Buzz
Numerous hypotheses have been put forward regarding the placement of the time 10:10 to remind people of certain important historical events. However, the reality behind this reflects the profound thinking of advertisers.
If you're a watch enthusiast, you've probably wondered why they're always set to a specific time in all advertisement images. Or if you haven't noticed, you can Google it right now. You're sure to see that all watch images are set at the time of 10:10.
The singular setting of this moment on watch faces is no coincidence. According to Medium, this has persisted for countless decades.
Many hypotheses suggest that this time setting is to commemorate the moment Abraham Lincoln passed away. However, Lincoln was assassinated at 10:15 p.m. on April 14, 1865, and passed away at 7:21 a.m. the next morning.
Another hypothesis suggests that setting the clock hands to 10:10 is to remind of the time when the U.S. dropped 2 atomic bombs on 2 cities in Japan during World War II.
However, scientists have studied historical documents and found that the actual times the atomic bombs were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima were 11:01 and 8:15 respectively. Therefore, the aforementioned hypotheses are inaccurate.
In reality, the reason lies not in the time 10:10, but in the artistic value of this hand positioning. Setting it to 10:10 may seem simple, but behind it lies a profound expression of design thinking and aesthetics. This is easily understandable, especially in an age where technological devices are dominant, and watches increasingly lean towards decorative function and prestige.
1. Brand Emphasis
According to NYTimes, most watch brands place their logos at the bottom corner under the 12 o'clock position, aligning directly with the center of the watch. When people glance at the watch showing 10:10, their eyes automatically lead to the midpoint between the two hands, where the brand logo is also located.
If advertisement images positioned the watch hands at 12:05 or 1:20 accidentally, the logo would either be covered or create a sense of clutter when looked upon.
For this reason, some may argue for positioning the watch hands at 8:20, ensuring no interference with the logo. However, placing the hands at that angle would make the advertisement image less appealing, especially causing distraction to viewers' vision.
In an instant, the brain will either think or look at the clock hands, or gaze at the logo. As a habit, we tend to glance at the clock hands to check the time. Therefore, if the clock hands are not aligned with the direction of the logo, the brand may easily go unnoticed.
Additionally, supplementary elements like the date window on the watch are often positioned at the 3, 6, 9 positions. Hence, having the hands pointing to the 10 and 2 positions is entirely reasonable.
2. Personifying Smiley Face
According to Timex watch company employees, previously, the clock hands were set at the 8:20 position. This was also a 'prime' position, symmetrical, highlighting the beauty of the watch. However, this hand placement often evoked a sad or frowning face, creating a less positive impression for viewers of the advertisement.
Meanwhile, with the hands angled upwards at the 10:10 position, it inadvertently forms a shape resembling a smiley face, conveying a positive feeling.
3. Forming the Letter V - Symbol of Victory
Have you noticed that 10:10 on the clock forms the letter V - symbolizing Victory. This image is also seen as resembling an eagle, symbolizing strength, courage, and success.
4. Creating Symmetry
Research by scientists at Oxford University in 2008 revealed that humans are always impressed by perfect symmetry, whether it's in faces, bodies, or objects in life...
Scientists believe that symmetry is equated with a healthy immune system in humans, or it's a reputable product that helps users easily gain the trust of others... Therefore, having the hands set at the 10:10 position will be even more impressive.
