Why clock shows 10.10?
Hey! I used to work in retail and we always set our display clocks to 10:10. The main reason is actually pretty simple - it creates a nice symmetrical "smile" shape that makes the clock look happy and inviting.
Also, at 10:10, the hands frame the manufacturer's name perfectly without covering it up. If you think about it, if the hands were at 8:20, they'd point downward and make the clock look sad.
It's become such a standard in the industry that even digital clocks and smartwatch displays use 10:10 in their promotional images. Just one of those unwritten rules that everyone follows!
That's actually a really interesting observation about clock displays! You'll notice that most clocks in advertisements, store displays, and even smartphone default screens show 10:10. There are several theories about why this became the standard:
- Aesthetic appeal - The hands form a "smile" or "victory" shape that looks positive and welcoming
- Brand visibility - At 10:10, the hands don't cover the manufacturer's logo which is usually at the 12 o'clock position
- Historical significance - Some say it represents the time when Abraham Lincoln died or when nuclear tests were conducted, but these are likely myths
- Practical reasons - It simply looks balanced and pleasant to the eye
The practice started in the watch industry and spread to all types of clock displays. It's one of those marketing conventions that just stuck because it works!
Time and Date magazine has a great article exploring this phenomenon in more detail.