why 10:08?

[jackrobinson]

Why do watch ads mostly show 10:08?

[ciSach]

Symmetry and easy to show date/chrono dials.

Some say it's visually appealing since the hands make a "smile".

[TGE]

Also allows a clean look at the logo (usually located top center).

[LesserBlackDog]

It's aesthetically pleasing (doesn't give the hands a sad, "droopy" look) and perhaps more importantly, allows for the visibility of the logo, day/date window, chronograph windows, and hour markers.

[PH68]

As what others said.

Makes for a "happy face", has some symmetry, doesn't hide logos or date, etc..

[jackrobinson]

those are great answers, thanks guys!

[Bradjhomes]

Anyone who has seen the comedian Dave Gorman live will know hat this isn't limited to the aesthetically pleasing "smiley face" of watch/clock hands. HTC use the same time for the majority of their phone marketing even in digital format!

[jtstav]

Interesting. I'm gonna start looking at times in advertisements now I just know it Pretty funny though.

But to answer your question OP it's pretty much what everyone else has said already. It's pleasing to the eye, generally doesn't obstruct any details on the dial that a consumer would want to see, and it probably was copied by many companies because it was common practice without them even knowing why they were doing it. Sheep I guess

Anyone who has seen the comedian Dave Gorman live will know hat this isn't limited to the aesthetically pleasing "smiley face" of watch/clock hands. HTC use the same time for the majority of their phone marketing even in digital format!

[chanwengyan]

Because the hour and minute hands split the dial to golden ratio ?

[Addictedtowatches]

I thought they were usually at 10:10? Maybe i just never noticed it was 10:08.