On watches that have Roman numerals the figure 4 is shown as IIII and not IV, why is this?
2007-11-29 05:40:33 · 5 answers · asked by THOMAS R 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
I have two watches with Roman numerals on the face and both of mine are IV, perhaps as said before it is some kind of designer thing..
Blessings.. )O(
2007-11-30 15:46:54 · answer #1 · answered by Bunge 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Watch (and clock) dials use IIII for 4 instead of IV to prevent confusion with VI (6). Why don't they do the same for IX and XI?? I don't know. Maybe the positions of 9 and 11 on the dial make confusion less likely than in the other case.
2007-11-29 05:54:31 · answer #2 · answered by aida 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In the early days of rome, the Romans did write IIII for four and VIIII for nine. It was after some time had passed that they developed the "subtraction convention", but even they did not use it very consistently.
2007-11-29 06:32:31 · answer #3 · answered by Michael M 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Made in China??
2007-12-01 16:06:22 · answer #4 · answered by Classics Major 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
not on my watch.....i think it is a "style" thing
2007-11-29 05:45:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