Outside of personal meaning, a clock can have plenty of symbolism depending on the design and style, thus making them model men’s tattoos. You can find clocks used in literature, art, and films throughout the world, leaving endless options for your next design. Clocks (and other round-shaped tattoos) work well on inner forearms, upper arms/shoulder, shoulder blades, knees, thighs, chest, and even the side of the hip.

We’ve laid out 30 time-ticking clock tattoos to bring inspiration for your next best piece of ink.

Pocket Watch Tattoos Meaning

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Pocket Watch Tattoo Designs 

Typically, pocket watch designs have a somewhat vintage appeal, while more modern renditions may resemble a stopwatch. An older clock or watch tattoo may be symbolic of an old soul or wise person, while a modern variation shows a tendency towards technological advances or future hope. In some cases, a warped or melting clock, a very popular design, shows a passionate refusal of authority and a desire to think outside the box. From complex designs that show inner gear workings and incorporate additional symbology, to simple solo art, pocket watch tattoos are ideal for both both sexes and are often quite intricate in design.

What Does the Pocket Watch Tattoo Mean? 

When choosing a timepiece tattoo, you may lean towards variations such as a stopwatch, clock tattoo, old pocket watch or grandfather clock. Other variations include a sundial or old watch tattoo. When incorporating other symbols with a watch tattoo, the meaning can change or become more complex. Generally speaking, a pocket watch tattoo conveys the significance of time, a specific event or person. This tattoo can also signify defiance or a love for the moment, particularity for someone who is ill or faces a life-threatening event.

Symbolism of Pocket Watch Tattoo and Meaning of Tattoo Variations

Each type of tattoo varies in meaning slightly. For instance:

• Stop Watch –  This tattoo can simply be a more contemporary take on the traditional but can also represent a deep desire to freeze time in a particular moment of happiness. In some cases, this tattoo can symbolize life and death itself, as time
• Clock Tattoo – A clock tattoo can represent the passage of time, but also represents an inner strength and desire to live in the now.
• Old Pocket Watch – An old pocket watch tattoo centers on eternity and questioning of existence. The wearer of this tattoo is keenly aware of how precious life is.
• Grandfather Clock – A tattoo of a grandfather clock, much like an older pocket watch tattoo, shows a love for the traditional or a yearning for the past.
• Sundial – A rendition inspired by nature, this tattoo is an earthy choice that can represent the existence of the eternal or immortality, as well as the ever constant presence of time and the significance it holds for every human being.
• Old Watch – An older watch tattoo represents a respect for times gone by or lost loved ones, but may also serve as a reminder that ones own time is fleeting.

Best Tattoo Placement

Most often, watch tattoos are found on the upper arm, forearm, upper chest or back. In many cases, this tattoo is incorporated into an intricate sleeve or large tattoo. A smaller watch tattoo may be placed on the inner wrist, while an elongated watch and pocket chain tattoo may be found snaked around the side or along the ribs. Ultimately, where a tattoo is placed can hold additional meaning.

The Message Pocket Watch Tattoos Convey Is: 

Time is the obvious message conveyed by this tattoo, but a pocket watch can also represent a child’s birth, a parent’s passing, a refusal of the conventional conception of time or a distorted sense of time. Carefully consider your own perspective on time itself before choosing your personal pocket watch design.

If You Wear a Pocket Watch Tattoo You are Likely to Be: 

From a psychological standpoint, those who wear this type of tattoo are likely to be very thoughtful, insightful and brave. Tradition is likely important to you, and you may have a proclivity towards brooding over past events. Generally, you’re likely optimistic on some level, however you may be a daydreamer that worries about the future or feels stuck in the past to some degree. Overall, you’re likely mindful, like to make plans and don’t like to be caught unaware.

Best Clock Tattoos

1. Birth Clock Tattoo

Many aspects of clock tattoos can be personalized, the shape, size, and color – to name a few. Yet, arguably the most noteworthy feature is the time the clock tells. The time can point to your own birth time or that of someone you love, be it children, parents, or partners.

