Clocks (the ones with Roman Numerals)

I noticed my uncle's clock has IIII instead of IV where the 4 should be. We thought it was just one person who messed it up. Well I had a mock trial for my business law class and in the courtroom, I noticed another clock that said IIII instead of IV.

So, just out of curiosity, I typed in "Roman Numerals Clock" on a google image search and most of the clocks I found said IIII.

So... um, how many of you have clocks with Roman Numerals? Do they say IIII or IV? I just find this a bit strange. And funny.

I have one clock like that and it says IV, but I know IIII is also an accepted form.

I have a roman numeral clock too! but its IV, not IIII on mine

IIII was the original roman numeral for 4 because IV was the pagan god Jupiter. IV wasn't used for 4 until the late 1300s.

Yeah, what roto said.

I do not have any analog clocks with roman numerals.

They should make digital clocks with roman numerals!

digital roman numeral clock would be awesome...i would pay a hefty sum just so i could show it off

had no idea about the IIII that's pretty interesting, but was this the exception to the backwards notation denoting subtraction?? (IX is 10-1 to equal 9) because it was a low number, or were all of the numbers like this at some point?

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e2...kotanechku.png

I have a cuckoo clock in my room. It says IV though, I think ... Oh, yep, it does.

Am I the only person who's seen these clocks?

Oh no... I think I might be crazy... lol

No, most clocks use IIII. I actually prefer them that way, but that's because I'm an iconoclast.

What's an iconoclast?

means 'e likes to go against the grain so to speak

Mine has IV.

I've seen quite a number of clocks with IIII.

Take that one clock room or whatever in that one... Temple of the Ancients place in FFVII? Yeah. That's when I first learned about this stuff.

(I actually referred to a FF game?)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kawaii Ryûkishi

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e2...kotanechku.png

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That pic is awesome ^_^ And most clocks i've seen have IV on them...

My clock doesn't have any numbers (roman numerals or normal arabic numerals), just a dot at each hour. I've seen them with both IV and IIII though, but I prefer IV cos it has a kind of symmetry to it.

IV is more common because the Roman's dun liek nuhfen more dan 3 letrs. But IIII is acceptable.

I love Roman numeral clocks, I wanna get one for my room.

Using one or the other seems to be wholly arbitary anyway.

For example. 1999 = MIM right ?

Well it's actually MCMXCIX ! wtf

So just do whatever you want. As long as the person reading knows the numbers and can do arithmetic you are fine.

1666 - MDCLXVI. Rawk.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Quin 'n' Tonic

IV is more common because the Roman's dun liek nuhfen more dan 3 letrs. But IIII is acceptable.

I love Roman numeral clocks, I wanna get one for my room.

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Romans hate subtraction.

Plus the whole IVPITER was bad mojo.

Never really noticed the difference between IIII and IV. Now I'm all freakin' out and checking all of my clocks (which are in actual numerals, not silly Roman numerals. [because I am not a Roman]).

Is that so? Well, I never!

Also, last I checked, IIII is also a considered option because it's easier to read when upside down.

VI V IV might confuse people when put in the proper place on a clock.