What Does A Pocket Watch Tattoo Mean?
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the pocket watch was a personal timepiece most often carried by men in order to keep time. Pocket watches were often given as special gifts or handed down as heirlooms through the patriarchal line of the family.
They made significant presents because they could be designed ornately and made of precious materials such as silver or gold. They were also a symbol of social status, often an accessory of a multiple piece suit, an outfit that portrays a gentleman.
The pocket watch has become a central accessory of the steam punk trend and designs are often rendered in the vintage-yet-futuristic style. It is a blend of the past and future which speaks to one who appreciates science fiction. The pocket watch is of course a symbol of time, the measurement of all action and events by which all significant memories can be recorded.
The image of a pocket watch is incredibly personal and serves as a representation of the life of he, or she, who wears it. Because this type of watch was so personal in its time of use, the pocket watch as a symbol can denote many different aspects.
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland has served as the basis for many pocket watch tattoo designs that replicate the watch carried by the white rabbit who is infamously always late. The contrast of the timepiece and the rabbit’s continual lateness is emphasized by the usual swiftness of rabbits.
In some designs the watch includes a rabbit emblem to designate the white rabbit rather than including an actual rabbit in the design. If the face of the watch is visible, the time displayed becomes significant to the meaning of the image.
More so, the numerals that appear say something as well. Traditionally, roman numerals are used, harkening back to the original time keeper, the sundial. The time could portray any important situation that has occurred, or there could be an absence of hands, denoting a disregard for the passage of time.
It can serve as a tribute or memorial tattoo in this way, indicating a time of birth or death or the lack of hands can represent the great sense of loss that is felt by a loved one’s death. If the watch face is not visible, the significance of the image can be found in the material of which the watch is made.
Gold is an obvious symbol of importance or wealth, a richness that is not necessarily monetary. A golden pocket watch can represent the value of one’s own life, a gift in itself. The missing watch face can also indicate a hidden personality, one that has to be opened to be viewed.
- An emblem or other symbol can be included and made to appear etched into the cover of the pocket watch, revealing only a small part of the individual rather than the entire face;
- Religious symbols, initials, or words or phrases may be featured on the front of the watch when the clock face does not appear;
The numbers on the clock may be included in the design but not placed on the clock face. Rather, the numerals can circle the pocket watch or be placed haphazardly around the design. This is a representation of madness or chaos, a place where time is not linear or exact.
This design reveals an alternate perception of time, or an individual who is not bound by the limitations of space and time. Keeping with this theme, the watch may be distorted or warped in some way or it can be broken.
The broken, cracked, or even exploding pocket watch indicates a disregard for time or a shattering of the individual’s perception, emphasizing a time in their life of great change. Alternatively, the pocket watch can be a symbol of a loyalty to a previous time, before modern technology.
The pocket watch, in a more gender specific period, was the symbol of a gentleman. For centuries, the time piece, eventually the pocket watch, conveyed social status or significance until it become easier to manufacture them.
After the eighteenth century, they became ubiquitous, and many different types were made to suit various classes and occupations. The pocket watch can delineate loyalty to time as well and symbolize a punctual person. Punctuality is a sign of respect, another code of the gentleman.
- Some pocket watch designs show the gears of the clock and represent the inner workings of the individual;
- Gears and cogs are often a symbol for the mind and its complex processes and they may be used as a representation of intelligence;
It can also be a representation of technology and the changing and passing of time. The gears may be rendered within the clock and behind or inside of the watch face designating order or projecting from the clock, designating disorder. The pocket watch tattoo design can be done in numerous different ways.
As mentioned above, these designs can show an incredible amount of symbolism to the person holding the tattoo. For many of us, time is a vital and important thing, it is the one thing in this world and universe that is constant.
We look at time as constantly moving forward because that is exactly how us humans and creatures of the human race see things. Every minute, every hour, every day and week we get older and closer to the end of our times. To each individual, time can mean something different.
One thing is clear about time however, we all have specific times that we must be getting certain things accomplished. Whether it be to wake up on time for work, or to pick up your kids from a soccer game, the meaning of time is the most relevant thing on this earth.
Down below are not only examples of other people’s pocket watch tattoos, but meanings and the symbolism behind them as well. The pocket watch has been a part of history since it came about. It seemed that when the pocket watch, the actual hand held time telling machine came about, everyone had to have their hands on it.
