Comments:
Of the 10 watches that I rotate I only have 2 that have Arabic Numbers. The rest are Roman or just markers or both.
All the other watches with Arabic numbers I sold probably not really realizing why.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERENCE, ROMAN OR ARABIC IN YOUR COLLECTION. OR HAVE YOU PAID ATTENTION TO THE NUMERALS AT ALL?
It really depends on the model and the typography of the numerals.
For example, I’m really happy that VC chose a Roman XII and VI for the Cornes de Vache, but I’m also very happy that Chopard chose Arabic numerals for the Quattro Spirit 25. Best choice in each particular case, imo. And, as far as Laurent Ferrier is concerned, I’m not fond of their elongated Roman numerals and I think simple markers suit better the “less is more” aesthetic of the Classic micro rotor.
It seems to me that Roman numerals almost always make for a dressier look (e.g. they definitely give the Alpine Eagle a dressy touch), but they can also be a bit “heavy”.
Just random thoughts…
It seems to me that Roman numerals almost always make for a dressier look (e.g. they definitely give the Alpine Eagle a dressy touch), but they can also be a bit “heavy”.
Just random thoughts…
I think the font is a determining factor as well, as the 2 I kept have a font that really appeals to me.
As for elegance I was always attracted to this style of Roman and probably the reason I bought the Speake Marin....
Absolutely!
That’s what I meant when I used the word “typography”. And the font on the watches you’ve kept is striking indeed.
One thing I always find interesting is with watch people or not,,,,
is to ask them to cover their watch and describe if it has Roman of Arabic or markers of what combination of all 3 and see if they know.
Almost NOBODY can do it correctly. Which is fascinating, since we look at our watches hundreds of times.
Maybe because I was a publishing guy I like my dials to have clean fonts
I’m not a Roman numeral fan on watches although I do have some, like this Seiko Presage.
For 20 years this Roman Numeral clock has been “ticking” away in my house, so I have my fill of this numeral system (and had to teach it in math books “the C is 100, the L is 50, X is 10, V is 5, etc."
I first saw beautiful Arabic numerals on Paul Gerber's Retro Twin and noticed he shrank the numerals progressively around the dial
F.P. Journe did the same. I loathe partial numerals and those cut by other dial features. I would much rather have varying sizes or absence (as below)
I love the way Blancpain polished the numerals, so they shade from silver to black as you move your wrist
More beauty with Vianney Halter Classic
But blocky, san serif numerals filled with lume are okay in my book too. This Grand Seiko SBGW003 is a rare GS watch with full complement of numbers, I chased for a couple years to land this one.
Railroad style numerals are good as on this Bulova Accutron. I have more than a half-dozen pocket watches (below, at end of post)
Aircraft-style, military dials are good in my eyes, like this Bell & Ross Chonograph
The Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer
Swiss Army watch using the same module as ...
the Breitling Aerospace but with a totally-different look.
I will switch from Space to Sea now, with the Marine Chronometer from Stowa
Ochs & Jr Settimania Jr.
I’m fine with markers and no numerals, as in most of my GS watches.
And I have a few watches with sterile dials.
Howard
Elgin
Forward 50 years to Universal Geneve
Seiko
and so on...
Cazalea
For 20 years this Roman Numeral clock has been “ticking” away in my house, so I have my fill of this numeral system (and had to teach it in math books “the C is 100, the L is 50, X is 10, V is 5, etc."
I first saw beautiful Arabic numerals on Paul Gerber's Retro Twin and noticed he shrank the numerals progressively around the dial
F.P. Journe did the same. I loathe partial numerals and those cut by other dial features. I would much rather have varying sizes or absence (as below)
I love the way Blancpain polished the numerals, so they shade from silver to black as you move your wrist
More beauty with Vianney Halter Classic
But blocky, san serif numerals filled with lume are okay in my book too. This Grand Seiko SBGW003 is a rare GS watch with full complement of numbers, I chased for a couple years to land this one.
Railroad style numerals are good as on this Bulova Accutron. I have more than a half-dozen pocket watches (below, at end of post)
Aircraft-style, military dials are good in my eyes, like this Bell & Ross Chonograph
The Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer
Swiss Army watch using the same module as ...
the Breitling Aerospace but with a totally-different look.
I will switch from Space to Sea now, with the Marine Chronometer from Stowa
Ochs & Jr Settimania Jr.
I’m fine with markers and no numerals, as in most of my GS watches.
And I have a few watches with sterile dials.
OK, Let's go back in time a century for Pocket watches by Hamilton
Howard
Elgin
Forward 50 years to Universal Geneve
Seiko
and so on...
I think I could pass your test of which watch has which fonts.
Cazalea
Cazalea
Yeah...lol.....that clock could cause some tension. I felt stressed just glancing at it.
I could definitely bite the bullet and suffer through that Vianney Halter.
I have watches from all three types Roman, Arabic numerals and indexes. No real preferences.
I have 6 watches
4 stick numerals
2 arabic
0 roman
I find roman too dressy. I prefer stick overall
2 arabic
0 roman
I find roman too dressy. I prefer stick overall
I personally prefer arabic
I'd even go as far as saying even numbers only if possible, the only exception is cartier which I think looks better with roman numerals.