why is that when advertising watches, clocks the time is always 10:10 i.e ten past ten?

Before 10:10 became popular, they were usually set to 8:20. Either setting creates an eye-pleasing, equally-divided arrangement on the face of the timepiece.

But there’s also another reason. It doesn’t cover up the manufacturer’s name.

They took a study and it showed that the position the hands are in at 10:10 are the most pleasing to the eye. Dont know why but most people think its eaziest on the eyes at this time in this position. So it became kind of a standard for selling watches, clocks, etc.

it is a cop out they set the clocks all on the comparable time, yet have not got them working, in the event that they have been working they’d all variety as they gained or misplaced time, and somebody would could save resetting them,as clocks at relatively some situations would be undesirable merchandising. the thought is that at ten to 2 they appear to be a grin.

Many years ago they were set at 12.00 o’clock but someone realised that ten minutes to ten looks like a smiling face and thus more customer friendly. Watches and clocks for sale have been so set ever since.

It’s a bit silly really, the story behind it.But I will tell you anyway.

I worked for a jeweler, and every day we had to dress the window.Any new watches had to checked to make sure they all told the same time, 10.10.

Reason being that all the watches on display tell the same time, hence look neat and uniform.My boss used to say it had to represent a smiley face.The hands of the watch/clock looking similar to a smile.

A smiley 10:10 “face” looks better than a sad 8:20 one!

The hands are symmetrical in the 10:10 position and to me (and I think many others) this is the most aesthetically pleasing arrangement.

Voodo Mind Tricks. It really depends on the picture for example this watch http://www.goldwatches.com/watch.asp?Item=2068 has the time showing 2:28

The symmetry of the hands of the watchface makes for a subconciously pleasing effect.

So you can read the writing (manufacturer’s name, etc.) on the face of the timepiece.