This invention was such a breakthrough because the people did not have to race to a certain area of town to be able to see what time it was, instead, they simply had to reach in their pockets to pull out a miniature clock.
Usually these handheld clocks would have some sort of chain attached so that it would make holding onto the clock easier. Not only did it make the clock easier to hold onto, it made it more secure as to not to get lost. The chain would be secured around a belt loop of the pants, or any other area of clothing it could be attached to.
This would allow the pocket watch to be caught by the chain in case the watch accidentally slipped from the pocket. Instead of being smashed to the ground or lost, the chain would stop that from happening all together.
Although not everyone had a chain for their pocket watch, if you get the pocket watch tattoo, it could add onto the creativity and symbolism of the piece.
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What does the pocket watch symbolize?
At the prison in The Walking Dead (2010), Hershel (Scott Wilson) gave Glenn (Steven Yeun) a pocket watch that had been a family heirloom. Glenn initially took it as little more than a nice gift, but he soon started to see the larger significance of the gesture.
Hershel had truly accepted Glenn as the man who could protect and love his daughter, and bestowing a Greene family heirloom was his way of accepting him into the family. An analysis on Team Durango puts it well: “It’s more than just a watch because of all that possess; it’s a time-keeper, a record of ancestry, a history book.
Hershel’s watch holds an account of not only the present but also the past, before the infestation, which is why giving it to Glenn is such a big deal. Even under normal circumstances a gesture like that would be powerful, but in this situation it shows that Hershel is willing to put his daughter’s life in Glenn’s hands in a time of extreme danger, which amplifies its significance tenfold.
In that exchange, Glenn proclaims his loyalty to Hershel and his family as well as accepts the burden of responsibility. ” It’s also a reference to the way times have changed – and the fact that each character knows their time to survive is running out.
None of them expect to live to be 80 and comfortably retire. They know as the minority in the world, they are on borrowed time with each day they exist, and the pocket watch serves as a reminder of how precious their moments together are..
What does a tattoo of a clock mean?
What does a clock tattoo symbolize? Clock tattoos are incredibly meaningful and represent life and death. It is a way to show the passing of time and the importance of living each moment to the fullest. They can also be inked as a tribute to a loved one. ee.
Why do people have watch tattoos?
Life And Death – One of the most popular meanings of the clock is the events of life and death. Clocks helped us get better at the understanding time and little bits of how it works. However, they don’t help us master or control the time. Time moves on, even without us, and that’s why clocks represent the never-ending cycle of life and death.
As time moves, we go through different events that are followed by time, but time passes and we get along and continue going strong even after we’re gone. The clock tattoos with this type of symbolism are there to remind us that no matter how much we’re trying to run away from the time, and everything that comes with it, we can’t escape it and eventually it’s going to surpass us and keep surpassing the future situations.
The clock tattoo is also the reminder that time is the only thing that will probably never end and that we’ll have the most difficulties trying to master it. If you want to highlight the meaning of the clock tattoo in sense of life and death, you can also incorporate other elements of life and death beside the tattoo.
What does a broken watch tattoo mean?
Broken Clock Tattoo Meanings If clocks represent man’s understanding of the finite nature of existence, then a broken clock often symbolizes the wearer’s indifference towards this aspect of life.
What does a watch symbolize?
A watch is a daily reminder of the person who gifted it to you. – Watches are a meaningful gift, you wear them on your wrist and are reminded daily of the person who gave them to you. Gifting a watch is a way to tell someone that you care about them, and want to be present in their everyday life. 
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What does Atticus pocket watch symbolize?
Atticus had a pocket watch that he gave to Jem. Atticus wants to pass his good values to his children. The pocket watch represents the passing of family values to the next generation.
Why do guys get clock tattoos?
A clock tattoo can represent time passing or an extraordinary date or hour; it can symbolize the beginning or end of life itself. If a clock tattoo calls to you, you’re likely 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.
- 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.
What tattoo represents strength?
Lotus/Floral Tattoo Design – As mentioned earlier, the lotus flower is an ultimate symbol of personal emotional, and physical strength. The lotus design is suitable for both men and women and represents power, strength, endurance, and one’s ability to overcome life’s struggles.
The design is incredibly beautiful, and the tattoo can be either small or big, simple or intricate. Some people tend to chose wonderful color schemes for their lotus tattoo, while others go with a more minimalistic approach.
Either way, you cannot go wrong with a lotus design.
