4 ms·
The reason that I heard was that it was easy to mass-engrave a single plate: VIIIIX For each clock, you make 4 of these, and split each block into numbers the
by nvader 3y ago
The reason that I heard was that it was easy to mass-engrave a single plate:
VIIIIX
For each clock, you make 4 of these, and split each block into numbers the following way:
V IIII I X
VI III IX (mirror the IX for 11)
VII II IX
VIII IIX
This lets you mass produce watch numbers with a minimum of wasted material.
- ghostly_s 3y agoI think most clocks and watches would have the numerals engraved directly into the face, and if they were separate pieces as on a tower clock they would be either be engraved by hand or with a pantograph, but probably not engraved at all but cut out from a sheet. In any case I don't see how your method creates any meaningful economies of scale — if anything four 'I's requires _more_ material than an 'IV.'
- qprofyeh 3y agoBrilliant if true!
- JoBrad 3y agoDoesn’t that also work for IVIIIX?
- madcaptenor 3y agoThat’s six letters. The full set I through XII uses 26 letters (if you use IV) or 28 (if IIII), so there will be some wastage.
- pfannkuchen 3y agoNit: Does the plate need a fifth I? Also 12 needs to be mirrored I think. Otherwise lgtm.
- deleted 3y ago[deleted]