Some watches have the model name or some lettering such as the chronometer rating at the bottom section of the dial. There are watches that have a subdial for the seconds hand at the 6:00 o’clock position and indicating the time as 10:10 does not interfere with any of these.

Some companies have started using 10:08 or 10:12 as the time shown on the watch in their ads. This stops the longer minute hand from blocking out the numeral or marker at the 2:00 o’clock position.

On a chronograph with subdials at 3:00 o’clock and/or 9:00 o’clock 5:08 or 6:53 may be used to frame one of the subdials without blocking the watch company’s name or logo.

In addition, when the hands are in the 10:10 position they form a “smiley” face instead of a “frown” that would be portrayed if the time is set at 8:20.

Other than that theory, I just think it frames the watchmaker’s name nicely, since it is often centered below the 12 on the face. It also gives a nice symmetrical appearance, and ads are all about appealing visuals.

It didnt block date and

all the writing

follow the leader