Arabic, Roman, and Non Numeric Indices - ELIMINATE 1
As three of the most common ways to display hour markings on a watch, I am curious to know which style you would miss the least if you had to eliminate one.
For purposes of simplicity, the Arabic option refers to the Western Arabic number system as it's used almost universally, even though the watches that use culturally-specific numbers are cool as hell (I love my Seiko 5 with Eastern Arabic numbers!). I realize Roman numerals are technically culture-specific, however they feel deserving of their own category given their prominence in the watch world.
Non numeric refers to any style of index that does not use numerals - dots, triangles, rectangles, batons, etc.
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Pete
Dial Lover. Bracelet Fanatic. Seikoholic.
Member since
Last active: 1 hr ago
7.00” / 17.78 cm
What's interesting is Arabic and Non-Numeric can usually be found on any style of watch, whereas you mostly see Roman on dress pieces. So I suspect people's answers will be influenced by the types of watches already in their collections. I actually chose to eliminate Arabic - which feels weird because it's arguably the most practical way to display the time (here's the dead giveaway that I don't own a pilot watch 😂). But I just have hardly any arabic dials at all. Most of my dress watches use elegant non numerics, I have an extensive dive collection which is also non numerics, and although I only have 2 roman numeral watches, I'm quite fond of that style.
I think I like the simplicity of the marker. I've never been a huge fan of a number in every spot.
If I was just getting rid of stupid round luminous indices like on dive watches, I'd just push that button all day long. But I feel I must keep Roman numerals even though they are generally done awfully and I have no particular love for that, well any, Cartier model, so goodbye Arabics.
I'd get rid of stupid round luminous indices like on dive watches. Hence option B for me. Arabic all day ftw...
So far, the people are right.
Can't seem to figure out how to change a vote once it's cast (stupid fat fingers hit the wrong one) but lose the roman numerals. Only really like them on the Cartier Santos.
I put non numeric, because I really dislike round indices- I love pointy ones (like the Aqua Terra) & square (Willard) but just can't abide round lume plots, ( eg Black Bay, most Seiko divers)
Dunno why, it's not rational I just find them "visually irritating".
Having said that , among my collection is a MM200 that I have a love hate relationship with & I don't own anything with Romans on 😂