@tai_tattoos214 / Instagram

2. Broken Clock Tattoo

Often, broken clocks represent the stopping of time or the desire to be free from time pressures. This tattoo is an easy one to add to other designs (existing or planned) – like skulls, roses, or birds.

@luckydeviltattoosandpiercings / Instagram

3. Rose and Clock Tattoo

Roses tattoos embody love, courage, romance, and beauty. In combination with clock tattoos, you can personalize a romantic and classy piece that epitomizes a significant love in your life. When designing a piece, try pairing older clocks, like grandfathers, cuckoos, or pocket watches to go with roses.

@dharmbhai / Instagram

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 watch face. With lots of colors and design options, this could be a great way to pay tribute to a particular time and place and still be unique.

@phase1_bos / Instagram

5. Melting Clock Tattoo

A melting clock can show disregard for the passage of time or symbolize a significant era in life, but it often means that time is an illusion. Melting clock tattoos come in all shapes and styles but are primarily based on surrealist designs by Salvador Dali. Opt for two colors or shading to get the most out of this piece.

6. Digital Clock Tattoo

Rather than going realistic with black and gray shading on grand, old clocks – a digital clock gives a more modern and fun option. If you have a specific time you want your tattoo to showcase, this is the perfect kind of clock to tattoo for you.

@geraldschifone / Instagram

7. Grandfather Clock Tattoo

This clock tattoo idea is best used to illustrate a connection to the past. As an old-school clock, grandfather clocks represent links to ancestors; many times are pieces passed down from generation to generation. Of course, you may just like the look of a luxurious grandfather clock, complete with ornate designs and the pendulum – which makes sense. These features are best brought out in the American Traditional style.

@alexduquettetattoos / Instagram

8. Heart Clock Tattoo

An alternative way to symbolize love, the combination of a heart and clock, is a time-honored tattoo tradition. You can go with a classic heart-shaped frame around the clock, or the clock tattoo can feature an anatomically-shaped heart as an element within a bigger tattoo or sleeve.

@alexduquettetattoos / Instagram

9. Eye Clock Tattoo

Striking, original, with the capacity for seriousness, an eye and clock tattoo is an excellent choice for realism lovers. Eyes are the path to the soul and are considered a symbol for moral consciousness; when incorporated with a clock, the dual meaning has endless options.

@ikova_ink / Instagram

10. Clock Tower Tattoo

Clock towers are popular historical structures and are used as symbolism in many different pieces of literature. These tattoos are an excellent choice for readers, history buffs, writers, or simply those who enjoy the design.

@kelsi_hooper / Instagram

11. Skull Clock Tattoo

In Western cultures, skulls represent death, mortality, or immortality. But, skull tattoos have flexibility in their meanings, making them easy to add to other designs and styles.

@robkanys / Instagram

12. Old Clock Tattoo

Artwork featuring older clocks is often popular with those who have a more exquisite style. The clock can be customized to feature beautiful designs or focus on more traditional elements. Consider a sun-dial, pendulum clock with roman numerals, pocket watch, or even a vintage wrist-watch design if you love the classics.

@congtattoos_ / Instagram

13. Small Clock Tattoo

Not all tattoo designs can be small and still look good after a decade. But luckily, if you keep your design simple, this bite-size tattoo will still look fashionable a decade on.

@pineinktattoos / Instagram

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 holds its own significance, so choose something personal to you. Try Marigolds, lotuses, peonies, or hibiscus flowers.

@russtattooguymodesitt / Instagram

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 elegant and dashing tattoos, especially when done in black and gray shading.

@goonsqueens9000_gent / Instagram

16. Clock Gear Tattoo

Clock tattoos with exposed gears are an excellent choice for men into technology or mechanics. Any revealed mechanisms make for an ideal steampunk design (think bold lines paired with gold and gray colors to complete this tattoo).

