93 Emotionally Engaging And Meaningful Clock Tattoo Ideas That Turn Back Time Introduction

No matter what, time waits for no man or woman. In fact, much like the constant of change, time is something that perpetually keeps moving, irrespective of the scenario it’s in.

In the world of art, while chameleons and floral patterns depict change, one that captures the essence of time rather elegantly is a clock tattoo, the main agenda of this guide.

A clock tattoo is one that moves mountains, while also giving the users enough scope to control the narrative and purpose of their design. To learn just how capable clock tattoos are, and learn the weight of their meaning, allow this guide to help you out!

One Emblem, Various Faces: The Multifaceted Meaning Behind Clock Tattoos

@halmypaltattoo

A clock tattoo might feel plain from afar. But on the inside, a clock tattoo is one with plenty of tricks up its sleeve, and full of magic.

To learn the significance of a clock tattoo and have a look at some of the best interpretations that contribute to its meaning, skim through the following segments.

Rewinding Time

Turning back time is a special feature of a clock tattoo. It helps us hold onto moments that once brought smiles to our faces, and segments that helped shape us into the individuals we are today.

Counting Old Memories

Clock tattoos can also strictly be affiliated with the good times that made us laugh the hardest, with people who we loved the most. It cements the dates that helped us find the highest highs in life, which eventually serve as coping mechanisms during moments of weakness.

Moving With Purpose

Due to being limited, many use clock tattoos to remind themselves of how scarce time truly is. Doing so often leads to better decision-making, as well as helps many forgo bad habits in exchange for good ones.

Highly-Purposeful Clock Tattoo Designs That Shape The Past, Present, And Future!

@jogztattoo_bali

Clock tattoos almost always carry the same components. However, much like everything else in the world of art, a clock tattoo can also morph in the exact way that their wearers want them to.

If you’re in dire need of references, however, then you’re in luck!

From pieces that help you recover to variants that truly showcase how easy it is for a clock tattoo to blend well under any circumstances, here are all the designs shaping the best of clock tattoos. 

Broken Clock Tattoo: Healing With Each Second

@mmsouthern

 It’s okay to feel lost. But it’s not alright if you let your thoughts and doubts control the narrative of your future.

One of the best companions out there in the world of art is a broken clock tattoo, which urges that, even during our darkest moments, being patient can work wonders.

A broken clock tattoo prefers private areas such as the chest, but can also accommodate a forearm tattoo if the wearer would like to own up to their emotions instead of fighting in silence. 

Compass And Clock Tattoo: Finding Your Direction

@blackgoldtattooco

A sense of direction is all one needs when even time appears to be against their plans. That said, if you work better when in the arms of a support system, take notes from this compass and clock tattoo.

The duo of a compass and a clock work quite well for those in need of some guidance.

 Installing the design could be a bit of a tough task, however, given the size most variants of this scheme typically carry.

Mechanical Clock Tattoo: Enhanced With Prosthetics

@pirates.tattoo

Adding prosthetics isn’t just limited to body parts anymore. It’s a good initiative to move forward with when depicting body art.

If you’re looking to obtain your clock tattoo in timeless fashion, try adding biomechanical components to the hands of the clock.

Perfecting the artwork might require an elite-level artist to help you out. Additionally, if your finances aren’t limited for this project, you may even pursue a sleeve or a forearm piece to make things real. 

Traditional Clock Tattoo: Timeless And Outstanding 

@tattoos_by_robert

Traditional pieces have cemented themselves as timeless pieces in the world of art.

 Therefore, if you have a knack for bright shades, and an appreciation for themes that take us back to the good old days, a traditional clock tattoo might actually work wonders in this regard.

The forearm is once again a great solution to lean on for this piece, with the potential to extend to a sleeve tattoo if you’re fond of mixing things up.

Dove And Clock Tattoo: In Loving Memory Of The Deceased

@bruzitattoo

Grief consumes us all at one point. In fact, if all you’ve been doing is dealing with losses, perhaps you’ve already become one with your sadness.

Recovering from grief is an uphill battle, but if all you have is some patience, things should work in your favor.

A dove and clock tattoo is one that helps mourn the loss of a loved one, much like a memorial piece. Despite the deltoids being a great primary option, the artwork remains flexible to meet the dimensions of the back, chest, and leg as well.

