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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salvador DalÑs 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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Andrew is an Assistant Editor for Mamas Uncut with over ten years of experience as a writer in the creative, marketing, and blogging spaces. After studying Film and Art History, he developed a passion for telling stories in a variety of mediums. Obsessively making lists, reporting celebrity news, and diving into emerging pop cultural topics are a few of his interests.
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.
