This tremendous piece of history is magnificent to behold. The beautiful, bold structure stands tall and overlooks the bustling city of London, and its tremendous architecture can form the basis for beautiful realistic grandfather clock tattoo art.

The extravagant details of the clock that can be drawn in ink highlight the intense work that went into the design of Big Ben, while serving as a reminder to enjoy elusive time as it passes and to spend our days appreciating the world around us.

12. Artistic Clock Tattoo Ideas

Art is one of the most profound aspects of humanity, and the ability to observe the outside world and recreate it in a more creative way is fundamental to the human experience.

The way that abstract art is able to provide the means of both creation and interpretation of complex ideas is what separates us from the animal kingdom.

Applying this artistic approach to clocks and timepieces can make for beautiful art that is deeply meaningful: one only has to look to Dali’s iconic melting clocks in The Persistence of Memory to see the creative potential for an abstract interpretation of clocks. 

13. Clocks and Geographic Tattoo Art

While clocks are man’s attempt at interpreting time, the work of geography and cartography is his effort to understand the physical world. 

Incorporating these two different disciplines into one design can create beautiful tattoos that represent the wearer’s quest for knowledge and understanding in this often chaotic world. 

Whether full color or black and gray, clocks and maps make for excellent, complementary design elements. 

14. Compass and Clock Tattoo Meanings

The clock and compass tattoo is used in combination to provide symbols of time (clock) and direction (compass), to remind you that time in your life is limited so you need to explore in every direction possible until that time runs out.