The hourglass is often used in historical or older contexts, not modern ones. They relied on an hourglass to track the watch shifts on the sailing ship.
Pro Tip 2/3
Visual Symbol
The hourglass can symbolize the passage of time in art and literature. The hourglass in the painting reminded viewers of life's brevity.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not for Precision
Hourglasses aren't precise; they provide a rough measure of time. You can't use an hourglass to time your minute-long speech accurately.