Why Do Clocks on Display Always Show the Time As 10:10?

Ever been to a clock store? Carefully observe the timepieces on display. Each will have the default time set at 10:10. Do you know why?

Source: King Framers (Pinterest)

Let’s come to the common beliefs.

The most stated reason suggests that this was the very time in which the first watch was invented by Peter Henlein. However, other contemporary clockmakers in Germany were already working on different types of timepieces. There’s no clear evidence that the watch of Henlein was the first one.

Source: Wiki

And all this happened in the 16th century, whereas there are a number of proofs that can attest to the fact that watches have been in use since time immemorial, in some form or the other.

Yet again, some say it’s a way to memorialise the time of death of Martin Luther King Jr, John F. Kennedy, and Abraham Lincoln.

You’d be disappointed when you know that Luther King was shot at 6:01 in the evening and died at 7:05 pm on the same day. Lincoln was shot at 10:15 pm and died at 7:22 in the morning. Kennedy was shot at 12:30 in the afternoon and died at 1 pm.

Source: artid.com

Another speculation is, 10:10 denotes the time of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is set as default in every timepiece to mark the tragedy that led to major casualties.

However, even this proposition fails to satiate the query as Hiroshima was bombed with ‘Little Boy’ at 8:15 am and Nagasaki with ‘Fat Man’ at 11:02 am as per local time.

Source: Wiki

A third hypothesis says that 10:10 shows the ‘V’ shape in the clock, which stands for victory. The factuality of this hypothesis, too, remains in doubts. In fact, ‘V’ as the victory sign only came up during World War II. Sigh!

Source: The Pre-Read

Here’s the real reason why:

It’s purely aesthetics! At 10:10, you can observe all the key details of a timepiece’s face. This is the position in which the seconds, minutes, and hours hands are not overlapping and so, are visible. The manufacturer logo, which is usually present under 12 or next to 3, 6, and 9, is evident as well.

Source: PetaPixel

Moreover, at this position, all the hands are in symmetry, which evokes a sense of pleasure in a viewer. Also, if the timepiece depicts date and other such details, 10:10 is the moment which brings everything in sight.

Did you know?

The Apple Watch always displays the default time as 10:09. This has been done intentionally so that the company can make a statement with the product line. The motto is to depict the products as being ahead of their contemporary smartwatches.

Source: Engadget

Apple is not the first company to breach the age-old tradition. Popular watchmaker firm Rolex has chosen the time to be 10:10:31. Bell & Ross keeps it at 10:10:10. Tag Heuer has chosen 10:10:37. And Timex displays it as 10:09:36.

Apparently, Apple has made a silent claim that its products are better than everyone else’s. Indeed, “time has a wonderful way of showing what really matters.”

If you were a watchmaker too, what time would you choose to display?

Go on. Pour out your suggestions in the comment section below. Time’s on your side. :)

The Indian Industry of Photography: What Lies in its Future

Photography – nothing much has changed since its birth. It’s the same old story of a box with a lens and a game of light and shadow to record images.

Its history in India has been glorious. Colonial rule boosted it more. Since then, it has flourished technologically. Lens quality has become better, camera mechanics have improved, and the art has rapidly turned into a mainstream career option, a bread-winning way for many. Photography, today, is an established, multifaceted industry in our country.

'Homebound' by Sudipto Das

What does the future hold for this industry?

This is a thing to ponder, because the world is rapidly and digitally advancing. Pause for a while and take a look back at the past. Not many years ago, it was entirely the age of not very efficient miniature camera.

Today, high end smartphones and other mobile gadgets are easy to access, and with these devices, the art has gone to a higher level. Amateurs and professionals are thronging the market like anything. With editing software, everyone seems to be turning pro.

Further, the world has suddenly turned selfie crazy. Grasped tight within such a rage, professional photography may find it difficult to breathe. But, who knows what the technology of the unforeseen days has in store?

Source: Bhak Sala

A drastic change in online business can be predicted:

Indian photographers are ditching their physical studios and art galleries, and relying on the World Wide Web more. They are sure to have a website of their own, if not a traditional studio.

The reason is pretty simple – a basic, plain website is easy to set up, less time consuming and low fund demanding compared to a brick-and-mortar room. And, why waste on developing solid prints when e-prints can be securely stored and offered to consumers when requested?

They have, thus, taken up their businesses online and operating via this virtual space. From training sessions to selling pictures to sharing creations on social media, the endeavors are largely being facilitated by the digital world. The time ahead surely would open wider opportunities and bigger scope of ancillary work.

Source: Medianovak

Let’s look at it from the consumer’s side:

Ordering and receiving prints online is hassle-free. You not only save energy, but also time and money. On the other hand, when you visit an offline store, you have to wait for your turn, which might turn bothersome. Moreover, a physical store can never contain as much variety as an online store.

Furthermore, you have the option of customization in the latter. You can select the paper of your choice, settle on a quality which you think is good, and even select the perfect size that you want to buy. The future of photography industry in India is definitely moving toward this virtual world.

Photographer: Arjun Kamath, Source: StorySpotted

Above all, creative minds have bent toward innovations. Conventions no longer satiate creations. Like the creators of Indian contemporary art, the lens men of the country, too, are finding the art as an outlet of creativity.

Styles are changing, concepts are getting renewed, and taboos are gradually being disregarded. India is getting modernized, and the entire industry is moving toward a mega revolution. So far, so good.

And yes, the future seems bright!