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 originally designed the Ball Clock?

The Ball Clock was designed by George Nelson and his studio in 1947, originally produced by Howard Miller Clock Company. Vitra acquired the rights and continues to manufacture it as part of their legacy collection of Nelson designs.

What materials are used in the Vitra Ball Clock?

The hour markers are painted wooden spheres mounted on slender metal spokes. The clock mechanism is a contemporary quartz movement, ensuring accuracy while preserving the original aesthetic of the 1947 design.

How large is the Ball Clock, and where does it work best?

The Ball Clock measures approximately 33 cm (about 13 inches) in diameter. Its graphic, open composition suits a wide range of wall placements, from residential interiors to professional studios, particularly where wall space benefits from a strong focal point without visual mass.

Is the Ball Clock considered a design collectible?

Yes. The Ball Clock appears in the permanent collections of several design museums worldwide, including MoMA, and is widely regarded as one of the most significant American industrial design objects of the twentieth century.

How does the Vitra version compare to vintage originals?

Vitra produces the Ball Clock under license with close adherence to Nelson's original proportions and material palette. Vintage Howard Miller examples from the 1950s and 1960s are sought by collectors, but the Vitra edition offers the same iconic form with consistent quality and a current quartz movement.

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.