Vitra Ball Wall Clock
Manufacturer: Vitra | Designer: George Nelson, 1949–1960
The Most Iconic of the Nelson Clocks
In 1947, George Nelson was commissioned to create a collection of clocks for Herman Miller. His insight was simple: people read the time by the position of the hands, not by numbers. The Ball Clock — one of the original 14 designs launched in 1949 — replaces numerals with twelve wooden balls arranged around a central hub, giving it a sculptural, almost planetary quality. It remains one of the most recognisable designs of the postwar era.
Vitra has reissued the Nelson Clocks since 1999 as part of the Vitra Design Museum Collection, produced true to the original. The Ball Clock is available in a range of finishes — painted wood, natural beech, cherry — as well as a Black & Brass edition with metal spokes.
Specifications
- Dimensions — Ø33cm
- Materials — Wood and metal; finish varies by colour
- Colours — Multi Coloured, Natural, Orange, Red, Cherry, Black & Brass
- Movement — High-quality quartz; 1.5V battery included
- Wood origin — Wood from Poland, except Cherry variant: American cherry (Prunus serotina) from the USA
- Collection — Vitra Design Museum Collection
Part of the Vitra Accessories collection.
Manufacturer: Vitra | Designer: George Nelson, 1949–1960
The Most Iconic of the Nelson Clocks
In 1947, George Nelson was commissioned to create a collection of clocks for Herman Miller. His insight was simple: people read the time by the position of the hands, not by numbers. The Ball Clock — one of the original 14 designs launched in 1949 — replaces numerals with twelve wooden balls arranged around a central hub, giving it a sculptural, almost planetary quality. It remains one of the most recognisable designs of the postwar era.
Vitra has reissued the Nelson Clocks since 1999 as part of the Vitra Design Museum Collection, produced true to the original. The Ball Clock is available in a range of finishes — painted wood, natural beech, cherry — as well as a Black & Brass edition with metal spokes.
Specifications
- Dimensions — Ø33cm
- Materials — Wood and metal; finish varies by colour
- Colours — Multi Coloured, Natural, Orange, Red, Cherry, Black & Brass
- Movement — High-quality quartz; 1.5V battery included
- Wood origin — Wood from Poland, except Cherry variant: American cherry (Prunus serotina) from the USA
- Collection — Vitra Design Museum Collection
Part of the Vitra Accessories collection.
Description
Manufacturer: Vitra | Designer: George Nelson, 1949–1960
The Most Iconic of the Nelson Clocks
In 1947, George Nelson was commissioned to create a collection of clocks for Herman Miller. His insight was simple: people read the time by the position of the hands, not by numbers. The Ball Clock — one of the original 14 designs launched in 1949 — replaces numerals with twelve wooden balls arranged around a central hub, giving it a sculptural, almost planetary quality. It remains one of the most recognisable designs of the postwar era.
Vitra has reissued the Nelson Clocks since 1999 as part of the Vitra Design Museum Collection, produced true to the original. The Ball Clock is available in a range of finishes — painted wood, natural beech, cherry — as well as a Black & Brass edition with metal spokes.
Specifications
- Dimensions — Ø33cm
- Materials — Wood and metal; finish varies by colour
- Colours — Multi Coloured, Natural, Orange, Red, Cherry, Black & Brass
- Movement — High-quality quartz; 1.5V battery included
- Wood origin — Wood from Poland, except Cherry variant: American cherry (Prunus serotina) from the USA
- Collection — Vitra Design Museum Collection
Part of the Vitra Accessories collection.
