8 Exceptional Watches with Arabic Numerals in Varying Styles

Telling time is the primary function of a watch. For 24 hours a day, every single tick indicates the passing time from the morning to the nighttime. When we see the numbers on watch dials, we immediately know the time of day. One of the styles commonly found in the watchmaking industry is Arabic numerals.

Watches with Arabic numerals have been around since the 15th century. It was the time when the first mechanical timepieces were being developed. The influence of Arab traders and scholars encouraged the widespread use of Arabic numerals in Europe. Naturally, watchmakers incorporated the style into the early timepiece designs.

Before exploring all kinds of attractive watches with Arabic numerals, understand the concept and the other types of numeral styles below.

Types of Watch Numerals

Hour markers play a vital role in every type of watch, despite the differences in style and movement. Here are several common numerals on wristwatches:

1. Roman Numerals

Most early timepieces in Europe used Roman numerals. The Etruscan numbering system employed was a standardized use in watchmaking at least since the late Republic and early Empire eras.

In modern wristwatches, Roman numerals are generally associated with formality. Cartier is one of the popular luxury brands that uses this numeral style in most of its creations. A unique characteristic of Roman numerals includes the use of “III” to indicate the number 4.

Among many speculations, the well-known notion about the use of “IIII” instead of “IV” is that “IIII” balances the “VIII” on the other side of the dial. It’s suggested that the use of “IV” would result in a lopsided appearance, which creates an imbalance or disproportion.

2. Arabic Numerals

Arabic numerals were popularized by the Arab sources who introduced the style to the Europeans despite originating from a much older Indian numbering system. The first Arabic numeral mentioned in European literature was in the Codex Vigilantes in 976 AD.

Since then, watchmakers have used Arabic numerals because they’re considered easier to work with than Roman numerals. Employing the decimal numbering system, Arabic numerals have become a universally known concept in the watchmaking world today despite being a relatively recent innovation in mathematics.

In terms of arrangement, watch designers can try different things with Arabic numerals. A simple move is to set the numerals in the same horizontal line. This style may result in an asymmetric look, but it can help the wearer read the time easily. Some watches with Arabic numerals purposefully make the base of each numeral not aligned with the horizontal line from IX to III.

The bases of the numbers are applied on a line at right angles to the 12 lines from the center of the dial, each separated by 30º. Such a technique allows the numbers of the watch to appear more as dial markers than as numerals to the wearer. In other words, the wearer sees the position of the markers before the numerals.

3. Arab Numerals on Arabic Dials

Arabic numerals are a universal concept in the watchmaking industry, but it can also mean a more specific Arab numbering system. Instead of Arabic numerals, people loosely use the term “Arabic dial” when referring to the numbering system from the eastern part of the Arab world.

The numbers are often referred to as the Eastern Arabic numerals or Indian-Arabic numerals. Typographically, the numbers have a close resemblance to the Western Arabic numerals or the universal style in the watchmaking world today.

What Arabic Numerals Mean

In general, the Arabic numerals consist of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. This concept implies a positional notation number with a decimal base. Besides its prominent use in modern timepieces, the numeral style is used for nonnumerical information, like trademarks and license plates.

The Arabic numerals today came from the digits introduced in the 10th century. At the time, the widely known numbering system was widely used from Libya to Morocco. In the eastern part of Arabia, the numerals took slightly different forms: ٠, ١, ٢, ٣, ٤, ٥, ٦, ٧, ٨, ٩. What’s known as the Arabic numerals today is the numbers 1 to 9, also known as the Western Arabic numerals.

Read also: Watches with Roman Numerals “IIII”: Fascinating Aesthetics 

8 Watches with Arabic Numerals

The difference between Eastern Arabic dial watches and Western Arabic numeral watches makes it easier for collectors to understand which type of timepiece to pursue. An Arabic numeral watch emphasizes universality without compromising readability. The design helps watch wearers to tell time easily. Here are some of the recommended options of watches with Arabic numerals to choose from:

1. Ball Watch Co. Engineer III Legend Arabic Black

At first glance, the Ball Watch Co. Engineer III Legend Arabic Black displays the Arabic numerals on its sunburst black dial. With 40 mm in diameter, 11.5 mm in height, and 46.6 mm lug-to-lug, the case presents a slim and fit dimension for any wrist size. To protect the watch against water, the screwed-in crown is featured to ensure 100 m water resistance.

The emphasis on the Arabic numerals is seen in the 6, 9, and 12 markers, which complement the indices that glow in different colors in the dark. Beyond the striking numerals on the dial, the screw-in case back stores the Swiss-made automatic RR1101-C movement that powers the black dial watch.

Price: $2,215.00 USD

2. Squale Super-Squale Arabic Numerals Black

Packing as many functions as possible, the 38 mm Squale Super-Squale Arabic Numerals Black features an engraved case back that offers 200 m water resistance. The Arabic numerals are seen in white colors, indicating the numbers 3, 6, 9, and 12. Against the black dial, the white numerals and baton indexes assist in better visibility in and out of water.

