Vitra Clock Ball Clock
Vitra Clock Ball Clock

Ball Clock

$685

Made by Vitra

Designed by George Nelson

In 1948, George Nelson and his studio reimagined the wall clock as a graphic object. The Ball Clock, produced today by Vitra, is the most recognized result of that thinking. Twelve painted wooden spheres radiate outward on slender metal spokes, dispensing entirely with numerals and suggesting that time can be read as form.

Nelson's approach was rooted in a belief that everyday objects deserve the same rigor applied to architecture. The clock's composition draws from atomic imagery and abstract painting, placing it squarely in the visual culture of postwar America while remaining utterly current in proportion and wit.

  • Painted wooden balls on metal spokes
  • Precise quartz movement
  • Available in multicolor and monochrome colorways
  • Suitable for wall mounting

Vitra has upheld the original design with fidelity, preserving the clock's balance between playfulness and discipline. It reads as sculpture before it reads as clock, and that inversion is exactly the point.

Color
Color: Black Brass

Typically ships in 2-4 weeks.

Pairs well with

Product Details

Details
  • Designed by George Nelson
  • Manufactured by Vitra
  • Wall‑mounted quartz clock
  • High‑quality quartz mechanism with included AA battery 
  • Wooden balls (painted or natural), metal frame and body
  • Color options in multicolor, natural beech, orange, and brass body with black balls
  • Design language Iconic use of simple geometric forms with a joyful twist 
  • Part of Nelson Wall Clocks collection reissued by Vitra 
  • Care: Wipe surface with a soft damp cloth and mild detergent if necessary
Measurements

Diameter
13 inches
33 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 Ball Clock and when?

The Ball Clock was designed by George Nelson and his studio in 1948 for Howard Miller. Vitra now holds the license and produces the clock in faithful accordance with the original design.

What materials are used in the Vitra Ball Clock?

The clock features painted wooden spheres mounted on metal spokes, with a quartz movement mechanism. The combination of wood and metal gives the piece its characteristic lightness and graphic clarity.

Is the Ball Clock suitable for a professional or contract interior?

Yes. Its strong silhouette and cultural recognition make it a considered choice for hospitality, office, and residential environments alike. Architects and designers frequently use it as a focal point on larger wall surfaces.

How does the Ball Clock relate to George Nelson's broader design philosophy?

Nelson believed that objects in daily life should carry the same conceptual ambition as fine art or architecture. The Ball Clock exemplifies this, functioning as a wall-mounted sculptural composition that also happens to tell time.

What colorways are available for the Vitra Ball Clock?

Vitra offers the Ball Clock in a multicolor version, where each sphere is painted a distinct hue, and in monochrome editions. The choice between them shifts the clock's presence from exuberant to more restrained without altering its form.

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.