, WA USA
Watch: Rolex - a few!
Posts: 1,472
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