The double-domed sapphire crystal covers the dial to optimize clarity in reading time and scratch resistance. Combined with the matte black dial, the overall style of the case emphasizes classiness without undermining the watch’s functionality in diving activities.

Price: $1,070.00 USD

3. Marathon Pilot’s Navigator Black Sterile Dial

Form over function, the Marathon Pilot’s Navigator Black Sterile Dial is an affordable watch for those who work in the aviation sector. A FiberShell high-impact case with 24-hour Arabic numerals signifies the influence of the military-issued watches in the 1970s.

Measuring 41 mm in diameter, 13 mm in thickness, and 48 mm lug-to-lug, the blackout watch features a bidirectional bezel made of fiber shell. The stealthy case is improved with the matte finish to enhance protection against corrosion. As a military-style watch, the black sterile dial applies tritium gas tubes with MaraGlo™ on the hour markers and handset, which offer maximum legibility for more than 24 hours in a dark environment.

Price: $420.00 USD

4. Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 40 Purple

The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 40 Purple has a balance of heritage and modernity in its design. This 40 mm design features a refined H-link bracelet and versatile proportions, which make the watch bearable for any wrist size. Combined with the stunning purple dial, the white-colored Arabic numerals offer a refined contrast under the domed sapphire crystal that curves on both sides.

The numerals have a rounded shape that complements the sword-shaped hands to create balance and clarity. To ensure legibility in low-light conditions, the Super-LumiNova is applied to each element. As a result, the dial effortlessly exudes vintage and modern elegance, which define refinement.

Price: $1,769.00 USD

Read also: What You Need to Know About Watches with Tropical Dial 

5. Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic

At 41 mm, the Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic displays a stunning vintage aviation design. Made of stainless steel, the case has well-executed satin-brushed finishes from the case to the top of the lugs. Accompanied by polished bezels, the overall appearance showcases classiness and utilitarianism.

Instead of a slim bezel, the pilot watch features the steel bezel with satin finishes on the grooves to give it a sporty vibe. The Arabic numeral watch spots the distinctive diamond-shaped crown at the 3 o’clock position. To complete the strong look, the 41 mm watch is paired with a multi-finished stainless steel bracelet.

Price: $1,100.00 USD

6. Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz 38mm White

True to its military heritage, the Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz White emphasizes the utilitarian aspect of a timepiece on the field. To soften the design, Hamilton sets the diameter of the stainless steel case to 38 mm. The matte sandblasted tone of the case is a callback to the original finishes that minimize the reflections from polished surfaces.

As a Khaki Field watch, the 38 mm watch is equipped with a dependable 50 m water resistance. The size makes the watch suitable for any wrist size, both for men and women alike. Under the domed sapphire crystal, the clean white dial features straightforward, clear Arabic numerals in a vintage hue to mimic the aged patina. To maintain the symmetry, no additional display is added to the dial.

Price: $400.00 USD

7. Alpina Alpiner Heritage Carree Automatic Silver

For rectangular watch collectors, the Alpina Alpiner Heritage Carree Automatic Silver may be one of the watches with Arabic numerals worth collecting. Taking inspiration from the 1930s, the Alpina’s 140th anniversary measures 32.5 mm in width, 9.71 mm in thickness, and 39 mm lug-to-lug, which makes it comfortable to wear.

The Arabic numerals allow the wearer to read the time more easily on the vintage-styled dial safely encased in the 316L stainless steel case. Overall, the rectangular watch gives an ultra-vintage, dressy look, especially with the beige and silver that complement the Arabic numerals perfectly. For easy operation, the case features a push-pull crown and crown guards.

Price: $1,595.00 USD

8. Mido Multifort Powerwind Black

A tribute to its 1954 predecessor, the Mido Multifort Powerwind Black brings back the retro design, which may attract vintage-style watch collectors. The 40 mm watch gets a stainless steel case with full polishing finishes, which allows the dress watch to have a distinctive retro look. Though featuring a box-shaped sapphire crystal, the thin bezel manages to give a graceful dimension.

Applied Arabic numerals at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock and alternative applied indices contrast the deep sunburst dial. To give better legibility, the anti-reflective sapphire crystal is applied over the stunning dial. The 6 o’clock position is filled with a date display to retain the balance. For an emphasis on the retro look, the sword-shaped hands that glow in the dark are paired with the Arabic numerals.

Price: $884.00 USD

Final Thoughts

Watches with Arabic numerals may not be something new to see in the modern market. Its application impacts the development of watch design greatly. After all, watches cannot function when they don't rely on a numbering system. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that watchmakers must stick to one design to stay true to the spirit of timekeeping.

Modern watchmakers innovate with other styles of numerals. Some even eliminate the numerals, which only leaves the hour and minute hands. Despite the differences in style, all the types of numerals reflect the importance of the time-telling needs for human activities.

Read also: All Dial Watches for a Bigger Piece that Captures Everything