Hourglass Clock Tattoo: Minor Tweaks For The Same Purpose

@masters_ink_atelier

Engraving the clock tattoo into a like-minded component can be a good idea if you’ve grown tired of skimming through clock tattoos that either add classic variants or digitalize the design.

And if all else fails, try an hourglass tattoo, a modern way to establish a sense of balance and aesthetics.

An hourglass clock tattoo isn’t any different from a metaphorical standpoint in contrast to the average clock tattoo. It just offers smoother colors with tons of blur, settling for areas like the shoulder blade. 

Nautical Clock Tattoo: Ode To The Vikings

@tachatattoos

Going back to the medieval ages is a nautical clock tattoo, which is more versatile than meets the eye.

Upon closer inspection, a nautical clock isn’t just one that reminds us of the importance of moving with purpose, but also pays homage to the Vikings who would explore new areas using their tool kits. It is also a great concept to indulge in for those with a knack for history.

While the location remains flexible, adding geometric patterns can be a great way to add a sense of realism into the artwork. 

Minimalist Clock Tattoo: Less Is More

@mdtattooz

While the openers involve concepts that truly touch the brink of maximalism from a design standpoint, the mid-table finishers on this list of clock tattoos move in another lane.

 Catering to the beginners is a minimalist clock tattoo, which is a great way to break the deadlock, while also speaking words of wisdom.

The bicep remains a great spot to exploit for this design, since it makes each blow feel like a pinch, alongside offering plenty of room for supporting cast members.

Pendulum Clock Tattoo: The Power Of Physics

@jadyntattooer

Pendulums are typically used to demonstrate the foundation of physics. However, what many don’t know is the role they play in shaping a clock, which literally demonstrates the passing of time.

A pendulum clock tattoo isn’t just polished from a design standpoint,  but also a clever way of stitching the concept from scratch.

Many use the triceps to flaunt the elements in style, but users may also use the leg for an outcome just as marvelous. 

Eye Clock Tattoo: Reading Between The Lines

@israelnava_tattoo

The eyes don’t just witness each and every moment we spend in this life. They process every ounce of love, pain, and everything in between.

A clock with an eye tattoo brings to the surface the similarities that both parties carry. Much like a clock tattoo, the eyes tell us about the time that has passed, but mostly through helping us reminisce about the past.

The concept behind a clock with an eye tattoo isn’t just astonishing from a creative standpoint, but is easily a double entendre that really leaves users contemplating life through a new lens. 

Rose And Clock Tattoo: Loving Endlessly

@wibergtattoo

You can either stay in denial. Or you can just come to terms with the rocky nature of life, which typically offers the highest highs and lowest lows.

And though we stay craving positivity at all times, embracing the losses is also crucial for character development.

One that handles the former sentiment with care is a clock and rose tattoo, which typically occupies larger areas such as the back and the arm, while offering the choice between colored options and neutral renditions. 

Viking Clock Tattoo: In Honor Of Nordic Warriors

@infinity_ink_longwarry

As stated earlier, clocks and compasses played monumental roles in shaping the success of each Viking that stayed dominant in their eras. To honor their legacy and greatness together, this clock tattoo stands out the most.

A Viking clock tattoo takes notes from runes, before fusing them with the sun and the moon; two important emblems that helped even the best of the Viking era keep tabs on the time.

A drop down format is a great way to save time and space with this design, while the forearm and the spine are two promising spots to exploit. 

Astronomical Clock Tattoo: Thinking Outside The Box

@lizardjim

If you think outside the box, you too can break free from conformity with a clock tattoo.

 For inspiration, take a look at this astronomical clock tattoo, based on the one found in Prague, Czech Republic.

Simple yet exquisite, an astronomical clock tattoo is anything but shy. So don’t think twice if using the wrist or the inner forearm are your options!

Melting Clock Tattoo: Motion In Action

@wiktoria.tatts

An expressive way to demonstrate just how fast time fades away is by putting other motions in use. One of the best ways is this piece, using a melting clock to its advantage.

 While a maze for the eyes, a melting clock uses the dissolved portions to unveil just how much time has passed since we’ve come to existence.

