a clock tattoo can represent the passage of time or an extraordinary date or time; it can symbolize the beginning or the end of life itself. If a clock tattoo calls to you, chances are you are someone who has their own unique and personal meaning to add to this piece. don’t be afraid to make this one completely special to you.
Beyond the personal meaning, a watch can have a lot of symbolism depending on the design and style, which makes them models of male tattoos. You can find watches used in literature, art, and movies all over the world, leaving endless options for your next design. Clocks (and other round tattoos) work well on the inner forearms, upper arms/shoulders, shoulder blades, knees, thighs, chest, and even the side of the hip.
We’ve featured 30 clock tattoos that tell time to inspire you for your next best piece of ink.
1. birth clock tattoo
Many aspects of clock tattoos can be customized, shape, size and color to name a few. however, arguably the most noticeable feature is the time displayed on the watch. the time can indicate your own birth time or that of someone you love, be it children, parents or partners.
2. broken clock tattoo
Broken watches often represent the stopping of time or the desire to break free from the pressures of time. This tattoo is easy to add to other designs (existing or planned), such as skulls, roses, or birds.
3. rose and clock tattoo
Rose tattoos embody love, courage, romance and beauty. Combined with clock tattoos, you can accessorize a romantic and elegant piece that personifies an important love in your life. When designing a piece, try pairing vintage clocks like grandfather clocks, cuckoo clocks, or pocket clocks to match roses.
4. special time clock tattoo
If you have a specific time in mind for your tattoo, consider using something different like a digital clock or clock face. With lots of colors and design options, this could be a great way to pay homage to a particular time and place and still be unique.
5. melted clock tattoo
A melting clock can show contempt for the passing of time or symbolize an important era in life, but it often means that time is an illusion. Melting clock tattoos come in all shapes and styles, but are mostly based on surreal Salvador Dali designs. opt for two colors or shades to get the most out of this piece.
6. digital clock tattoo
Instead of being realistic with black and gray shading on the big old clocks, a digital clock offers a more modern and fun option. If you have a specific time that you want your tattoo to show up, this is the perfect type of clock to get tattooed on.
7. grandfather clock tattoo
This clock tattoo idea is best used to illustrate a connection to the past. Like an old school clock, grandfather clocks represent ties to ancestors; many times they are pieces transmitted from generation to generation. Of course, you might like the look of a fancy grandfather clock, complete with ornate designs and the pendulum, which makes sense. these features are best highlighted in the traditional American tattoo style.
8. heart clock tattoo
An alternative way to symbolize love, the combination of a heart and a clock, is a traditional tattoo tradition. you can go with a classic heart-shaped frame throughout the day, or the clock tattoo can feature an anatomically shaped heart as an element within a larger tattoo or sleeve.
9. eye clock tattoo
Impressive, original, capable of seriousness, an eye and clock tattoo is an excellent option for lovers of realism. the eyes are the path to the soul and are considered a symbol of moral conscience; when incorporated with a watch, the double meaning has endless options.
10. clock tower tattoo
Clock towers are popular historical structures and are used as symbolism in many different literary works. These tattoos are a great choice for readers, history buffs, writers, or just those who enjoy design.
11. skull clock tattoo
In Western cultures, skulls represent death, mortality, or immortality. but skull tattoos have flexible meanings, making them easy to add to other designs and styles.
12. old clock tattoo
Antique clock artwork is often popular with those with a more exquisite style. the clock can be customized to feature beautiful designs or focus on more traditional elements. consider a sundial, a pendulum clock with Roman numerals, a pocket watch, or even an antique wristwatch design if you love the classics.
13. small clock tattoo
Not all tattoo designs can be small and look great after a decade. But luckily, if you keep your design simple, this bite-sized tattoo will still look trendy a decade later.
14. flower and clock tattoo
If you love the traditional idea of a rose and clock tattoo but want to do something to modernize it, choosing a different flower is a great way to rejuvenate a classic. each flower has its own meaning, so choose something personal for you. try marigolds, lotuses, peonies, or hibiscus flowers.
15. clock compass tattoo
time and direction are significant factors in life; A compass tattoo usually points to the direction the individual considers “home”, or the direction of a particular place or person. compass clocks make for stylish and eye-catching tattoos, especially when done in shades of black and gray.
