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Why are Roman numerals on watches wrong?
If you’re making a clock where the numerals are cut from metal and affixed to the face, using IIII means you’ll need twenty I’s, four V’s, and four X’s. One more reason to use IIII is that it creates more visual symmetry with the VIII opposite it on the clock face than IV does.
Why does Cartier use IIII instead of IV?
Horologists such as Cartier will use “IIII” instead of “IV” because it is more symetrical. When looking at a watch, “IIII” is opposite to the number 8, symbolized as “VIII”. While “IV”, on the other hand, does not provide the same visual balancing.
Is 4 in Roman numerals IIII or IV?
The numerical notation of 4 is IV in Roman numerals. You probably think so, too. However, there are many cases where IIII is used at the 4:00 position on the dial plates of clocks that use Roman numerals.
Did Romans use IIII or IV?
In the middle ages in Europe, IIII was generally used, not IV, to express the Roman numeral 4 until around the 17th century. In fact, you can see the notation IIII on mechanical turret clocks that were made before around the 17th century.
How do you write 7 in Roman numerals?
How To Use Roman Numerals
- 1 = I.
- 2 = II.
- 3 = III.
- 4 = IV.
- 5 = V.
- 6 = VI.
- 7 = VII.
- 8 = VIII.
How do you write 4 as a Roman numeral?
For example, 4 is denoted IV, 9 as IX, 40 as XL, etc. However, this rule is generally not followed on the faces of clocks, where IIII is usually encountered instead of IV.
What is the correct way to write 4 in Roman numerals?
Roman Numerals
| # | RN |
|---|---|
| 4 | IV |
| 5 | V |
| 6 | VI |
| 7 | VII |
Why is the 4 in Roman numerals wrong?
Why is the 4 in Roman numeral clocks wrong? Imagine a watch face with roman numerals, and look at the numerals opposite to each other – all of them are in perfect balance, except for the ‘heavy’ VIII and the ‘light’ IV; optical balance is re-established by printing an also ‘heavy’ IIII.
Why are Roman numerals upside down on a clock?
Furthermore, why are Roman numerals upside down on clocks? The V numerals are upside down on this clock, so the numbers 4, 6, 7, and 8 appear wrong no matter which way they’re viewed. Those numbers can be read properly in a mirror. However, then 9, 11, and 12 would be wrong.
Did you know that watches with Roman numerals have weird designs?
Roman numerals are one of the most classic designs found on clocks and watches. As far as we can go back in history, there have always been clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches with Roman numerals on the dials. However, owners of watches with Roman numerals might have noticed something weird, something rather unusual.
Why do some clocks use the Roman numeral IIII?
According to this theory, by applying IIII on dials, clockmakers could create all the numerals by using fewer moulds. You can use our Roman numeral converter page to convert both number to Roman numerals and Roman numerals to number. Why Do Some Clocks Use the Roman Numeral IIII and not IV?