the reason why the number four in some roman clocks is still be written as IIII instead of IV

The appearance of "IIII" instead of "IV" on some Roman clocks is largely a matter of historical and stylistic preference rather than a strict adherence to traditional Roman numeral rules. Here are a few reasons why you might still see this:

1. Historical Variation: Before the standardization of Roman numerals, there was more variation in the way numbers were represented. "IIII" was used for four before the subtractive principle (where "IV" represents 1 less than 5) became universally accepted.

2. Aesthetic Appeal: For some clock makers, the symmetry of "IIII" might have been considered more visually appealing than "IV".

3. Tradition: Some clock makers may continue to use "IIII" out of tradition, or due to the influence of older clock designs that used this form.

4. Craftsmanship: The process of engraving or painting Roman numerals onto a clock face can be intricate, and for some artisans, using "IIII" might be seen as a traditional part of their craft.

5. Error or Oversight: In some cases, it could simply be an oversight or an error on the part of the designer or manufacturer.

6. Misinterpretation of Instructions: It's also possible that some clock makers might not be fully aware of the historical convention and simply copy what they've seen on other clocks.

The use of "IIII" is generally not recommended for modern use, and "IV" is the correct and accepted representation of the number four in Roman numerals. However, as with many historical conventions, there can be exceptions, especially in decorative or artistic contexts.