The Roman numeral system originated in Ancient Rome and remained the standard for recording numbers throughout Europe until the late Middle Ages. Roman numerals were used for inscriptions in stone, art, and coinage. Today, Roman numerals are commonly used for itemizing lists, chapter headings, copyright dates, and on watches. Numbers in the Roman numeral system are represented by combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet. Numbers are formed by combining symbols and adding their values.
Interestingly, the numeral zero never existed in Roman numerals. The ancient Greeks were aware of the concept of zero but did not consider it a number. The Romans never used their numerals for arithmetic, so they did not need to maintain an empty column with a zero symbol. Initially, a simple dot was used to denote '0,' which eventually evolved into the '0' we know today.
Today, Roman numerals consist of seven symbols. If you own a watch with Roman numerals or know someone who does, you might have noticed that the number four is written as IIII instead of IV. This is explained by the fact that it adds symmetry to the watch dial.
Roman numerals will undoubtedly remain. Despite the difficulty in remembering numbers after ten or fifteen, we appreciate their classic style and elegance.
Our top 5 affordable watches with classic Roman numerals are as follows:
Tissot TIST41142333 Le Locle
The first on our list is the Tissot TIST41142333 model. It's both an everyday and classic model. Since 1853, this Swiss brand has embodied the simplest elegance without exaggeration. These watches feature a 39mm stainless steel case, matte with a polished bezel, making them very appealing. The silver guilloche dial has an elegant texture, giving it character and aesthetics. The watch dial is covered with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Black Roman numeral hour markers stand out against the silver dial, adding contrast for easy readability. The black hour and minute hands on the silver dial make the watch easy to read.
The TIST41142333 model does not disappoint in terms of features. At three o'clock, there is a discreet but easily readable day chronograph. Black second markers are located on the outermost side of the dial. The watch is powered by an ETA caliber - a mid-range movement visible from the back of the watch. The 15mm black calf leather strap allows for everyday use while remaining comfortable. The watch has a butterfly clasp, but if desired, the stainless steel clasp on the strap can be replaced with a buckle without purchasing a new strap. You just need access to the clasp from the old strap.
In terms of price, these Swiss-made watches have components you would expect from more expensive automatic watches. If you are looking for affordable watches with Roman numerals that are not too complex for everyday wear, you should consider the TIST41142333 model. The TIST41142333 is an excellent choice.
Bulova 96A133
The Bulova 96A133 watch looks more expensive than you would expect and is truly timeless and elegant. Known for keeping up with cutting-edge trends, Bulova has been making watches since 1875. Their reputation for creating quality watches with classic character is unwavering. In 2008, Citizen acquired Bulova Watch Company, and together they represent the world's largest watch company.
The 96A133 model is made in America and features simplicity and clean lines, making it comfortable to wear in the office, at dinner, or on special occasions. These watches have a moderately large 41mm stainless steel case. Black Roman numerals are displayed on a soft silver dial, covered with a protective mineral glass. The stainless steel hour, minute, and second hands contrast nicely with the slightly textured silver dial, making the watch easy to read. The high-quality black leather strap with a modest stainless steel clasp sits comfortably on the wrist. One of my favorite details of this watch is the beautifully polished stainless steel bezel, which adds understated elegance. Thanks to the Japanese quartz movement, these watches keep time accurately.
Details are everything. The 96A133 model is adorned with the classic Bulova tuning fork on the crown and clasp. These watches are water-resistant only up to 99 feet (30 m), so you'll want to remove them for any water-related activity. The 96A133 is a watch you will be proud to wear on your wrist. They are truly stunning watches that won't break your budget.
Citizen Eco-Drive AW1236-03A
Among the most beautiful watches on our list is the Citizen Eco-Drive AW1236-03A. These watches are both functional and affordable. They feature a 40mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 9mm, protected by mineral glass. The dial of these watches is silver with a subtle texture. A unique feature of the AW1236-03A model is the thin gold-tone Roman numerals, which stand out beautifully against the silver dial. The hands of these watches are also in a thin gold color, creating a pleasant and easily readable dial.
Black hour markers are located on the outer side of the dial, and there is a date indicator at the 'three o'clock' position. These watches keep time flawlessly thanks to the Japanese quartz movement. The classic black leather strap with a buckle clasp is beautifully stitched. These watches pair well with various colored straps, so you can swap them in the future if desired or needed. Water-resistant up to 30 meters (90 feet), these watches are not intended for water activities. These watches are designed to last forever.
Another pleasant feature of these watches is the Eco-Drive technology, which uses any light source for recharging, making batteries a thing of the past. The AW1236-03A watches are attractive and light enough to wear every day. They weigh only 1.6 ounces. If you are buying these watches for yourself or perhaps want to impress your father with a great watch that is also affordable, these watches are the perfect choice.
Orient FER24008B0
The next on our list is the Orient FER24008B0. These watches are slightly more expensive than the previous ones, but they are worth the extra dollars for their unique style. Orient is known for its classic yet unique watches, and the FER24008B0 model does not disappoint. The watches have a sophisticated vintage 1950s look that sets them apart from many watches with Roman numerals. The round black dial contrasts with gold-plated Roman numerals and incomplete Roman numerals, including the IIII indices at the 'four o'clock' position.
The date window located at the 'three o'clock' position is easy to read. It has a white background with black letters. The gold-toned 12mm thick stainless steel case with a diameter of 40.5mm is protected by a domed mineral glass, giving the watch elegance and a somewhat retro style. The front of the case is polished, while the sides are matte, creating a combination of texture and depth. The domed dial is what defined the popular Bambino series from Orient. Thanks to the in-house Japanese automatic movement, these watches are reliable and keep time accurately.
The watches are equipped with a 20mm black crocodile leather strap with a gold-tone buckle. Such sharp watches should not be worn in the water. The watches are water-resistant up to 30 meters (99 feet). If you want to buy exclusive watches with Roman numerals that have sophisticated style but are still affordable, you have found them. These are the Orient FER24008B0.
Stuhrling Original 599G.04
If you are looking for more robust watches with Roman numerals that can withstand endless use while still looking good and being affordable, consider the Stuhrling 599G.04 model. Since the 1800s, Stuhrling has been creating watches with traditional appeal that meet Swiss watchmaking standards. The company's founder, Max Stuhrling, is considered a master of complex watches.
These watches are simply stunning. It's hard to believe that you can purchase watches of this caliber for under $400. The 599G.04 model runs on a Swiss quartz movement. The watches feature a round 42mm stainless steel case that is 10mm thick. Unique to Stuhrling watches is the Krysterna crystal protecting the case. The Krysterna crystal was developed in collaboration with eyewear manufacturers for clarity and durability. Krysterna crystals are more resistant to shattering than sapphire crystals, making them less prone to breaks and cracks from impacts.
Reminiscent of a Rolex, the case of these watches certainly stands out. It features a polished coin-edged bezel made of 23-carat yellow gold. The back of the case is decorated with Stuhrling's specialized decoration. Gold Roman numerals are set against a silver dial background. The gold-tone 'baton' style hands with luminescent coating stand out beautifully against the silver dial. The magnified date window with black numerals is conveniently located at the 'three o'clock' position, making it easy to read.
The two-tone bracelet of the 599G.04 watches looks impressive but not excessive. Its width is 22mm, and it features a deployant clasp with a double push-button safety. Rest assured, these watches are going nowhere. Water-resistant up to 100m (330 feet) allows you to lead an active lifestyle, whether relaxing at the beach or swimming.
If you want to purchase affordable watches with Roman numerals but also need reliable construction and functionality, try the 599G.04 model. These are not watches that disappoint.