OT - clocks

Many are also set to 8:20. The reason I've always heard is that it provides a pleasing "balanced" appearance to the eye.

I've also heard that they were set to 8:20 because Abraham Lincoln was shot at 8:20, but I think that's probably an urban legend.

Jeff

10:08 is usually chosen for digital clocks and watches (remember them?) because that is the time which illuminates the greatest number of segments on the four displays.

A random time (such as, say 1:17) leaves too many "blank" spaces on the display

- is less visually appealing.

Analog? Its a pleasing, upright, balanced display. (Smiling? ;-) )

-- Jeff R.

The ":)" theory is what I remember. Think it was...erm... some Q&A book. Was also a TV show. But I can't remember the name!

Tim

-- "I've got more trophies than Wayne Gretsky and the Pope combined!" - Homer Simpson Website @

Often hands are set to frame the makers name . Ken Cutt

its a perfect balance to the eyes when viewing it.. if they had it set to 12>00 tben you would not see two hands....now lood at 10 and 2 and see how they balance off to each other..... and you can see two hands...

10:10 makes a downwards arrow. people associate looking downwards with pleasurable experience, and are more inclined to purchase examples... The best "shopping shelf" positions are just below average eye level, People look lower on the face of someone they're interested in, as opposed to looking above the eyes of someone they're notinterested in.

Just my theory, but I belive it is part of how it works.

Why not 1:50 ? Gerry :-)} London, Canada

Actually, Timex used to have a TV commercial where they explained that "ten to two" frames the word "Timex" rather nicely. They had some other reasons but I can't remember what the were.

- Owen -

Probably to do with production methods, these things nearly always are. The actual setting may be 10.09. That is the time when the hands are symmetrical on the face. It doesn't matter which hand goes in which position so not even an idiot can get it wrong.

John

maybe they should set the clocks at 3:30...quitin time! cj

Stephen Young wrote:

My guess it is p.m. and 10:10 - thus change the date and let her go - Either change date or doesn't - in one of the two positions.

Might be just post changing the date and thus passes the test.

Martin