Clock Tattoo Meaning

It’s always a big decision when deciding on what tattoo to get. Whether it’s your first or your twenty-first, every tattoo has a meaning.

Clock Tattoo Meaning
Image: @9dotstattoo

There are lots of different designs to think of, and lots of different places you can get them. It’s important to know what you want when you get your ink. Once you’ve got it, that’s where it stays!

One particular popular design that’s often found on people’s bodies is the clock. It can mean so many different things and looks incredible when done properly.

The intricate details and different aspects used for clock tattoos make them stand out from other tattoo designs.

It’s no wonder that so many people love it. But why do people get clock tattoos? What do they mean? And how much do they cost? Keep reading to find the answers to these questions.

Clock Tattoo Meaning

What Does A Clock Tattoo Mean?

A clock tattoo can mean different things to different people, so there’s no reason why your clock tattoo can’t mean something different to you than it does to other people.

However, the most common meaning for a clock tattoo is to represent life and death. It’s a very philosophical reason, and maybe that’s why people love it so much.

The clock represents the fragility of time and how quickly life passes by, ultimately leading to death. However, there are loads of different variations of designs for clock tattoos, with lots of different meanings.

For example, a clock with no hands can be used to represent a prison sentence. The lack of hands represents how time isn’t relative in jail and can pass very quickly. 

Another form of clock tattoo can come with flowers or other elements that can represent life. To have a tattoo with elements like flowers, roses, and other life representatives can often brighten your tattoo with color – adding another level of depth to your ink.

Alternatively, many people will get a clock tattoo with other types of features, such as a skull, fire, or the Grim Reaper.

Clock Tattoo Meaning
Image: @shortycustoms

These are more associated with death and the certainty of passing on into the afterlife.

A shattered or a broken clock tattoo can indicate an individual’s disregard for time or the shattering of someone’s perspective on life.

Clock tattoos often have deeper meanings like this and have lots of different variants – meaning that you can personalize your tattoo to be specific for you. This way your ink avoids being generic, staying unique in your eyes. 

When accompanied by a compass, the clock tattoo can have a completely different meaning entirely. The compass on its own can mean confidence and security in life, always knowing that you’ll find your way in life.

Some people even consider compasses to be lucky, especially for travelers and explorers. The clock, when combined with the compass tattoo, symbolizes the meaning of life and guidance on your journeys.

Where’s The Best Place On The Body To Get A Clock Tattoo?

With regards to getting a clock tattoo, many people tend to get them inked on their forearm or their upper arm. Because of the level of detail, the best place for a tattoo like this can be somewhere visible on the body.

There’s no right or wrong answer for where to place your ink, it’s all down to personal preference. Your body, your rules!

Clock Tattoo Meaning
Image: @b.lit_tattoo

Other people may prefer to have their clock tattoo on an area of their body with a larger surface. This way, the person ensures that their tattoo is larger, containing a lot more detail.

If you’re only looking for a smaller design then it makes sense to have your tattoo located somewhere where others can see it.

Many people will get tattoos in easily covered places if they want to keep them hidden for professional reasons – like applying for jobs. However, it seems that employers are becoming more and more accepting of things like tattoos nowadays.

Tattoos tend to fade with time and with the amount of sun they’re exposed to. This means that a lot of people will get their piece somewhere on their body where UV rays can’t break up the pigment in the tattoo ink.

Should I Get A Clock Tattoo In Color?

Many tattoos look better in your standard black or gray ink, however, a bit of color can make or break a good design. It all depends on how subtle you’d like your piece.

The more ink you require, the more expensive your tattoo is bound to be.

Colored tattoos can also be more expensive because of the colored ink, however, colored ink is usually used to fill up gaps and shade in your tattoo, rather than the whole piece.

Colored ink can fade after time, however, there are methods to keep your tattoo longer – or you can get it topped up later on.

Although a colored tattoo costs more, it’s always important to remember that this tattoo will be on your body for life – so paying a little extra to get exactly what you want is a small price to pay for the satisfaction with your tattoo design.

Final Thoughts

Clock tattoos require a lot of attention to detail, so some tattoo artists may be more suited to fulfilling your tattoo needs.

Clock Tattoo Meaning
Image: @art_by_bast

Although they may be more expensive because of how intricate their designs are, clock tattoos look amazing when done correctly.

The deeper meanings that people associate with clock tattoos make them great tattoos to have – no matter where you decide to have it on your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does It Mean To Have A Clock Tattoo On Your Body?

Clock tattoos can have lots of different meanings, with life and death as one of the most common. However, at the end of the day, it’s your body and it’s your tattoo.

Your tattoo design can mean whatever you’d like it to mean and how you want it to look. Another meaning can be freedom – a symbol of doing what you want with your life.

Clock Tattoo Meaning
Image: @tattoos.by.elin

What Does A Clock With A Heart Mean?

Much like a clock with flowers, a clock tattoo with a heart can mean life and love. It can mean love for a specific person or a specific time in your life or can be a reminder to live and love. It can also represent a certain time, such as the time of birth or other special events in your life.

What Does A Tattoo Of A Grandfather Clock Mean?

A grandfather clock tattoo can be symbolic of passing time or a personal connection with a certain time in your life. It can also represent the reminder of time ticking away as your life goes on.

Peter Beaker
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