16. clock gear tattoo
Watch tattoos with exposed gears are a great option for men interested in technology or mechanics. any mechanism revealed creates an ideal steampunk design (think bold lines paired with gold and gray colors to complete this tattoo).
17. hourglass tattoo
If conventional clocks aren’t for you, but you still want to convey the passing of time, consider an hourglass. these can look great in realistic black and gray styles or in a colorful traditional tattoo.
18. traditional clock tattoo
Depending on your style, traditional watches are beautiful and traditional. traditional tattoos contain bright colors with bold lines; Dress it up with other timeless symbols like anchors, skulls, flowers, swallows, nautical stars, or a banner.
19. lion and clock tattoo
Regarded as one of the most amazing creatures on earth, lions represent courage and strength. Pairing a lion with a clock is a great way to symbolize overcoming an obstacle or difficult time in life. A lion tattoo and clock design look best on a significant part of the body (chest, arms, or back) and look best when created in a more realistic style with black and gray shading and little or no color.
20. dali clock tattoo
Dalí’s persistent memory has remained iconic throughout many eras of art and remains among the most recognizable paintings in pop culture. a great way to pay tribute to your appreciation for art or surrealism.
21. sunflower clock tattoo
These bright yellow flowers are cheerful and happy flowers that symbolize harvests, good luck, long life and vitality. Look no further if you’re looking for a clock tattoo that celebrates life.
22. hourglass tattoo
An hourglass tattoo is a great standalone tattoo or addition to a sleeve. hourglasses are usually made in a traditional style and adorned with flowers, wings, or banners. Choosing an hourglass tattoo is a distinctive way to show that time is finite and every minute is vital.
23. owl tattoo with clock
In mythology, owls are guardians of the underworld or harbingers of death. therefore, when combined with the meaning of a clock tattoo (the passage of time), one can assume that this tattoo refers to the finite time that each one has. Done by the right artist in black and grey, this piece will age well.
24. sleeve tattoo clock
If the clock motif fascinates you, consider going big with a black and gray case featuring multiple clocks and symbols like wings, banners, roses and anchors. bigger is better if you’re looking to include lots of meanings and characters. it can have lots of details, like ornate clock frames, specific numbers or the hours on the clocks, along with geometric tattoo patterns that accentuate the natural shape of your arm.
25. forearm tattoo clock
Clock tattoo designs work great on the forearms because this part of the body has a round shape, perfect for placing any small to medium sized clock tattoo ideas. this great spot also works well for any fancy clock or grandfather clock.
26. clock hand tattoo
It can be difficult to choose the right tattoo for your hand as it is the tattoo you will see the most. make sure this tattoo is something you love or has special meaning.
27. shoulder clock tattoo
One of the best locations for a clock tattoo is right on the shoulder. It fits perfectly into the round shape of the watch and has plenty of room to work with if you’re looking for a larger or more intricate design.
28. clock tattoo on arm
Clock tattoos can work well anywhere on the arms, but especially on the upper arms or biceps, where the tattoo can highlight the muscles and shape of the arm. easy to hide at work, this is a great place for anyone who is around hesitant crowds to get tattooed.
29. clock tattoo on chest
When getting a chest tattoo, you don’t necessarily need to have a symbolic reason for getting the tattoo. however, if you have a specific date or time that means something to you, placing the image over your heart can make it that much more special.
30. clock tattoo on the neck
The neck is ideal for displaying a small traditional or colorful clock. Placing the clock tattoo behind the ear is an easy placement; however, consider putting it under your chin for some wow factor.
Frequently asked questions about the clock tattoo:
what does a clock tattoo mean?
Clock tattoos represent time, a non-physical concept understood in many different ways. A clock tattoo can symbolize life or death, the passage of time, the pressures of time, life and existence, mortality, infinity, and even eternal love.
what does a rose and clock tattoo mean?
Together, a rose and a watch often represent eternal or infinite love. roses represent love and beauty, while a clock shows the importance of the time people spend together.
what time should a clock tattoo be?
There is no “set” or “traditional” time that a clock tattoo should have. time is a personal addition, and people with clock tattoos often choose a special moment that is significant to them.
what does a broken clock tattoo mean?
a cracked or broken watch can symbolize rebellion against time itself; by breaking the clock, you refuse to participate in a system of time measurement. it can mean death, rebirth or rebellion.
