Vitra Clock Asterisk Clock
Vitra Clock Asterisk Clock
Vitra Clock Asterisk Clock
Vitra Clock Asterisk Clock
Vitra Clock Asterisk Clock
Vitra Clock Asterisk Clock
Vitra Clock Asterisk Clock
Vitra Clock Asterisk Clock
Vitra Clock Asterisk Clock
Vitra Clock Asterisk Clock

Asterisk Clock

$535

Made by Vitra

Designed by George Nelson

George Nelson conceived the Asterisk Clock in the 1950s as part of his landmark series for Howard Miller, a body of work that redefined what a clock could be. Where conventional timepieces orient the eye toward numerals, Nelson removed them entirely, letting pure form carry the reading of time.

Twelve radial spokes extend from a central hub, evoking the typographic asterisk and giving the clock its name. The composition is at once kinetic and composed, suggesting movement without sacrificing calm. Vitra's production preserves Nelson's original proportions and finishing choices, including brass and painted accents that reward close attention.

  • Designed by George Nelson in the 1950s
  • Produced by Vitra under the original Howard Miller license
  • Number-free dial, twelve radial spokes
  • Available with brass or painted spoke finishes
  • Battery-operated quartz movement

The clock reads as graphic art from across a room and as considered craft up close. It belongs to a lineage of American mid-century design that treated everyday objects as opportunities for genuine invention.

Typically ships in 2-4 weeks.

Pairs well with

Product Details

Details
  • Designed by George Nelson in 1950
  • Manufactured by Vitra
  • Materials various types of wood and metal
  • Movement high-quality quartz mechanism with included 1.5 volt AA battery
  • Absence of numerals to emphasize form over graphic display 
  • Part of Nelson’s iconic wall clock collection reissued by Vitra
Measurements

Diameter
9 inches
22.86 cm

Shipping & Returns

Please refer to our shipping and return & exchange policy.

Warranty

Luminaire is an authorized retailer of Vitra. The product comes with a full manufacturer warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Asterisk Clock and when?

George Nelson designed the Asterisk Clock in the 1950s as part of a series of sculptural clocks originally produced by Howard Miller. Vitra now holds the license and continues production faithful to Nelson's original specifications.

Why does the Asterisk Clock have no numbers?

Nelson's design philosophy held that the graphic form of a clock could communicate time without relying on numerals. The twelve evenly spaced spokes orient the eye intuitively, making the face as readable as any numbered dial while functioning as a wall sculpture in its own right.

What materials are used in the Vitra Asterisk Clock?

The clock features a combination of brass and painted wood or metal accents depending on the finish variation. Vitra maintains the material palette established in Nelson's original mid-century designs.

How large is the Asterisk Clock, and how is it mounted?

The Asterisk Clock measures approximately 66 cm (roughly 26 inches) in diameter and mounts to the wall with a single hook or screw at the rear of the central housing. Its span makes it a confident presence on most wall surfaces.

How does the Asterisk Clock relate to other George Nelson clock designs?

The Asterisk Clock is one of several sculptural timepieces Nelson created in the 1950s, a series that also includes the Ball Clock and the Sunflower Clock. Each design shares a radial vocabulary while exploring a distinct graphic identity, and the series as a whole is considered one of the most influential contributions to American mid-century industrial design.

Brand & Designer

Vitra
Wooden Dolls

Vitra

Vitra is a Swiss contemporary design and furniture brand, founded in 1950 by Willi and Erika Fehlbaum in Birsfelden, Switzerland.
George Nelson
Tripod Clock

George Nelson

An American architect, writer, and industrial designer who helped define midcentury modern furniture and the language of the modern workplace.