Horological Meandering

Eastern Arabic numerals are a graphic variant of the Hindu–Arabic numeral system , used in the countries of the Mashriq , the east of the Arab world , as opposed to the west , called Maghreb . In the countries of the Mashriq , these numerals can be found ...  

I find somehow Cartier pulls it off best but am also incredibly partial to the 1921 here, as I would be 😁👌🏻👍🏻

Very beautiful

I think I like the Cloche even more because it features the twelve numerals and is very clean. Best, Emmanuel

and the American 1921 both very well done. The first Arnold & Son is quite nice too. I like it when the dial is clean and features the twelve numerals. For that reason, I also find the dial of the Overseas well done. Best, Emmanuel

I agree! The 1st Arnold & Son and the Overseas also have a nice and clean dial with the twelve numerals (which I like), imo. Best, Emmanuel

One more: From our dear, beloved and deeply missed Geo: ...  

has passed away. His Tank Cintrée is very original with stylized numerals. They rarely come in this simplified design. Best, Emmanuel

The Middle East must be a huge market. IMO, they work best when the dial is clean and most of these Eastern Arabic numerals are present. I quite like the few from VC, particularly the 1921. It is very appropriate to use green for the numerals, and surpris... 

Created in 1997 to commemorate the handover of Hong Kong to China. Not many deviates from the Arabic or Roman numerals back then. *both pictures from NEW YORK WATCH GALLERY. ...  

Is it July 6 ?

I guess 1st July, the day of the handover would be in red.

Like you, I prefer the cleaner dials with the twelve numerals (or eleven of them). For me, the Cartier Cloche stands out as well as the 1921. The 1st Arnold & Son and the Overseas are quite nice too. Best, Emmanuel

I hope to have a watch someday that has that feature and the images you provided are simply amazing, how could I ever choose one?!!

I like these numerals too. For me, the cleaner the dial and the more of the twelve digits it contains, the better. I find the Cartier Cloche particularly well done, as well as the American 1921. Best, Emmanuel

So many beautiful dials using Eastern Arabic numerals, some executed better than others. I believe I saw a Patek with Eastern Arabic numerals at the Patek museum. If i recall correctly, the watch was commissioned for a Kuwaiti client. Beyond that, who kno... 

Here are some others I know of, by Bell & Ross and Unimatic: ...  

Best, Emmanuel

no photo of a PP watch with eastern-Arabic numerals can be found online. Why? I wonder. Is PP reluctant to use such numerals? Horology Ancienne, who are a great father and son duo collecting many wonderful Patek Philippe watches have several bespoke piece... 

Anyway, thank you so much for sharing some of the wonderful grails of your collection and your great horological knowledge and insights. Best cordial regards, Emmanuel

My favorites here are, predictably, the 1921, but also the beautiful Code 11.59 with the tourbillon and meteorite dial ....

are very attractive. I also fond the Cartier Cloche quite nice. Best, Emmanuel

I feel the same way I do about numbers or romans, the cleaner the dial the better things look. For example, even the Daytona here looks messy. By contrast some of the Cartier look the best. As for that last Cartier “Timepeace”, I’ve seen it before and it’... 

The Cartier Cloche stands out, I think so too. As for the TimePeace, well… it’s trying too hard to deliver a message, even if a good one of course… André Gide, a French writer, said: “It is with fine sentiments that bad literature is made”… Best, Emmanuel... 

Cazalea ...  

Seiko has also made some wrist watches with these numerals, like this 42mm SNKP21J1. Best, Emmanuel credit: hodinkee ...  

As you said, originally Indian numbers. https://youtu.be/Ar7CNsJUm58?si=xMsUGsbmv_ZtEHJj Much of the math and science many think came from the west actually originated in the ancient institutes of higher learning of the east. But as usual, the narrative h...  

also called Indic numerals or Arabic–Indic numerals Thank you for the backwards clock: I hadn't seen one like this. And I included some Laureatos (should have thought GP had done some of them with these numerals). Best, Emmanuel

Thanks for this great post 🙏🏻

I agree, these numerals give the watch a nice unusual look. Best, Emmanuel

… explanations about Eastern Arabic numerals and pictures of so many superb examples of watches with these indexes. I always found that these numerals add an special and exotic charm to the dials so marked. Regret to say I own only one example in my colle...  

The Seiko 5 might be "humble" compared to some very elaborate or pricey watches, but it looks very good and your photos are gorgeous. I will definitely add this reference to the post. Warm regards, Emmanuel

With best cordial regards, Abel

Fun fact: Bahrain removed these numerals from their license plates because they are a reference to the country’s colonial past as it was the British who introduced these numerals in the Gulf region. Guess what the real Arabic numbers are… it’s those that ... 

https://youtu.be/Vy3fKt0phUA?si=ITk8FuU4BsfTUk26 What is the area code of Amman?

Thank you for letting us know! Best, Emmanuel

Number plates with Eastern Arabic numerals are still legal for road cars produced pre 1990. However there is a $250 one time charge and are available upon request by the owner. Credit instagram@carsofbahrain As far as colonial references go, this isn’t co...  

Best, Emmanuel

The colonial reference was mentioned to me by my Bahraini friends, with Bahrain having been a British protectorate until 1973.