I think the presence of clocks is more a nod to the idea of "time" than anything else. The spiral is infinite, time is also infinite and continues forward forever (whether we want it to or not).
Certainly. The notion of time is the thing. The position of the hands is a complete red herring though
I've just realised something & can't believe it took this long to click. There's absolutely no relevance with the clockface hand positions. Look at any store photo of a watch or clock. Just about all of them read the same time
I have read (I think, or else I don't know why I know it), BUT watches are always ten past ten - or ten to two, because it apparently is the best way to show the watch.
& there's more . The hands at 10 past 10 (or 10 to 2) enable the manufacturer to show off both hands clearly. The manufacturer's logo is almost always under the 12, so that's visible. They don't obscure other features such as date, day, chronograph dials etc. The symmetry is also pleasing to the eye. & (this is my favourite one) the position represents a "smile" thus portraying a friendly outlook.
& there's more . The hands at 10 past 10 (or 10 to 2) enable the manufacturer to show off both hands clearly. The manufacturer's logo is almost always under the 12, so that's visible. They don't obscure other features such as date, day, chronograph dials etc. The symmetry is also pleasing to the eye. & (this is my favourite one) the position represents a "smile" thus portraying a friendly outlook.