Typo on the Dial? Think Again!
A few days ago a new watch came in and I was horrified! The Tevise Automatic is a beautiful piece: Rose gold case, automatic caliber 9S movement (the Seiko in-house movement) with a moon phase 24-hour calendar, week, day, month, and date. So I was shocked when the numbers read I, II, III, IIII, V, VI, VII, IX, X, XI, XII. Yes, the 4 on the dial was IIII, not IV. It seemed like too beautiful of a watch for such a trivial error.
The use of IIII on watch dials can be traced back to ancient Roman times. In Roman numerals, the number 4 is conventionally represented as IV. However, after doing some research, I found several theories as to why IIII is commonly used on clock and watch dials instead.
One of the prevailing theories is rooted in aesthetic symmetry. Placing IIII on the dial balances the design visually with the VIII on the opposite side. This creates a sense of harmony and symmetry, which is pleasing to the eye. In contrast, using IV might disrupt this balance, especially on clocks with four numerals on each side. Another explanation is simply tradition and convention. The use of IIII has been a longstanding practice in clockmaking and horology, dating back centuries. Over time, it has become a customary and accepted standard in the industry. Some suggest that the avoidance of the number IV is rooted in superstition. In certain cultures, the number 4 is associated with bad luck or death due to its phonetic resemblance to the word for "death" in some languages. To avoid any negative connotations, clockmakers opted for IIII instead.
However, one theory stands out to me: In ancient Roman mythology, Jupiter, also known as Jove, was revered as the king of the gods, reigning over the heavens with authority and wisdom. During the era of the Roman Empire when Roman numerals were in common use, the Latin name Jupiter was spelled as IVPPITER. It's believed that there was a cultural sensitivity surrounding the use of the first letters of Jupiter's name on clock dials, especially when positioned in an upside-down manner due to their orientation. This potential disrespect towards the deity led to the adoption of IIII instead of IV on clock dials as a way to avoid any perceived impropriety. Thus, the tradition of using IIII on watch dials may have originated from a deep-seated reverence for religious beliefs and cultural customs prevalent during ancient Roman times.
This historical context adds another layer of significance to the seemingly simple choice of numeral representation on timepieces, highlighting the intricate interplay between tradition, symbolism, and societal norms throughout history. So… when buying an analog watch, don’t freak out! The ‘typo’ on your dial is more than it seems. IIII is another layer of horological homage to thousands of years of tradition, honor, and respect.
