The crocodile and watch, used in tattoo form to represent those working for Croc, as well as in the more literal forms of crocodile boots, worn by James’s uncle, and physical watches, like those of James’s uncle and Smee, represent James’s history of abuse and the cycle of abuse that came from his childhood experiences. James was abused by his uncle, and the clicking of his watch is specifically associated with his uncle creeping into his bedroom at night. The crocodile shoes are linked to his moniker, Croc, and together they form a partial characterization of Senator Barrie, James’s uncle.

In the novel, though, watches and ticking clocks appear to infuriate James, bringing him back to his childhood abuse in a visceral way and blocking out his ability to remain present in each situation. When Smee brings home a watch, and when Smee later presents a watch in the conclusion of the novel, James becomes unhinged, hardly able to maintain any of his composure. Such an effect is like that of post-traumatic stress disorder, in which James cannot cope with the reminders of his past abuse. The use of these symbols in Croc’s employee’s tattoos serves to reinforce the necessity of James overcoming his abuse to move forward in his life.