Clock Shop 10:10: The Classic Meaning

  • Thread starter Thread starter darkar
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Clock
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the common practice of displaying clocks at the 10:10 position in clock shops. Participants explore various theories and observations regarding this phenomenon, including aesthetic, marketing, and practical considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that Timex popularized the 10:10 position for marketing purposes, as it frames their logo effectively.
  • Others note that clocks in shops often display different times to demonstrate their chime functionality, which can create a chaotic auditory experience.
  • A few participants propose that the symmetry of the 10:10 position is visually appealing and does not obstruct the clock's branding.
  • One participant mentions a theory that the 10:10 position creates a subconscious image of a smiley face, potentially benefiting sales.
  • Another theory discussed involves the historical context of time stopping at the moment of Lincoln's assassination, although its relevance to the 10:10 position is questioned.
  • Some participants express humorous observations about the chaotic sound environment in clock shops with multiple clocks chiming at different times.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing theories regarding the reasons for displaying clocks at 10:10, with no consensus reached on which explanation is the most accurate or relevant.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions made about the effectiveness of visual aesthetics in marketing and the potential impact of sound in a retail environment, which are not fully explored or resolved.

darkar
Messages
187
Reaction score
0
Have any of u noticed the classic clock hang in the time shops always pointing to 10:10 ? (note: i mean the classical one, not the digital one). Do you know why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I do not know how much truth there is to this, but I've heard that Timex started this trend when photographing their products for magazines. The 10:10 (or 10 to 2) position is merely to frame their logo, which is below the 12.
 
Every clock shop I've ever been in has the clocks all on different times and all running. That's because if you want to know how they sound or what they do when they chime the hour, the owner of the clock shop just adjusts the time to the hour for you.
 
My guess would just be that 10:10 and 1:50 look nice and symmetrical.

Either way, they're right twice a day...
 
Moonbear said:
Every clock shop I've ever been in has the clocks all on different times and all running. That's because if you want to know how they sound or what they do when they chime the hour, the owner of the clock shop just adjusts the time to the hour for you.

Same here. It gets kinda irritating though, listening to all the ticking and tocking in an amalgamated fashion.. and then listening to all the various dinging every hour...

Its like having a marching band playing at the same time, but having each instrument playing a different song.
 
I'm told that it "creates the subconscious image of a smiley face". Presumably that's supposed to be good for sales or something...
 
matthyaouw said:
I'm told that it "creates the subconscious image of a smiley face".
But if the Timex thing is right, doesn't that predate smiley faces?

I always thought that they just kept everything running a couple of minutes apart so the constant chiming would attract the attention of shoppers (and coincidentally piss off their neighbours). :biggrin:
 
motai said:
Its like having a marching band playing at the same time, but having each instrument playing a different song.

And that, as we all should know, should never ever be done. Just not cool.
 
Mostly, I'm told that the 10:10 (or thereabouts) time is frequently used because :
(i) it is symmetric and hence visually pleasing,
(ii) it doesn't block out the manufacturer or model names which are usually printed just above and below center - in fact , it may naturally bring your attention to the maker's name which is sort of cradled within the "V".

Besides the"smiley" theory, there's one more theory out there that's worth mentioning (even if it's nothing more than an oft repeated fabrication). It usually involves some statement to the effect that "time stopped when Lincoln was shot" - which I think happened around 10:14.
 
  • #10
A 10-10 police call in michigan means there eating lunch.
 
  • #11
hypatia said:
A 10-10 police call in michigan means there eating lunch.
I've seen Michigan police. For them, lunch is a 24-7 call... :-p
 
  • #12
Moonbear said:
Every clock shop I've ever been in has the clocks all on different times and all running. That's because if you want to know how they sound or what they do when they chime the hour, the owner of the clock shop just adjusts the time to the hour for you.

Hmmm, I always assumed that there are large gravity variations in clock shops. :confused:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 88 ·
3
Replies
88
Views
8K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 50 ·
2
Replies
50
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
932