GIFT OF A CLOCK

One of my colleagues will be transferring to another school on July first which means Thursday will be his last day in school.  A few of my friends and I decided to pool our money to give him a farewell lunch.  I went and got him a clock as a parting gift from us.
For the Chinese giving a gift of a clock is strictly taboo as it symbolises wishing ill on someone.  However, my friend is a Muslim and the gift of a clock has no negative connotation.  Besides, I too have received clocks from my Muslim colleagues and students and so far I am still here.