Timeless Clock Tattoo Ideas You Can Count On

Clock tattoos are popular designs that people get for a variety of reasons. First, clocks just look cool and evocative. Second, some want to commemorate a time that’s important to them and a clock tattoo is the best way to do it. Third, people often get clock tattoos for their children that show the time of birth. Conversely, folks also get clock tattoos as tributes to those who have passed away. There’s a whole host of reasons why one might want a clock tattoo.

We wanted to get a better understanding of the possibilities and limitations of these designs so we turned to social media to discover the latest and greatest clock tattoos. We were pleased to discover plenty of diversity among these designs with people really swinging for the fences. There’s no right or wrong way to go about your tattoo but the following designs are truly inspired and worthy of your consideration. One just might inspire your very own tattoo!

Get Inspired by the Clock Tattoos Below:

A Dramatic Half Sleeve

If you’d like to go big and expressive, consider getting a sleeve or half-sleeve tattoo that features one or more clocks. The artist for the above design has used light masterfully with equally dark parts for balance and beauty.

A Wild One

We find a tiger’s face meeting a clock in this very unique design. Is it lion time? We suppose so!

Broken

Broken clock tattoos are also popular options today. In the above example, the clock looks as if it’s been made of stone and cracked in several places. The addition of the rose adds a touch of romance.

Decorative Wall Clock Tattoo

Among clock tattoos, you will encounter mostly pocket watches. But that’s not the only way to go. Here, a wall-mounted clock looks stunning with those decorative elements that frame it.

Pocket Watch + Rose

In this charming clock tattoo, the trusty pocket watch is paired with a rose and both have so much texture thanks to the shading technique the artist has used.

Inner Workings

This big tattoo sings in black and gold. We also get a closer look at the cogs and such that make the watch tick. It’s an interesting idea that really works well.

Eye Clock

Eyes and clocks are popular pairings. This is the first example of it and it offers plenty of mystery.

The Persistence of Memory

Salvador Dalí‘s The Persistence of Memory features iconic melting clocks like the one recreated in tattoo form above. If you love the artist and surreal artwork, you might consider something similar.

Chrysanthemum Clock

We find lovely chrysanthemum flowers flanking this clock tattoo. It’s a safe bet to pair your clock design with your favorite florals. What’s not to love?

Time of Birth

As we mentioned earlier, many clock tattoos commemorate a child’s time of birth. In this example, we find that expressed on the clock’s face as well as with hand and foot imprints.

Time of Birth Part II

Here’s another way you can get your time of birth tattoo. We find a clock paired with some gorgeously tattooed flowers along with the child’s name and the date of birth. It’s a great tattoo scheme for parents.

Hammer Time

Here’s an example to lighten things up for a moment. A hammer meets an alarm clock in this tattoo and it seems to express the sentiment, “hammer time.” How fun!

Dove Time

We’re back on track with another elegant clock tattoo that pairs a rose and a dove that offer symbolic meaning. If you look closely at the clock, you’ll notice a name and a date of birth. It’s one of the more subtle clock tattoos that are for children.

Time for Adventure

Wow! The compass, anchor, and clock seem to be floating over a map background in this clock tattoo. If you’d like a design that expresses your sense of adventure, something similar would be perfect for you.

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Eye Spy

Here’s another one of the weird but cool eye clock tattoos. The eye is just so evocative in this setting.

We’re All Mad Here

A creepy yet fun Cheshire Cat tattoo inspired by Alice in Wonderland holds the clock in this design. “We’re all mad here,” the text beneath it reads. We’re actually pretty happy about this one.

Compass Meets Clock

We’ve seen an example of a compass and clock before on this list but this design pairs them into one unit. Perhaps this clock tattoo signifies going in the right direction at the right moment.

A Moment In Time

We get a snapshot of a clock and a rose that are made to look like Polaroid photos. It’s an interesting concept and the imagery has been beautifully tattooed.

Clean Clock

Here’s a clock tattoo that takes a minimalist approach with just the hands and the hours. It looks sharp and it’s proof that less can be more.

Femme Time

We find a tattoo that embraces the watercolor effect with swirling numbers and pink elements like a butterfly and a rose. This is definitely a sweeter approach than many others on the list.

Micro Mini Clock

We’ve seen several big clock tattoos but you might want something small. Going with an understated design like the one pictures above could be the right move for a person who is not looking for a huge commitment.

11:11

We find a very fun retro clock that shows the time as 11:11. You know what that means! Time to make a wish.

Grandfather Clock

Grandfather clocks are just so majestic. They have very cool architectural elements that other types of clocks lack. We were surprised we did not see more of these big beauties in tattoo form. But, this example is a great one if you decide you want to go in this direction.

Bejeweled Clock

If you want a clock tattoo that really dazzles, consider requesting jewel elements for your design. It brightens up and warms the overall look of this tattoo.

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Movement

Finally, we leave you with a clock tattoo that’s got some interesting elements that look like brushstrokes. Red and black are a match made in tattoo heaven so keep that in the back of your mind if you’re not married to the idea of just a black ink design.

What did you think of these clock tattoos? We hope you enjoyed these fresh designs and that you feel inspired to get your own, original piece. Tattoos are the ultimate form of self-expression so work with a tattoo artist who can help you realize your unique point of view. Now, go get yourself a clock tattoo!