While melting clocks come in various forms, compact dimensions tend to take the cake, being a great fit for areas like the collarbone and the upper thigh.

Skull Clock Tattoo: Being One With Death

@tat2s_benjy0106

The inevitability of death is by far one of the worst things we cope with in this life. Still, it’s better to accept things for how they are.

This brings us to skull and clock tattoos, a double entendre that unveils the limit set to one’s life.

While it can be scary at first, it’s a great tattoo to have around if all you’ve been doing is wasting each second in this life. Death can even be celebrated without disrupting the flow of life, especially through a sugar skull tattoo. 

Grandfather Clock Tattoo: Going Back In Time

@matt_stec

Moments with your grandparents are surely precious.

Since their clock keeps running dry by the time one is dealing with their adolescent years, it’s always an essential to cherish every moment you spend with your grandparents.

That said, if you truly believe your grandfather made you the man that you are today, don’t just keep those sentiments to yourself. Make it powerful by wearing a grandfather clock tattoo, which passes as a memorial piece.

Fine Line Clock Tattoo: Breaking The Deadlock

@jjjaylud

You don’t have to exhaust yourself trying to find a clock tattoo that helps you say what you need to say. In fact, if the pressure is getting to you, start with something basic.

A fine-line clock tattoo isn’t just a great way to get things started, but even better if your tolerance to the damage inflicted by a needle is low.

With a fine-line tattoo, you don’t even have to worry about the placement. Whether the area behind the ear or the neck, this piece is a specialist in subsiding discomfort. 

Lion And Clock Tattoo: Stronger In Due Time

@x_danny_artist

The perpetual passage of time leaves us in shambles. But the longer we overcome moments of uncertainty, the easier it is to get stronger.

A lion and clock tattoo is a classic representation of how time can make one thick-skinned, just as long as there’s tons of patience involved.

Even the artwork feels unbeatable in contrast to its competition, creating a half and half tattoo with tons of complex yet dopamine-releasing components. 

Cuckoo Clock Tattoo: Resorting To Fun

@andressa.artist

A fun way of indulging in a clock tattoo is by pairing it with the houses of birds, especially the ones that cuckoos live in.

The former notion is actually more common than one realizes, as seen through this entry, which entirely dedicates itself to a cuckoo clock tattoo.

By incorporating the clock into a house full of patterns and high-energy, this piece is bound to win over its fans. 

Heart Clock Tattoo: Linked With Romance

@inkdoctor_mark

The best remedy to everything is love. Therefore, to truly break free from skeptic narratives, see if you can give love a chance.

If you also found love in the arms of another rather recently, a heart clock tattoo can also be an appropriate piece to work with.

To make the stencil more special, try aligning the time of the clock with the time you and your significant other met in real life. Add initials and the date of your first meeting to make it monumental. 

Geometric Clock Tattoo: Trusting The Process

@octopustattoomilan

Trusting the process is necessary when obtaining a tattoo as complex as a classical clock tattoo. And if you’re hoping to use dot work lining to shape the stencil, check this piece out.

A geometric clock tattoo not only elevates the visuals of an average clock substantially, but also does so using minimal elements.

The wrist is a great spot to utilize, with the forearm being a great ending spot later on. 

Eagle Clock Tattoo: Fighting For Independence

@inkscooltattoos

Nothing lasts forever. Always remember that. And yes, the former also applies to the moments of hardship we process.

An eagle clock tattoo is applauded for how well the visuals of an eagle and clock collide without getting in the way of one another. In addition, it also implies a battle for freedom.

 Those stuck between a rock and a hard place not only find motivation in this clock tattoo, but also see it as a lifeline when times get hard.

Flower And Clock Tattoo: The Essence Of Growth

@tattoosfromtom

Floral patterns aren’t always about femininity. Sometimes, they can capture the essence of growth better than any other symbol.

A flower and clock tattoo showcases the ways in which we develop as time goes on, while also depicting how even the hardest phases can help one blossom into a beautiful individual.

Due to being extremely personal, areas that are intricate, such as the ribs and ankle, are two great canvases to explore for this design. 

Digital Clock Tattoo: A Modernized Touch

@space.mage.art

In this era, apart from monuments that are widely recognized for their clocks, it is extremely difficult to find what we now refer to as traditional clocks in this world.

