This newsletter article got plugged in @mtblack's ttrpg newsletter and I found it a very interesting read! I must confess I've been guilty too of using clocks-as-HP instead of countdowns (or ups) that drive the narrative forward. If you use clocks a lot, i.e. #bladesinthedark #bitd and have a itching feeling you could get more mileage out of them, this article might be for you.
https://mailchi.mp/564e901ae987/d4-clock-abominations-that-make-your-game-worse?e=b55aa55869