Latin engravings for clocks and watches

Watches and sundials are traditionally seen as triggers for philosophical contemplation and hence inscriptions with deep meaning.

ALIIS INSERVIENDO CONSUMOR - By serving others, I am worn away Note that although originally a sundial inscription, this phrase actually makes a lot more sense for a clock mechanism, it also indicates a particular philosophy of life.

ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS - Art lasts, life is short

ASPICE ET ABI - Look (at me) and pass on

DEO FAVENTE - With God's favor

DEUS ADEST LABORANTIBUS - God favors the diligent

DIES DIEM TRUDIT - Each day forces out another day

DISCE DIES NUMERARE TUOS - Learn to value your days

DUM SPECTAS FUGIO - I flee even as you observe me

EX HOC MOMENTO PENDET AETERNITAS - Eternity is hinged upon this moment

FESTINA LENTE - Make haste slowly There is actually a company called Festina that makes clocks and watches. In my opinion, only the complete quote makes sense. Who would want a clock that is too fast? The phrase indicates a perfect balance that must be achieved in a clock and in life.

HINC VIVERE DISCE - Learn to live by this example

HORA PARS VITAE - Every hour is a part of life

ITA VITA - Thus (passes) life

LABOR IPSE VOLUPTAS - Labor contains pleasure

NE QUID PEREAT - Let nothing be lost

NON NOBIS NATI SUMUS - We are not born for ourselves

NON REDIBO - I shall not return

NOSCE TEIPSUM - Know thyself

OMNIA FALCE METIT TEMPUS - Time reaps everything with its sickle

OMNIA FERT AETAS - Time brings all things

POST TENEBRAS SPERO LUCEM - I hope for light after darkness

QUID CELERIUS TEMPORE? - What is swifter than time?

SAPIENTIS EST NUMERARE - It is the wise who count

SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI - Thus passes the glory of this world

ULTIMA DECIDET - The last one decides

UMBRA DEI - The shadow of God

VERITAS TEMPORIS FILIA - Truth is the daughter of time

VIGILATE & ORATE, TEMPUS FUGIT - Be vigilant and pray, for the time hastes away