This has puzzled me for ages and I hope my forum members may beable to help me with this, but in magazines and catalogues, why are most clocks and watches showing the time 'Ten to Two' or 'Ten past Ten'???

Is it supposed to mean something, or am I on my own on this?? (Possibly)!

I know but they all do it. To me now, a clock that isn't stuck at ten to two looks odd, lol.

Apparently, the theory is that it looks welcoming, like a pair of open arms - and it's shouting buy ME!, BUY me!!

So they tell me? :D

Originally posted by rubydazzler
I know but they all do it. To me now, a clock that isn't stuck at ten to two looks odd, lol.

Apparently, the theory is that it looks welcoming, like a pair of open arms - and it's shouting buy ME!, BUY me!!

So they tell me? :D

Makes sense!

I remember seeing a program about a japanese car company. They had a car that had a front grill that resembled a frown. They changed the front grill to resemble a smile and it boosted sales!!

That's a good theory RD, but what about digital watches too??
i think its some kind of conspiracy theory, controlling the masses, maybe it denotes the 'end of time'?? (eerie music ensues in the vein of 'the twilight zone') :suspect:

hmmm! it's a theory certainly ....

*ponder*

much as I like your idea HotGal, I have to counter with the cold hard fact that, by the time digital watches were invented, the code of ten to two was enshrined in the timekeeping industry ....

(turns off eerie music, draws open the curtains revealing the cold hard light of day) and sees ......

*shiver*

the clock is stopped at ten to two .....

:o

it is supposed to lok like a smiley mouth (upturned) rather than a down turned one....

Originally posted by rubydazzler
I know but they all do it. To me now, a clock that isn't stuck at ten to two looks odd, lol.

Apparently, the theory is that it looks welcoming, like a pair of open arms - and it's shouting buy ME!, BUY me!!

So they tell me? :D

The photograph also looks more balanced and "correct" with the hands at ten to two, if you think about it. It's an aesthetic thing.

Hi Hotgal

Bcoz I know you on a personal level I am very surprised/disappointed with this posting...if you are as busy as you say you are all the time you really shouldn't have time to think about things like this let alone post a thread on it!!! LOL!!

Cya next week ;)

I am busy!!! You would know that if you know me on a personal level as you say.....very suspect :suspect: x ! x

LOL..... :clap:

suspect....me.......:suspect:

There is a good page on the net explaining why they use certain times here :

http://www.ubr.com/clocks/faq/1010.html

seems like having the hands at certain positions 'frames' the manufacturers name on the dial [no good if you cant see who made the watch you are looking at !]

Someone has even contacted Timex to ask this very question - see here for their reply and the standard time they use in all ads

http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/ubb.x/a/tpc/f/4714002552/m/3931099012

Hope this helps

Rudi

Originally posted by mojoworking
The photograph also looks more balanced and "correct" with the hands at ten to two, if you think about it. It's an aesthetic thing.

Wouldn't it also look balanced at say 6 o'clock? :D

why not 3.15 or 2.45 - or is that too much like 'legs akimbo' so
tarts up the product!!!! :banana:

Originally posted by rubydazzler

Apparently, the theory is that it looks welcoming, like a pair of open arms - and it's shouting buy ME!, BUY me!!

:D

The last one I bought said twenty to four ;-) It looked very inviting.

Originally posted by rtapper
There is a good page on the net explaining why they use certain times

Thanks for that rtapper, very informative, I can put my mind at rest now. Problem solved :thumbsup:

Going off on a slight tangent....

my driving instructor used to tell me to place my hands in the ten to two positiion.

ON THE STEERING WHEEL OF COURSE!!! LOL

:D

So if any driving instructors suggest 3.15 I would take it that he's trying to get into your knickers...outta there fast gal!!


In the Avon catalogue the watches are set at 5.20pm!!! What Rebels!!!! Oh Avon Ding Dong!!!!!!!!!!!!