Why do clocks and watches use IIII instead of IV?
Most clocks and watches with Roman numerals, including many Rolex Roman dials, use IIII instead of IV for 4 o'clock: the so-called "watchmaker's four". The most likely reasons are visual balance (IIII mirrors the heavy VIII on the other side of the dial) and tradition: the Romans themselves often wrote IIII. Big Ben is a famous exception that uses IV.
Key facts
| Name | The "watchmaker's four" |
|---|---|
| Main reason | Visual balance with VIII |
| Did Romans use IIII? | Yes, often |
| Famous IV exception | Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) |
| Legend | Louis XIV ordered it (probably untrue) |
| Share of tower clocks with IIII | Over 95% in one survey |
The reasons, from most to least likely
- Visual balance. On a round dial, VIII sits opposite IIII. With IIII, both sides of the dial carry similar visual "weight". IV looks thin and lopsided next to VIII. Horologists, including W. I. Milham, have pointed to symmetry as a reason.
- It's actually Roman. The subtractive form IV became standard much later. Romans frequently wrote IIII, so clockmakers following old inscriptions weren't breaking a rule.
- Neat groupings. With IIII, the first four hours use only I, the next four include V, and the last four include X, a tidy pattern of three groups.
- Casting molds. One theory says metal numerals cast in batches came out evenly: IIII gives 20 I's, 4 V's and 4 X's.
- Respect for Jupiter. IV began the Latin name of Jupiter (IVPITER), so some say Romans avoided it. Historians are skeptical.
- Louis XIV. The popular story that the French king insisted on IIII is almost certainly a legend, since IIII appears on dials long before his time.
Does Rolex use IIII?
Yes: Rolex Roman-numeral dials, such as many Datejust and Day-Date models, traditionally show IIII, following the same convention as most traditional watch and clock makers. It is not a typo or a sign of a fake; a Roman dial with IV on a brand that normally uses IIII would be the thing to question.
Clocks that use IV
The most famous exception is Big Ben, the Great Clock of Westminster, whose dials show IV. Some modern designers also choose IV for a more "correct" look. Both are right; IIII is simply the older clockmaker's habit.
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Questions people ask
Why do clocks use IIII instead of IV?
Mostly for visual balance with VIII on the opposite side of the dial, and because IIII was a genuine Roman form long before IV became standard.
Why does Rolex use IIII?
It follows the traditional watchmaker's four used by most clock and watch makers for centuries.
Is IIII a correct Roman numeral?
Yes. Romans often wrote IIII; the subtractive IV became standard later.
Does Big Ben use IIII or IV?
IV. It is the best-known exception to the IIII convention.
Sources
- Electric Time: Roman IIII vs IV on clock dials
- Teddy Baldassarre: IIII Roman numerals
- Wikipedia: Roman numerals
- Wikipedia: Big Ben
Last updated October 18, 2026. Found an error? Tell us.