- Tattoo highlights – just like with any design, the lotus tattoo can be either less or more expensive depending on the size, intricacy of the design, and the choice of color. Smaller designs can cost you up to $800 , while larger lotus tattoos with intricate design can cost up to $2,500.
- Best body placement – forearm, wrist, ankle, foot, middle of the chest, side of the neck, the bottom of the neck, lower back, shoulder area, etc.
Other Design Recommendations .
What do eye tattoos mean?
Depending on your chosen design, a tattoo of an eye can mean many things. There are several popular ocular pieces, including the Eye of Horus and the Third Eye. That said, in general, the eye is commonly associated with protection, guidance, knowledge, and clarity.
What does hourglass tattoo mean?
Skull & Hourglass Tattoos – Hourglass and skull tattoos combine two popular themes in traditional tattoo art. Skull tattoos also align with time-related themes, often representing death, loss, and overcoming challenges. Similar to the clock and hourglass, a skull tattoo with an hourglass represents our relationship with time and how it dominates our lives.
- However, this tattoo is a bit darker and points out the fact that one day, our time will be up;
- The person who gets this tattoo might have had a brush with death, or simply wants to remember that each day could be their last;
They also hold meanings related to strength and power. Hourglass and skull tattoos typically represent the end of life or the passage of time leading up to death. One may get this tattoo as a reminder of the inevitability of death, encouraging themselves to live life to the fullest. .
What does a cog tattoo mean?
Popular Gear Tattoo Meanings – People will also often get their gear tattoos to show that they know they play an important part in the world. They are one of many “gears” and they have their part to play. This is an excellent meaning to use if you are looking for a motivational tattoo that is a bit different than all of the others.
In these cases people will usually either get just one gear or they will make sure that one gear stands out in a collection of gears. Unsurprisingly, people will sometimes get their gear tattoos to show that they love everything having to do with steampunk.
Steampunk, which is a blend of new-age technology with 19th century machines, has a huge following right now and has been used in movies and artwork among other things. The gears usually stand out in these pieces, though they can sometimes be parts of larger machines, such as mechanical arms, hats, or even animals.
Collaboration is yet another popular meaning that people use when they get a gear tattoo. Since most machines use multiple gears to work, it just makes sense to get a gear tattoo to show that you see the value in teamwork and cooperation.
In these cases the designs usually have three or more gears that are clearly all working together to make some type of machine work. This idea can be used in those machine tattoos that have the appearance of being inside of the person’s body.
What does a butterfly tattoo symbolism?
A paradigm of natural beauty, the butterfly is a long-standing symbol that represents faith, transformation, and freedom. Traditionally, the butterfly has also been closely connected to femininity and romantic love, which is why butterfly tattoo designs are so popular.
What does a watch symbolize in a relationship?
The Gift of a Daily Reminder – There’s nothing throwaway about the gift of a watch. After all, they’ve been carefully designed to be worn, used, and enjoyed each day. They’re also one of the only things that can be worn all the time and giving someone a timepiece means they’ll think of you more often.
- A wristwatch will remind a woman of the person who gave it to her every time she puts it on, each time she looks at it during your day or night;
- And then once more when she takes it off before a shower, bath, swim, or to get a good night’s rest;
For betrothed couples, watches can make a poetic, romantic gift symbolising the couple’s time together. Classic timepieces are ideal as an anniversary gift as they signify the past, present and future. A man who gives you this kind of present is communicating the depth of his commitment and his abiding affection for you. .
How can a clock represent a person?
What Do Clocks Symbolize? – As instruments of time, clocks have various symbolism based on the same theme. Here’s a look at the symbolism and meaning behind the clock.
- Time Pressure – Clocks can symbolize feelings of time pressure. They can also serve as a reminder that time should be used wisely as it is a limited resource.
- Feeling Overwhelmed – A clock can also signify emotional overwhelm caused by something in one’s life, perhaps a tight schedule or a deadline that needs to be met.
- Passage of Time – Clocks are also thought to represent the passage of time, which moves forward relentlessly, and once gone can never be recovered. They can be viewed as a sign that each minute is precious, and that it’s important to live every minute of one’s life to the fullest.
- Life and Death – Clocks are considered to be a symbol of life and death. They’re a clear sign that nothing remains permanent in life and that everything changes at some point or other.
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What does a clock symbolize in literature?
Common Meanings The clock can symbolize a feeling of time pressure. If this meaning resonates, it may indicate a need to give yourself the gift of time. It is also a reminder that time is a limited resource that must be used wisely.
