Seiko SSA Automatic Watch Discussions | Drop

Free Standard Shipping in the US on orders over $99

Showing 1 of 97 conversations about:

Feb 24, 2018

After I pose these observations, I’m sure there will be many answers and theories. 1- Every watch I have seen on massdrop that uses Roman numerals has IIII at the 4 o’clock position. Unless someone has changed history, the Roman numeral for “4” is IV. There is no such numeral as IIII. 2- On this and many other watches, not all, have the numerals upside down from the V (5 o’clock) thru the VIII (8 o’clock). On Arabic numbered watches the 4 o’clock through the 8 o’clock position are correctly orientated. Also noted is the fact that the correct Roman numeral is used for 9 o’clock ( IX) not VIIII. Any thought, theories or general harrumphing?

tomomomo

Feb 24, 2018

Crooowhttps://www.orientwatchusa.com/brief-explanation-called-watchmakers-four/

JDub6263

Feb 24, 2018

Crooow1. It's call a Watchmakers 4. In short, the IIII appears more symmetrical relative to the rest of the dial. Check out: https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ask-watch-experts/why-do-watch-dials-with-roman-numerals-use-iiii-rather-than-iv/ and https://www.hautehorlogerie.org/en/encyclopaedia/glossary-of-watchmaking/s/roman-numeral-iiii-on-dials-1/
2. Again, I would imagine the decision on numeral orientation probably comes down purely to aesthetics and the look and feel the watchmaker is going for.

Vote

monkandeero

Feb 24, 2018

Crooow1) I believe it is called the "watchmaker's four" and (if I'm not mistaken) is purportedly utilized in due course of creating a more balanced left-right symmetry upon the dial (i.e. IIII looks more balanced across from VIII than IV does) so as to make it more aesthetically pleasing/easier to read with the eye. 2) I'm am uncertain of the reasoning/significance behind this…

Vote

dnoblett

175

Feb 24, 2018

CrooowAlso, I think this is to prevent confusion with numeral 6.

swaps

Feb 25, 2018

CrooowThere are stories about alignment and some stories related to some king's preference of the numeral 4. This is common with many watches. Even the famous Cartiers, Pateks, Audemars will have the IIII.

Eduard616

Feb 28, 2018

CrooowPretty sure point 2 had to do with old sundials. They were often done that way as well.

Vote

rumata13

563

Feb 9, 2020

Crooow'There is no such numeral as IIII' With all due respect, you need to educate yourself before making such statements. IIII for 4 was used since the beginning ow watchmaking, there are a lot of old watches with IIII, most of makers used this option. Here are some examples from the biggest makers from beginning of 20th century. Hamilton: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Hamilton-Pocket-Watch-17-Jewels-910-with-original-case/274253378501?hash=item3fdac673c5:g:oOMAAOSw7UBePOI~ Elgin: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Large-Elgin-17-Jewels-Gold-Filled-Pocket-Watch/293465337969?hash=item4453e5b071:g:wJgAAOSw1kxePep5 Hampden: https://www.ebay.com/itm/HAMPDEN-MOLLY-STARK-Vtg-Pocket-Watch-3-0s-7j-c-1899-Dueber-Special-Hunting-Case/254503770081?hash=item3b419b57e1:g:pB8AAOSwBXleNdX4 Zenith: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Zenith-Open-Face-Pocket-Watch-Running-1671413-Roman-Numeral-7725/143166520715?hash=item215563bd8b:g:iKUAAOSwinlchW7c Omega: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Swiss-OMEGA-Pocket-Watch-1910s-NICE-AWESOME/392528304218?hash=item5b6482985a:g:AOkAAOSwWhxdx8O2

RayF

22219

Feb 9, 2020

CrooowThe most recent software update resolves both of those issues. Download your copy at: seikosupport.fixmyfuckedup/numbers.com

Holdenitdown

108

Feb 12, 2020

CrooowTo be fair, watchmakers have had plenty of time to fix this and by all accounts should have. I am often reminded of the ways in which tradition flies in the face of good judgement. Not all are equal, and some are just dumb. If we're all being honest (Devil's advocates are invited to keep quiet), the aesthetic of IIII is not objectively better than IV. In fact, I'm happy to be quite subjective in saying that IIII looks crap. And not just because it's wrong. That aside, what sort of buffoonery leads one to believe that IV is easily confused with VI? You may as well argue that counting is too hard because too many numbers end in 'teen'. Look at a watch more than a couple of times and you'll know where VI is. Seriously, who reads the numerals? Lastly, Roman numerals are bourgie and should only be paired with tweed jackets. There's subjective for you.

Vote

View Full Discussion

Company

About Drop Studio Student Discount Privacy Policy Terms of Use Cookie Settings

Drop Refurbished

Like-new products you can trust

Drop Rewards

Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more

Drop Keyboard Club

Become a member and expand your keycap collection

Collaborate With Us

For Brands & Designers

Support

Contact Community Guidelines Help Center Sitemap

Follow Drop