Roman numeral-clad watches are a surefire way to add a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. Completing any important collection, these traditionally styled timepieces incorporate an ancient numerical system with ease and grace, connecting the present to the past by way of an age-old mechanical craft.

With so many alluring watches featuring Roman numerals on the market today, we’re doing our best to simplify your hunt with a concise, considered look at some of the best choices a collector could make.

Shop Bezel’s entire curated collection of Roman numeral watches here.

Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234-0025

The impossibly iconic Datejust is always a good choice, especially when adorned with Roman numerals marking each hour in style. Distinguished as the first self-winding, waterproof wristwatch to feature a date window that switched over instantaneously at midnight, it’s more than just an attractive addition to any respectable collection; it’s a figurehead of horological history.

In its traditional 36 mm form factor, this universally-celebrated Rolex sits perfectly on the wrist, boasting just enough presence without teetering into ostentatious territory. Add Roman numerals into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for watch-collecting success.

Cartier Santos-Dumont Ref. WSSA0046

Cartier is nothing if not synonymous with Roman numeral-clad dials, with a seemingly endless back catalog of important designs featuring the storied numerical system. Needless to say, no one does Roman numerals quite like Cartier, and few Cartier’s employ these numerals quite like the famed Santos-Dumont, which enjoys over 120 years of exalted history.  

Both slimmer and more refined than pieces from its sister collection, the Santos-Dumont honors the original vision of the brand’s earliest wristwatch designs, famously produced for the Brazilian aeronautics pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904. In its most modern form, this Roman numeral decorated legend is sure to turn heads in the most tasteful way imaginable.

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 “Stealth” Ref. 101.025

Delighting collectors since its 1994 introduction, A. Lange & Söhne’s Lange 1 has quickly become one of the single most significant expressions of haute horology to emerge from watchmaking's modern era. Distinguished by its deconstructed dial layout and notably featuring Roman numerals at the twelve, three, six, and nine o’clock positions, the German icon has rightfully earned unmatched regard in the minds of leading watch-collecting tastemakers.

Designed in accordance with the principles of the golden ratio, the Lange 1 transcends novelty for a truly timeless appearance, that’s not only aesthetically pleasing on an anecdotal level, but on a mathematical level, as well.

IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days Ref. IW5101-02

Though it might just have one single Roman numeral marking at its twelve o’clock position, this 45 mm reference from IWC packs a serious punch and is, therefore, worthy of your consideration.

Featuring a hand-wound, mechanical movement that boasts an astonishing eight days of power reserve, IWC’s love letter to Italy's laid-back lifestyle is not only subtly handsome but exceptionally well engineered to impress even the most discerning of collectors.

Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Ref. WGTA0011

Named for the Cartier founder and designer of the original Tank watch, the Tank Louis Cartier is without question the quintessential Cartier watch and arguably the most iconic Roman numeral-adorned watch in history. As an indisputable classic by all definitions, it’s easily dressed up or down, never appearing out of place in practically any setting.

Despite over a century having passed since its serialized release in 1919, the Tank Louis Cartier’s design remains essentially unchanged, and for good reason. All it takes is one glance at the earliest and latest references to understand that the genius of its aesthetics needn’t be meddled with.

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