A question about watch faces...

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jkbarnes
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A question about watch faces...

Post by jkbarnes »

I’ve just now noticed that I’ve seen a number of watches recently that mixed Arabic and Roman numerals. I think it’s typically been Arabic on the bottom half, Roman on top. Does this have some historical explanation? Does it relate to some practical consideration? Or is purely a stylistic/decorative type of thing with a history in watches.?
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by exHowfener »

Google "California dial" for theories.
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by jkbarnes »

exHowfener wrote: Fri Dec 18, 2020 6:03 pm Google "California dial" for theories.
How very interesting. Sounds like the style originated purely as a stylistic element with nothing more to it.

Thanks for the tip!
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

Product meeting...

CEO: I’m really excited about this new design. I think it’s going to be one of our biggest things ever. Did we get the feedback on the dial questionnaire yet?

MARKETING: Yeah, of those who expressed an opinion on numerals approximately half said they loved Romans and hated Arabics, and the other half said they loved Arabics and hated Romans.

CEO: Any ideas?

CLEVER YOUNG GIT: Yeah, I’ve been working on a design. (Produces mock up of California dial) What do you guys think?

MONSIEUR BIZ-CLICHÉ: We could run it up the flagpole and see who salutes it, dress it in a sexy nightie and see who gets into bed with it...

TEAM: SHUT THE **** UP, B-C!

Six months later, review meeting...

CEO: So what happened?

CLEVER YOUNG GIT: Sorry boss, it bombed.

MONSIEUR BIZ-CLICHÉ: Like a lead balloon filled with mercury, like the RAF on a night raid over...

TEAM: SHUT THE **** UP, B-C!

MARKETING: It seems we made a mistake. Of the 2648 respondents, only fourteen expressed an opinion about numerals. It seems the rest wanted plain indices, but we overlooked that.

CEO: So basically it was a crappy design. Anyone know some gullible kickstarter watch company we could sell the patent to?

CLEVER YOUNG GIT: Rolex might be interested if you told them it would attract a five year waiting list and a 200% price hike.

TEAM: Hmmmmmm!
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by jkbarnes »

Amor Vincit Omnia wrote: Fri Dec 18, 2020 7:00 pm Product meeting...

CEO: I’m really excited about this new design. I think it’s going to be one of our biggest things ever. Did we get the feedback on the dial questionnaire yet?

MARKETING: Yeah, of those who expressed an opinion on numerals approximately half said they loved Romans and hated Arabics, and the other half said they loved Arabics and hated Romans.

CEO: Any ideas?

CLEVER YOUNG GIT: Yeah, I’ve been working on a design. (Produces mock up of California dial) What do you guys think?

MONSIEUR BIZ-CLICHÉ: We could run it up the flagpole and see who salutes it, dress it in a sexy nightie and see who gets into bed with it...

TEAM: SHUT THE **** UP, B-C!

Six months later, review meeting...

CEO: So what happened?

CLEVER YOUNG GIT: Sorry boss, it bombed.

MONSIEUR BIZ-CLICHÉ: Like a lead balloon filled with mercury, like the RAF on a night raid over...

TEAM: SHUT THE **** UP, B-C!

MARKETING: It seems we made a mistake. Of the 2648 respondents, only fourteen expressed an opinion about numerals. It seems the rest wanted plain indices, but we overlooked that.

CEO: So basically it was a crappy design. Anyone know some gullible kickstarter watch company we could sell the patent to?

CLEVER YOUNG GIT: Rolex might be interested if you told them it would attract a five year waiting list and a 200% price hike.

TEAM: Hmmmmmm!
Brilliant! Very creative. I applaud you, sir! :clap: :clap: :clap:
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by Paul Drawmer »

'king brilliant.
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by Wis »

:lol: :clap:

And I actually like a good California dial!
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by TheBeatles »

If I’m not mistaken, didn’t one of CWs Jumping Hour dials feature both?

Roman numerals for minutes and Arabic in the hour window. Or even the other way around!!

That may have been why I sold it.
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by jkbarnes »

TheBeatles wrote: Sat Dec 19, 2020 2:08 pm If I’m not mistaken, didn’t one of CWs Jumping Hour dials feature both?

Roman numerals for minutes and Arabic in the hour window. Or even the other way around!!

That may have been why I sold it.
I’m off to the CWArchives to check! I’ll update this post I’d I find it.

EDITED TO ADD: You are correct!
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by JAFO »

I dislike Roman numerals on watches. Traditional wall clocks and carriage clocks have them, but the dials have more space. I just think Roman numbers take up too much space.
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

JAFO wrote: Sat Dec 19, 2020 6:29 pm I dislike Roman numerals on watches. Traditional wall clocks and carriage clocks have them, but the dials have more space. I just think Roman numbers take up too much space.
You will, of course, be expecting someone to disagree gently and politely with that. I’ll start the ball rolling.

CA0D8DBE-4D8D-4CFA-B8FA-F2AB8F3079CA.jpeg
For the record, I love Romans and I’m perfectly happy with Arabics or plain indices. But I hate that mishmash California dial to pieces.
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by exHowfener »

Personally (I hope this comes across as polite ...) I think the only timepiece Roman numerals belong on is a sundial. But, clearly many people have a different view as they do seem popular. The 'California dial' is just odd though. :)
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by jkbarnes »

Amor Vincit Omnia wrote: Sat Dec 19, 2020 7:05 pm
JAFO wrote: Sat Dec 19, 2020 6:29 pm I dislike Roman numerals on watches. Traditional wall clocks and carriage clocks have them, but the dials have more space. I just think Roman numbers take up too much space.
You will, of course, be expecting someone to disagree gently and politely with that. I’ll start the ball rolling.


CA0D8DBE-4D8D-4CFA-B8FA-F2AB8F3079CA.jpeg

For the record, I love Romans and I’m perfectly happy with Arabics or plain indices. But I hate that mishmash California dial to pieces.
It’s as if Roman numerals were invented specifically for a Cartier Tank...and the Reverso! They look perfect on a Tanks.

I don’t understand that California dial. I’d find it distracting every time I checked the time.
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Re: A question about watch faces...

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

exHowfener wrote: Sat Dec 19, 2020 7:17 pm Personally (I hope this comes across as polite ...) I think the only timepiece Roman numerals belong on is a sundial.
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Re: A question about watch faces...

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Hope is a wonderful thing to have. :D
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