Why is iiii on clock faces

All Clocks. Newgate Clocks. Wideboy Charlie Bell Twin Bell. Small Medium Large Oversized. Jones Clocks. Space Hotel Clocks. Newgate Watches. The notation IIII was used for the clock at the earliest Wells Cathedral, which was built at the end of the 14th century in England, and has been conventional since then.

Somebody thought IV was not easily understandable because it resembled VI and was also well balanced with VIII, which was placed in its symmetrical position. In fact, you can see the notation IIII on mechanical turret clocks that were made before around the 17th century.

Most of Western countries rely on Arabic numerals, Asian countries have their own numeric system and Arabic culture uses a typography that is different from the classical Arabic numerals. However, in watchmaking, Roman numerals have been used and are still in use on multiple dials. While the 4 is commonly written IV, the dials of our watches and clocks rely, most of the time, on a surprising IIII representation.

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule as, for instance, Big Ben in London. Roman numerals originated in ancient Rome, approximately BC, and remained the usual way of writing numbers throughout Europe well into the Late Middle Ages, long after the decline of the Roman Empire.

Numbers in the Roman system are represented by combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet. The decline of Roman numerals coincides with the decline of Latin and the emergence of the Renaissance.

Instead of the original additive notation, the Roman numeral system changed to the more familiar subtractive notation. However, this was well after the fall of the Roman Empire. The first mechanical clocks were created in Europe during the 13th century at a time when Roman numerals were still in use — in addition to that, most clocks were mounted on churches, and Latin was the official Catholic language. It thus makes sense for most of the ancient clocks to feature Roman numerals on their dials.

We must not forget that watchmaking is a child of astronomy. While sundials had become obsolete with the advent of watchmaking, the number IIII might have been used just for the sake of tradition. Even though the subtractive notation is now widely accepted for Roman numerals, its use came gradually and early clockmakers might still have had the choice of whether or not to use or not to use IV. As we mentioned, primitive clocks were mounted on top of churches as the unique place where time was indicated in a city.

We have to remember that back in Ancient Times and the Middle Ages, only a small portion of the population was able to write, read and calculate.

The numeral IIII might have remained in use because it was easily recognisable as four — the additive notation might have been easier for a large portion of the non-educated European population. One of the most powerful French monarchs, he consolidated a system of absolute monarchical rule in France with the whole political and religious system revolving around his figure — the concept of the divine right of Kings, creating a centralised state which would later lead to the French Revolution under Louis XVI.

However, this theory seems quite implausible. The last possible explanation is the most rational of them all — and thus, probably the most plausible too. And, the many that were illiterate at the time could understand it.

Yet, this is not necessarily an issue with a modern world with luxury horology. So, it has become a cultural tradition remaining through time. The tale begins with a clockmaker presenting a timepiece to the King. At the time, this was on the verge of the French revolution and stories spread wide across Europe. This theory relies on the stamps and ease.