@13tattoonbg / Instagram

17. Hourglass Clock 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 a colorful traditional tattoo.

@didutattoo / Instagram

18. Traditional Clock Tattoo

Depending on your style, traditional clocks are beautiful and customary. 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.

@biografixtattoo / Instagram

19. Lion and Clock Tattoo

Regarded as one of the most stunning creatures on earth, lions represent courage and strength. Combining a lion with a clock is an excellent way to symbolize overcoming a difficult obstacle or time in life. A lion tattoo and clock design look best places 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.

@marcos_1984_tattoo_estudio / Instagram

20. Dali Clock Tattoo

Dali’s The Persistence of Memory has remained iconic throughout many art eras and remains among the most recognizable paintings in pop culture. A great way to pay homage to your appreciation for art or surrealism. 

@gytamara_tattoo / Instagram

21. Sunflower Clock Tattoo

These bright yellow flowers are cheerful, happy flowers, symbolizing harvests, good luck, long life, and vitality. Look no further if you’re looking for a clock tattoo that celebrates life.

@incognitotattoostudio / Instagram

22. Sand Clock Tattoo

A sand clock tattoo makes for a great stand-alone tattoo or an addition to a sleeve. Sand clocks are usually done in a traditional style and dressed up with flowers, wings, or banners. Choosing a sand clock tattoo is a distinctive way of showing that time is finite and every minute is vital.

@chematattoo / Instagram

23. Owl Tattoo with Clock

In mythology, owls are guardians of the underworld or omens of death. Thus, when combined with the meaning of a clock tattoo (the passage of time), one can assume this tattoo refers to the finite time we each have. Done by the right artist in black and gray, this piece will age well.

@davidrender / Instagram

24. Sleeve Tattoo Clock

If the clock motif is fascinating to you, consider going big with a black and gray sleeve featuring multiple clocks and symbols like wings, banners, roses, and anchors. Bigger is better if you’re looking to include a lot of meaning and characters. You can have a lot of detail, such as ornate clock frames, specific numbers, or times on the clocks, alongside geometric tattoo patterns that accentuate your arm’s natural shape.

@artisticendeavorsem.morris33 / Instagram

25. Clock Tattoo Forearm

Clock tattoo designs go great on forearms because this body part has a round shape, perfect for placing any small or medium clock tattoo ideas. This superb spot also works well for any elaborate or grandfather clocks.

@flowdraw_tattoo / Instagram

26. Clock Hand Tattoo

Choosing the right tattoo for your hand can be difficult, as this is the tattoo you’ll see the most. Make sure this tattoo is something you love or has a special meaning.

@tattoosbycris / Instagram

27. Shoulder Clock Tattoo

One of the top placements for a clock tattoo is right on the shoulder. It perfectly accommodates the round shape of the clock and has plenty of space to work with if you’re looking at a larger or more intricate design. 

@chawinehouse / Instagram

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 away at work, this is a great spot for anyone around tattoo hesitant crowds.

@acidclubdetatuajes / Instagram

29. Clock Chest Tattoo

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, then placing the image over your heart may make it that much more special.

@blackeagletattoo / Instagram

30. Clock Neck Tattoo

The neck is great to showcase a small traditional or colorful clock. Placing the clock tattoo behind the ear is an easy placement; however, consider putting it under the chin for a wow factor.

@caroline_tattoo_ / Instagram

Clock Tattoo FAQ:

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, time passage, time pressures, life and existence, mortality, infinity, and even eternal love.

What does a rose and clock tattoo mean?

Together, a rose and a clock often stand for eternal or endless love. Roses represent love and beauty, while a clock shows the importance of the time people have together.

What time should a clock tattoo be?

There’s no “set” or “traditional” time a clock tattoo should have. The time is a personal addition, and individuals with clock tattoos often choose a special time significant to them.

What does a cracked clock tattoo mean?

A cracked or broken clock can symbolize rebelling against time itself – by smashing the clock, you’re refusing to partake in a time-measuring system. It can signify death, rebirth, or rebellion.