Here’s why watches are always set to the same time in adverts

When you see a gorgeous watch during an online shopping binge, you might think: ‘Ooh, that’d look nice’.

Or perhaps you might be swayed to make a pricey timepiece purchase by a slick wristwatch ad on TV.

But have you noticed that, more often than not, analog watches all seem to show the same time?

Yep, it’s pretty common for watch faces with hands to be pointed towards 10.10 (AM or PM).

Hmm. How odd. Here’s the reason behind it…

Why are watches in adverts always set to the same time?

There are actually a few different reasons why you’ll often see 10 past 10 on watches being advertised.

Mainly, the reason is that it’s just an aesthetically pleasing time.

The position allows the full watch face – and its brand name, usually near the top – to be shown off.

It’s also evenly balanced on both sides, and is as symmetrical as you can get – given the hands are different lengths.

But crucially, you could say this position sends an upbeat, positive message to potential customers.

The hands form a tick shape, which is usually a symbol for ‘yes’. You could even, at a push, say it looks a bit like a smiley face.

According to the site Antique Watch, the brand Timex purposefully sets its watches to 10.09 – plus an extra 36 seconds.

This also allows for any branding at the bottom of the watch face, such as an attractive dial, to be visible as well.

And they also use this for their digital watch adverts, too. Though it doesn’t have the same effect.

Meanwhile, the Apple Watch, which can show hands albeit on a screen always displays 10.09 in its advertising.

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