Clock Tattoo Ideas

Popular Clock Tattoo Styles

When clocks were first invented, they were a status symbol. Today, not only are they more accessible but they’ve become a symbol.

A clock tattoo can be designed in a number of different styles including:

Abstract – Play with the forms of a clock with simple lines and minimal design.

Realistic – This type of clock tattoo often will showcase the intricate beauty of an heirloom clock.

Simplistic – The very basic design of this type of a clock tattoo showcases the simple power of time.

Steampunk – Merge sci-fi, history and fantasy with a fun, steampunk clock.

Surreal – These designs put a clock into a dream state. 

Best Clock Tattoo Placements

Because they are so different in shape, where you put your clock tattoo depends on the design of the clock in your tattoo.

A grandfather clock tattoo would look best  on an arm or a leg. A melting clock might look good on a man’s chest or a woman’s side. A wall clock or a pocket watch could be artfully added to a sleeve.

Men’s Clock Tattoo Ideas

In addition to wearing a watch, many people choose to get a clock tattoo. Some like the aesthetic design it creates. Others get a tattoo of a clock for the meaning it holds. Some of the most popular men’s clock tattoo designs are:

• Pocket watch – A wristwatch or pocket watch are definitely two of the more decorative clock tattoo designs. They are also very versatile as they can be both the focal point and incorporated into a larger design.
• Digital clock – This clock tattoo is less about the look and more about the time. Use it to memorialize an important life moment. Births. Deaths. The time of your wedding. A skilled artist can make this clock tattoo a centerpiece.
• Wall clock – Start with a wall clock tattoo but then transform it. Make the clock tattoo geometric. Or incorporate it into a larger design. By doing this you tell a story about how time is part of everything.
• Grandfather clock – If a family legacy is important to you, get inked with a grandfather clock tattoo.

Women’s Clock Tattoo Ideas

Just like any other tattoo, the design of your tattoo of a clock says alot about who you are. Some of the most popular women’s clock tattoo designs are:

• Abstract clock – This type of clock design isn’t about making a statement about a moment in your life. It reclaims time from the clock and lets the clock be a pure artistic feature.
• Melting clock – Your clock tattoo can mimic the famous Salvador Dalì painting of a melting clock to show your artistic nature. Or it can be a way to showcase your belief that time isn’t real.
• Clock characters – Have your tattoo artist give new life to a clock by actually bringing it to life. Think about those cat clocks with the ticking tail and shifting eyes.

Clock Tattoo Meaning

Clock tattoos can symbolize more than “time.” They can also symbolize:

• Mortality/Death
• A significant moment
• Respect for the passage of time
• History
• The Mystery of Time