Why is it always 10 past 10 or 10 to 2?!

[BIWI]

We're having our kitchen done, and I want a new, feature-type clock to put on one wall. I've been Googling like mad, and over many, many different websites have noticed that invariably any picture of a clock always shows the time as 10 past 10 or 10 to 2.

clocks

Not every image, but a lot - and it's also in the same with clocks stores too.

Is there something special about these two times?!

10 to 2 apparently makes a clock look happy.

I used to know this! I think it's something to do with the hands being "balanced" while they're not moving. I may have made that up though.

Justajot's answer is just as likely

It's apparently meant to look like the clock is smiling!

I thought they did it so if there was a brand name or a smaller dial for days etc it was visible?

A jewellery shop owner (sells clocks and watches) once told me that they traditionally set displays in this way because the upturned hands makes the clock face 'smile'.
Humans react more positively to an inanimate object that appears to have a smiley face.

I used to work at Argos and asked the same question. What Just said, apparently.

It's to make the clock look like its smiling. I used to work in a jewellers and I asked one of the watch reps.

It appears I have indeed made it up!

PPs are right. It's so the clock looks like it's smiling.

Just looked at your link and the 10 to 2 clocks definitely look happier. Never noticed that before!!

Mind blown here 🤯

Yep , definitely the smiley thing to make you want to buy it.

The majority of luxury watch adverts have their watches at that time

👇

Makes the clock smile. I got told that by a teacher in primary 5.

Jon Ronson did a whole radio programme about it.

Confirmation bias.

Slightly off topic but this made me chuckle remembering the following exchange a few years ago in a garden centre.
Woman purchasing large garden clock, carrying it to cash point.
Man approached her and deadpan says to her “Excuse me luv, have you got the time?”
People around creasing up
Woman looks flustered “Sorry, I don’t think I...” as she tries to balance massive clock whilst reaching for phone.
Man explains joke.
I often think back about this and chuckle

Smiling face.

Smiley time

Smiley face . That's nice!

@Frith2013 how is it confirmation bias?