If you are a watch fanatic, you must have wondered why they are always placed at one point in all the promotional images. Or if you don’t notice, you can completely go to Google to check right now. You will definitely see the results of the clock images being set at 10:10.
This unique setting of a moment on watch faces is not just random. According to Medium this has lasted for countless decades.
Many theories have been put forward to place this moment in memory of the moment Abraham Lincoln died. But in fact, Lincoln was assassinated at 10:15 on April 14, 1865 and died at 7:21 am the next morning.
Another theory is that setting the clock at 10:10 is to remind the time when the US dropped two atomic bombs on two Japanese cities during World War II.
However, the scientific community has studied historical documents and found that the time when the bombs were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima were 11h1 and 8:15, respectively. Therefore, the above hypotheses are not correct.
In fact, the real reason is not at 10:10, but in the artistic value of this needle adjustment. How to adjust 10h10 seems to be very simple, but behind it shows a very deep aesthetic and design thinking. This is understandable, especially in the era when technological devices are dominant, watches are increasingly inclined to decorative functions and show class.
1. Highlight the brand
According to the NYTimes, most watch brands put their logos in the bottom corner of the number 12 pointing straight down to the center of the watch. The human eye when looking at the clock at 10:10 will automatically lead to the center between the two hands opening, which is also where the brand logo is located.
If the advertising image places the clock hand at 12:5 or 1:20, the logo will be accidentally covered or when looking at the logo, it will create a sense of entanglement.
For this reason many people will say that the hands can be placed at 8.20 o’clock and the hands do not affect the logo. However, if the needle is placed at that angle, the advertising image will become less attractive, especially distracting the viewer’s vision.
In a split second, the brain will have to think or look in the direction of the clock, or look at the logo. Meanwhile, out of habit, we will look in the clockwise direction to see the time. So if the hands of the watch do not coincide with the direction of the logo, the brand may not be noticed.
In addition, additional elements such as the date and month boxes displayed on the watch are usually placed at the 3, 6, and 9 positions. So it makes perfect sense for the 2 hands to point to the 10 and 2 positions.
2. Visualize a smiling face
According to employees of the Timex watch company, in the past, the hands of the clock were located at 8:20. This is also a “prime” position, symmetrical and highlighting the beauty of the watch. However, this type of needle placement makes many people think of a sad, frowning face, giving viewers a negative advertising image.
Meanwhile, with the angle of the needle pointing up at 10:10, it accidentally forms a smiley-like angle, giving a positive feeling.
3. Form the letter V – the symbol of Victory (victory)
Did you notice, 10 hours and 10 minutes on the clock will form a V shape – symbolizing the Victory symbol. This image is also seen as an eagle’s wing, symbolizing strength, courage and success.
4. Create symmetry
Research by scientists at the University of Oxford in 2008 has shown that people are always impressed with a perfect symmetry, whether it is a face, a body or an object in life…
Scientists believe that balance is equated with a healthy immune system in humans, or is it a reputable product, helping users easily win the trust of the opposite person… So The fact that the 2 hands are located at 10:10 will be even more impressive.
