====== Roman Arabic dial ======
A **Roman Arabic** dial mixes [[Roman numerals]] and [[Arabic numerals]] on the same [[dial]]. It is sometimes also known as a **California** dial or **Error Proof** dial.

===== History =====
[[Rolex]] originated the mixed Roman/Arabic dial in the 1940s, and filed a patent on the design in [[1941]]. Their watches used an inverted triangle at 12 and Roman numerals I, II, X, and XI above Arabic numerals 4, 5, 7, and 8. Bar markers were used at 3, 6, and 9. These were part of the so-called "Error Proof" [[radium]] dials offered on early [[Rolex Bubble-Back|Oyster Perpetual]] models. For this reason, many Rolex fans refer to these as "Error Proof" dials. Rolex also referred to this design as "high visibility".

In [[1944]], a similar dial appeared on a Rolex-made watch from [[Panerai]]. Although not labeled with either brand's logo, the [[Panerai 3646]] is often associated with Panerai. The modern Panerai company incorrectly dates this to [[1936]], causing much confusion.

In the 1980s, a dial maker in California began producing replacement Roman Arabic dials for the Rolex bubble back watch. These came to be called "California" dials.

===== External Links =====
  * [[https://www.rolexmagazine.com/2012/09/the-history-of-california-dial.html|The Complete History of the "California Dial"]]


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