Haven't you seen a modern action movie where there is a block of C4 with a big digital timer counting down to 00:00? Seems to be used to the exact same dramatic effect.
That's exactly what they're saying. Look at the first paragraph.
Or a movie where the villian spends half the movie asking "where are my detonators?" If they are using detonators, rarely are there bright red oversized LEDs counters, or the loosely attached, spiraly wound wires just begging someone to ask "blue or red?"