Unique Original Articles » Roman Numeral Watch & Clock Dials: Trivia

Why do numerous Roman numeral dials represent the 4th hour as IIII as opposed to IV?


There happen to be three theories for this:

1) One theory is that a notable clockmaker was hired to put together a clock for a powerful king in Europe. The clockmaker produced the dial with the 4th hour as "IV" and exhibited the idea to the king. The king notified the clockmaker that it was completely wrong, and to sidestep trouble, the clockmaker switched it to IIII. This story does seem unlikely, but it does generate an interesting read.

2) The following story dates back to Roman mythology, when apparently IV was too similar to the symbol for the Roman god, Jupiter, whose name in Latin began "IV". "I" representative of the J and "V" being applied instead of U (in ancient times). Therefore, IV represented the abbreviation JU for Jupiter. It was thought as disrespectful to illustrate the title of a god on the face of a clock, so it was changed. This is one other unlikely explanation, but once again, intriguing.

3) The third story has to do with symmetry. With the 4th hour displayed as IIII, you have got the first four hours featuring the “I” numeral, the second four hours having the “V” numeral and the very last four hours having the “X” numeral. Similarly, on the exact opposite side of the IIII is the VIII (which is most equivalent in physical look and size than IV and VIII). Using the IIII results in a more balanced appearance on the dial. This is the likeliest explanation.
C.J.Pennington - writer for Raymond Lee Jewelers and general web marketing article writer. Raymond Lee Jewelers is your preferred Sell Watch and watch repair store. A veritable Southeastern buy sell watches resource center.
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