10 after 10 in advertising: that's why all clocks show the same time
In advertising, it always seems to be the same late: Have you ever noticed that all the clocks there show 10 to 10? Of course, this is no accident and there is no uncanny conspiracy theory behind it - we present two different approaches that explain the universal pointer position at 10:10 a.m.
The 10 after 10 smiley in advertising
Advertising and marketing are overloaded with positive emotions. No matter whether in magazines, on posters, in online advertising banners or in TV advertising: Manufacturers would like to convey to potential consumers how good their product is and that we want or even need it. Certain designs, colors and other representations are often used as standard and by several manufacturers. Analog clocks, for example, almost always show the time 10 to 10.
- The position of the hands at 10:10 a.m. represents a V.
- In marketing theory, experts associate the V and the pointer position with a laughing smiley. This should give the customer a positive feeling - and happy people tend to buy.
- Students took the test at the University of Jena in 2007 and showed test subjects watches with different pointer positions. However, it could not be confirmed that the respondents preferred clocks with the hand at 10:10 a.m.
2. Theory: practical position of the hands
Another possible reason that watches usually show 10 to 10 in advertising is a very pragmatic one:
- At 10:10 a.m., the hands are in the upper half of the dial.
- Both hands are clearly visible and do not overlap each other - so the details of the watch can also be assessed by the customer.
- The manufacturer's brand name is also usually visible on the lower half of the dial. The logo is not covered by the pointer position at 10 to 10.
Always the same time - even with iPhones
In advertising, you always see the same time on iPhones. However, this is a digital display and it is not at 10 after 10, but at 9:41. There is a very clear reason for this: If a new iPhone is presented, the press conference generally begins at 9:00 a.m. 9:40 a.m., the new iPhone will then be revealed according to the technical information and will therefore be known to the world from around 9:41 a.m.