 However, to keep up with the current trends, wear this humorous piece, coming in the form of a digital clock tattoo.

With a rectangular silhouette and basic digits that showcase the time, a digital clock tattoo is a great way to win over a tech-savvy individual’s heart! 

Alarm Clock Tattoo: Going Back To School!

@droptheink_calgary

If you spent your adolescent years being dependent on an alarm to make it to school on time, you didn’t just have a clock, but also a companion who always looked out for you.

To honor the former sentiment while also juggling with feelings of nostalgia, you can very well use an alarm clock tattoo to join this movement.

It doesn’t even need to be seen, so feel free to place it as a shoulder piece or below the kneecap if it aligns well with your stylistic preferences. 

Memorial Clock Tattoo: In Memory Of The Deceased

@thrivestudios

Much like a dove and clock tattoo, a memorial clock tattoo is a great way to reminisce about the memories you’ve created with someone who no longer has a life in this universe.

 In addition, a memorial clock tattoo is the easiest way to obtain a means of support and motivation in the darkest moments.

Many often wear this piece as a hand tattoo to have a direct source of reminder. However, a memorial clock tattoo can even adjust well to the chest for those seeking privacy. 

Vintage Clock Tattoo: A Much Needed Throwback

@shannonricetattoo

Rewinding time yet again is a vintage clock tattoo, which is a great look for those into elegance and luxury.

Taking notes from monumental entries like the Big Ben, a vintage clock tattoo takes the podium for being a polished design on this list, despite reprising the same roles on the inside.

Many even resort to using biomechanics to depict the design, which tends to take more time, and a whole lot more patience to push past. 

Death Clock Tattoo: Fearlessness Towards Existence

@sflowers_art

Our time in this life is very limited. So allocate each moment for moments that align with your purpose in this life.

To follow the new mantra and quickly adapt to the new teaching, use a death clock tattoo to your advantage, which will constantly remind you that you aren’t immortal.

Though the former might result in a sense of fear, a death clock tattoo will also enable you to be more proactive towards positive change. As for the region, the thigh appears to take the cake. 

Antique Clock Tattoo: A Rare Collectible

@its_banzo

An antique clock can also be a great alternative to a vintage piece, but only if you’re more into blackwork themes and appreciate darker aesthetics.

If you’re fond of gothic pieces already, an antique clock tattoo can be a good way to join the movement without missing a beat.

While a sleeve might require Cathedrals, the antique clock needs to be touched up once every three months to stay sound. 

Watercolor Clock Tattoo: Enhanced With Bright Tones

@randy_templin

Introducing some color to something as basic as a clock can work wonders if you’re aiming for reactions with your tattoo.

If you don’t believe us, have a look at this watercolor tattoo, which uses subtle elements of bright colors to change the narrative of a clock tattoo.

While mostly regarded as a feminine piece, a watercolor clock tattoo is a great look for those seeking to hold onto positive memories and set aside some time for grief.

Frequently Asked Question

Now that we’ve moved past all the brilliant entries shaping up the success of clock tattoos, here are some questions that might help if you’re still struggling with doubt.

Q: What do clock tattoos symbolize?

Ans: From the essence of time to helping users move with purpose, a clock tattoo is what many call the Jack of all trades in the arts scene.

Q: Are clock tattoos painful to obtain?

Ans: More often than not, clock tattoos are depicted using large diameters, huge hands and even larger emblems, which occupies tons of space, with a creative process that extends to a couple of hours. And while the former options are notorious for causing pain, minimal variants are polar opposites, being ideal for sensitive skin.

Q: How expensive are clock tattoos?

Ans: Larger designs with tons of intricacy rank high in terms of price point. Conversely, minimal pieces can serve as ideal candidates if you happen to be working around a budget with tons of rope.

Final Verdict

When all is said and done, clock tattoos help us heal, while also giving us a second chance at doing better in life.

Mostly recognized for telling the time and assisting us with taking trips down memory lane, a clock tattoo also represents the time we’ve spent being ourselves in this life, while also dropping philosophical pointers to reinforce positive change.

From the wrist to the chest, a clock tattoo can be worn anywhere, thanks to its flexible size. Be sure to align your piece with your personality to find fruitful results!