Clock Faces

The time keeping device, that we call a clock, derives its name from a Latin worn 'cola' meaning 'bell'. A clock can be describes as an instrument used for measuring time through a period of twenty-four hours or one calendar day. A clock measures a day in two cycles of twelve hours each and typically has three hands or needles that move over a 'face'. These are the second, minute, and the hour hand of the clock.

The face of a clock is that pert of a clock that displays the numbers from one to twelve over which the hands move. Originally the face of a clock used to be circular and white with black numberings. However, with the designs and technology of clock making advancing with time the face of the clock had acquired many designs. The term 'face' has also been adapted to describe the display of digital and other electronic timing devices as well.

Different types of faces.

Certain clocks have faces that are marked in 24-hour intervals. Some clocks are designed for special purposes such as darkroom timers and sport clocks have markings on the face to record time in periods in less than one hour such as a stopwatch. The faces of clocks may have roman numerals others may have Indo-Arabic numerals. However, Arabic numerals began to be used in the mid-eighteenth century.

Roman Numerals

Two numbering systems on the faces of watches have been used in combination with the Roman Numerals indicating the hours and the Indo-Arabic numerals indicating the minutes. Long case clocks, better known as grandfather clocks, typically use Roman numerals for the hours. The face displays a 'IIII' rather than 'IV' to mark the fourth hour this is basically designed to achieve symmetry with 'VIII'. The face of the famous Movado 'Museum Watch' is known for a single dot at the 12 o'clock position.

Origin of the clock face

Clock faces were invented around the 17th century when the clock makers discovered that the mechanism that moves the bell of the public clocks could be altered to move an arm over a dial to indicate the time. Until the last quarter of the 17th century hour markings were etched into metal faces and the recesses filled with black wax.

Higher contrast and improved readability was achieved with white enamel plaques painted with black numbers. Initially, the numbers were printed on small, individual plaques mounted on a brass substructure. The thirteen-piece face was an early attempt to create an entirely white enamel face for contrast. As the name suggests, it was composed of thirteen enamel plaques. The first single piece enamel faces began to appear in 1735. Thus changing the face of the clock forever.

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