Why do clocks for sale all show 10 past 10?

Question

Why do clocks for sale all show 10 past 10?

Answer 1

good question

Answer 2

hehe @ dan's answer.. It's probably true.

if the clocks are in packaging, that would involve opening them..

maybe it's something to do with driving.. 10 to 2 is the where your hands are supposed to be on the steering wheel =)

Answer 3

Dan - you are absolutely correct - EU directives can be very obscure but are there for our protection.

LOL

Answer 4

so that all the numbers can be displayed.

Answer 5

The symmetrical arrangement of the hands is pleasing the the eye and leaves a large amount of space for advertising matter, such as the name of the jeweler.  In the past, dummy clocks were set at 8:18, the time of day on November 5, 1605 when Guy Fawkes planned to blow up the Parliament and King James I.  In the U.S., hands on dummy clocks and watches used by jewelers for advertising purposes may say 10:10.  The story goes that the man who painted the first of these wooden clocks had just heard of the death of Abraham Lincoln.  Lincoln was shot at 10:10 in the evening and died at 7:30 the next morning.

Answer 6

Oh wow, your right.

http://www.target.com/Clocks-Home-D%C3%A...

it doesn't seem to be for digital clocks though.

People tend to go to the store in the morning. maybe 10:10 is the average time people buy clocks, so they sell them at 10:10 just in case your in line and you want to know what the time is, you can just look at your clock.

Answer 7

EU Directive PSG129565-00 dictates that all clocks must be made at 10.10 or 22.10 exactly in order to protect the clock makers of France.

Either that or because it's a symmetrical time and looks neat.

Answer 8

it looks as if it smiles at you a happy face

Answer 9

If clocks were to have a face then 10 past 10 looks happy!! It's a selling point too. makes you really want to buy that watch you have always had your eye on!!

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Answer 10

it just looks better.dont you agree?

Answer 11

It doesn't here!  I just bought one yesterday and the time was 3.20 until I set it.

Answer 12

I don't know the answer to your question but I do know of a great free classified ads website called Stumblehere.com.  They have many classifieds and I'm sure you can find a decent clock for sale!  I would definitely check it out if I were you; it has helped me!

Answer 13

It's to make them look like they're smiling - weird but true!

Answer 14

no its ten to ten ....now say it fast .......................sounds like cowboy time

Answer 15

ive never noticed that but now ill have to check