Clock face

100 A clock faces is the part of an analog clock that tells time from side to side the use of a fixed numbered dial or dials and moving hand or hands. Typically, the dial is numbered 1-12 representative the hours in a 12-hour cycle. The term face is also used for the time display on digital clocks and watches.

Certain clocks have 24-hour analog displays and are noticeable consequently. Some special purpose clocks, such darkroom timers and sporting occasion clocks are designed for measuring periods less than one hour. Clocks can indicate the hour with roman numerals or Arabic numerals. The two numbering systems have also been used in mixture with the prior representing the hour and the later the minute. Long case clocks typically use Roman numerals for the hours. Clocks using only Arabic numerals first began to appear in the mid-18th century. In some instances, mainly in the case of watches, the numbers are replaced with undifferentiated hour markings. Infrequently markings of any sort are dispensed with. The face of the Movado "Museum Watch" is known for a single dot at the 12 o'clock position.

Historical and Stylistic Development
Before the late 15th century, a fixed hand indicated the hour by pointing to rotating numbers. Minute hands only came into use in the late 17th century after the discovery of the pendulum allowed for increased accuracy in time telling. Until the last quarter of the 17th century hour markings were etched into metal faces and the recesses filled with black wax. Subsequently, 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. This was not a stylistic decision; rather enamel production technology had not yet achieved the skill to create large pieces of enamel. The "13 piece face" was an early attempt to create an completely white enamel face. As the name suggests, it was composed of 13 enamel plaques: 12 numbered wedges en suite around a circle. The first single piece enamel faces, not unlike those in production today, began to appear c. 1735.