Why Do Clocks and Watches Use the Roman Numeral IIII instead of IV?
Roman numerals are one of the most classic designs found on clocks and watches. As far as we can go back in history, there have always been clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches with Roman numerals on the dials. However, owners of watches with Roman numerals might have noticed something weird, something rather unusual. While the numeral 4 is commonly written IV in the Roman?numeric system, most watches rely on the typography IIII. And of course, just like us, you might have asked yourself why? As always, there is no single answer to a problem, but here are some possible explanations for this absurdly important question. The Roman numeric system isn’t widely used anymore. Most of Western countries rely on Arabic numerals, Asian countries have their own numeric system and Arabic culture uses a typography that is different from the classical Arabic numerals. However, in watchmaking, Roman numerals have been used and are still in

Hands-On - The Chopard Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition (Specs & Price)
A co-president of Chopard, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele's passion for mechanical watches is only matched by his passion for collecting and racing vintage automobiles. What better setting could there be to indulge his two passions than Italy's famous 1000 Miglia car race? Since 1988 Chopard has been the official timekeeper and partner of the classic 1000 Miglia car race and releases new models to celebrate its partnership every year. For the 2021 edition of the 1000 Miglia, which will take place from 16 – 19 June, Scheufele will be behind the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR accompanied by racing legend and close friend Jacky Ickx. To mark the brand's 34th consecutive year of commitment, Chopard releases two versions of the chronometer-certified Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition chronograph: a limited edition of 1,000 pieces in stainless steel and 250 pieces in two-tone steel and ethical pink gold.Classic beautiesItaly's 1000 Miglia race is a dream come true for lovers of classic cars.

Introducing: The New Patek Philippe Cubitus 7128 in 40mm Gold Cases
The new Cubitus collection of sporty-chic watches by Patek Philippe was the most anticipated launch of last year but also the most discussed and commented new release of 2024. Initially released in steel, steel and gold two-tone 45mm by 8.3mm case as Cubitus 5821 time and date reference on a matching metal bracelet and as 5822P with moon phase, instantaneous day of the week and instantaneous big date on a navy blue strap sharing the same dimensions of 45mm across, the time and date model is now presented in a midsize version encased in white or rose gold. Meet the new 40mm Cubitus 7128. The new Patek Philippe Cubitus 7128 is a smaller version of the inaugural time and date reference 5821, introducing new case and bracelet materials to the collection. Available in white gold and rose gold as 7128/1G and 7128/1R respectively, both cases measure 40mm across from 10 to 4 o’clock and 8.5mm thick, with a 30m water resistance. The case is of the same two-part cons

Panerai Mare Nostrum 42mm PAM00716 (Specs & Price)
Mare Nostrum, “Our Sea” in latin. It’s a term that invariably brings to mind a?rare and exclusive model for?Panerai collectors. Indeed, back in the early days of the Florentine?manufacture, a chronograph was?created, one that is so rare it has become a legend. Based on this concept?and on the few pieces of documentation available from?that time, Panerai made a first re-edition of this Mare Nostrum chronograph in 1993 (Ref. 5218-301), the year?the first collection of Panerai watches were made for civilian use – a watch that has become iconic. For 2017, this model returns?in a faithful (but again rare) tribute version, the?Panerai Mare Nostrum 42mm PAM00716.History of the Panerai Mare Nostrum Collection, from 1943 to 2017The 1943 Prototype – Back in 1943, Officine Panerai created a few prototypes?of a chronograph made for?deck officers of the Royal Italian Navy. However, these watches?never went into production and remained an idea only, a concept and they w

Introducing the Anonimo Militare Chrono Marine Van Dutch Special Edition (event report with live photos & price) - Monochrome Watches
For the launch of the Anonimo Militare Chrono Marine Van Dutch, we went to a pleasant place called Cannes, in the very south of France. There, we learned what this new watch is about, what the reason was for the partnership with Van Dutch yachts and how it has influenced the design of their iconic watch for this particular reference. So, let's have a closer look at the watch and the nice experiences we had in Cannes.As Anonimo has had little publicity for some time, it might be a good idea to refresh our memory and start with a short summary of the rather interesting history of this brand.Historical background of AnonimoAnonimo was founded in 1997 in Florence, Italy. During this year, Officine Panerai was bought up by the Richemont Group. Richemont decided to move Panerai from Florence to Switzerland, but a part of the employees did not move to there. When the brand Anonimo was established in Florence, the home-town of both brands, ex-Officine Panerai employees decided to change compan